British singer and songwriter Chris Rea, best known for the seasonal classic Driving Home for Christmas, has died at the age of 73, his family has confirmed.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Rea’s wife and two children said the musician died peacefully in hospital following a short illness, surrounded by family members. They described his passing as a moment of “immense sadness” for those closest to him.

Rea, born Christopher Anton Rea in Middlesbrough, England, rose to prominence in the late 1970s and 1980s with a string of successful albums and singles. His best-known songs include Fool (If You Think It’s Over), Let’s Dance, and The Road to Hell, which helped establish him as one of Britain’s distinctive blues-rock voices.

Although Driving Home for Christmas was not an immediate hit upon release, it later became one of the UK’s most enduring festive songs, gaining renewed popularity through radio airplay and seasonal charts over the decades.

The musician had faced significant health challenges for many years. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2001 and underwent surgery to remove his pancreas. In 2016, he also suffered a stroke, which affected his health in later life.

Rea released his debut album, Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?, in 1978. The title referenced a stage name his record label initially wanted him to adopt, a move he later rejected as his career developed.

Tributes have begun to emerge from fans and fellow musicians, many highlighting his songwriting, gravelly vocal style, and lasting influence on British rock and blues music.

Source: Tribune Online, citing Sky News