Chris Rea in 2000
Chris Rea, the English singer-songwriter who was known for his husky-gravel voice, beginning with his very first hit single, 1978’s “Fool (If You Think It’s Over),” died today (Dec. 22, 2025). A statement from his family on his Facebook page noted, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Chris, who died peacefully earlier today following a short illness. Chris’s music has created the soundtrack to many lives, and his legacy will live on through the songs he leaves behind.” The announcement did not specify where; he was 74.
Rea charted dozens of songs in the U.K., mostly in the middle range of the chart. Four reached the top 15 there including a holiday favorite, “Driving Home for Christmas.” The song was originally released as a B-side in 1986. Subsequent reissues saw the single chart regularly in the U.K. during the holiday season. It ultimately peaked at #10 in 2021.
His biggest U.S. hit was “Fool (If You Think It’s Over),” which peaked at #12 on the Hot 100. Only one other single reached the top 70 of the U.S. chart.
With a career spanning over 40 years and over 30 million album sales, Rea’s distinctive vocal and significant body of work saw him become a much-loved solo artist in the U.K. He released 25 studio albums, with critical and commercial acclaim there. From 1986-1994, Rea earned seven consecutive platinum albums in the U.K., including two compilation releases. Many of his albums also earned success in many European countries, yet despite that success elsewhere, his only album to reach the Top 100 in the U.S. was 1978’s Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?, which featured “Fool (If You Think It’s Over).” Its success garnered him a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
1989’s “The Road to Hell (Pt 2)” features Rea’s husky-gravel voice. Its album was his first of two to top the U.K. chart.
Related: Musician and celebrity deaths of 2025
Christopher Anton Rea was born on March 4, 1951, in Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, and didn’t purchase his first guitar until he was in his early twenties. He was self-taught. In 1973, he joined the band Magdalene, following David Coverdale’s departure. Following a brief tenure with another band, Rea began his solo career in 1974.
His many recordings are available in the U.S./worldwide here, in Canada here and in the U.K. here.
Several artists paid tribute. Michael McDonald wrote, “It’s nice to think that your voice and song are most likely accompanying so many folks making that trip at Christmas time as we speak. Thanks for sharing your gift with us all these years.”
“I’ve been a fan for decades,” wrote Randy Bachman. “’Fool’ is one of my favorite songs. I’ve seen him in concert many times. His voice is what l copied when I started my solo recordings.”
From Leo Sayer: “We became friends when I worked at his studio, sharing a mutual love of motor racing and blues. He was such a fine guitarist phrasing his songs with a uniquely husky voice, and a great songwriter too – .adios mate…”
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