The voice that soundtracked countless journeys home for the holidays has fallen silent. Chris Rea, the singer-songwriter behind the enduring Christmas classic “Driving Home For Christmas,” has died at the age of 74, after a brief illness.
His family announced the news with profound sadness, sharing that he passed away peacefully in hospital, surrounded by those he loved. Though a specific cause of death hasn’t been disclosed, Rea faced health challenges in the past, including a battle with pancreatic cancer and a stroke.
Rea’s musical career ignited in the late 1970s, blossoming through the 80s with a string of memorable hits like “Fool (If You Think It’s Over),” “Let’s Dance,” and “The Road To Hell.” He crafted a distinctive sound, blending blues, rock, and soulful vocals that resonated with a wide audience.
But it was “Driving Home For Christmas,” released in 1986, that cemented his place in cultural history. The song, initially overlooked, unexpectedly became a beloved holiday staple, its relatable lyrics capturing the universal desire to return home to family.
Remarkably, Rea revealed recently that the song wasn’t originally intended for him. He had penned it with Van Morrison in mind, but ultimately decided to record it himself. It languished on a shelf for years, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Fate intervened when the record label chose it as a B-side to “Hello Friend.” Then, a serendipitous error – a DJ accidentally playing the B-side instead of the intended A-side – launched the song into the spotlight. Rea himself admitted he never understood how the mix-up occurred.
The song’s enduring appeal, he believed, lay in its honesty. It spoke to the shared experience of holiday travel – the frustration of traffic, the longing for connection, and the hopeful anticipation of reunion. He wryly noted the irony of writing it while banned from driving.
“It’s got a story everyone can relate to,” Rea once explained. “You’re stuck in traffic, when all you want to do is to get home and be with your loved ones.” That simple truth, set to a catchy melody, transformed a forgotten B-side into a timeless Christmas anthem.
Chris Rea leaves behind a legacy of music that touched generations. His songs will continue to evoke memories and emotions, and “Driving Home For Christmas” will forever echo the spirit of the season, a poignant reminder of the journey home.
