Chris Rea was a British singer, songwriter, and guitarist born on March 4, 1951, in Middlesbrough, England. He began his recording career in the 1970s and went on to release more than twenty studio albums. His work achieved its greatest commercial success in the United Kingdom and Europe, including multiple albums that reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart. Rea remained active in music for several decades until his death in December 2025.
Quick Profile
- Full Name: Christopher Anton Rea
- Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist
- Genres: Rock, Blues, Pop, Adult Contemporary
- Date of Birth: March 4, 1951
- Place of Birth: Middlesbrough, England
- Nationality: British
- Years Active: 1970s–2025
Family Background
Chris Rea was born into a working-class family in Middlesbrough, England.
His father, Camillo Rea, was an Italian immigrant, while his mother, Winifred K. Slee, was of Irish descent.
He grew up with several siblings and spent part of his early life helping in the family’s ice cream and café business.
- Father: Camillo Rea
- Mother: Winifred K. Slee
- Siblings: Several
Early Life
Chris Rea grew up in Middlesbrough and initially considered a career in journalism. He began learning guitar in his early twenties and was largely self-taught.
He performed with local bands, including Magdalene and the Beautiful Losers, before committing to a solo recording career.
Songwriting Career & Industry Entry
Chris Rea entered the music industry in the mid-1970s and released his first single, So Much Love, in 1974.
In 1978, he achieved international recognition when Fool (If You Think It’s Over) became a charting hit in the United States and Europe.
Following this breakthrough, he continued to release studio albums and tour regularly throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Studio Albums
- Whatever Happened to Benny Santini? (1978)
- On the Beach (1986)
- The Road to Hell (1989)
- Auberge (1991)
- Road Songs for Lovers (2017)
Notable Songs
- Fool (If You Think It’s Over)
- The Road to Hell (Part 2)
- On the Beach
- Josephine
- Driving Home for Christmas
Also Read: Michael Bolton Biography
Health Challenges
Chris Rea faced significant health challenges later in life.
In 2001, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and underwent major surgery, which resulted in long-term health complications, including diabetes.
In 2016, he suffered a stroke that affected his speech and movement, although he continued to remain creatively active afterward.
Death
Chris Rea died on December 22, 2025, at the age of 74, following a short illness.
His death was confirmed by his family, who stated that he passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by loved ones.
Personal Life
Chris Rea was married to Joan Lesley, whom he met during his teenage years.
The couple remained together throughout his life and had two daughters, Josephine and Julia.
He maintained a private family life and rarely discussed personal matters publicly.
Physical Measurements
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
- Weight: Not publicly documented
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Dark Brown (later grey)
Net Worth
At the time of his death, Chris Rea’s estimated net worth was reported to be in the range of $10 million to $15 million.
His wealth was accumulated through album sales, touring, songwriting royalties, and licensing of his music over several decades.
Social Media Presence
Chris Rea maintained official social media accounts that were managed by his team and representatives. These platforms were used to share music releases, archival content, announcements, and official updates rather than personal communication.
- Facebook: @ChrisReaOfficial
- Instagram: @chrisreaofficial
- YouTube: Chris Rea (Official Artist Channel)
- X (Twitter): No verified or active official account.
Trivia & Facts
- Chris Rea did not begin playing guitar seriously until his early twenties, which is considered relatively late for a professional musician.
- He was largely self-taught on guitar and became especially known for his use of slide guitar techniques.
- Before pursuing music, Rea considered a career in journalism and studied the subject briefly.
- His debut album was released under the name Benny Santini, a pseudonym suggested by his record label.
- Two of his albums, The Road to Hell (1989) and Auberge (1991), reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart.
- Despite limited commercial success in the United States, he achieved sustained popularity across Europe, particularly in the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia.
- Rea was also a painter and visual artist, and he designed much of his own album artwork later in his career.
- Health issues significantly affected his career, but he continued recording music after major surgery in 2001 and a stroke in 2016.
- He was known for avoiding celebrity culture and maintained a low public profile throughout his life.
- His song Driving Home for Christmas became a recurring seasonal hit decades after its original release.
FAQs
Who was Chris Rea?
Chris Rea was a British singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his work in rock and blues-influenced music.
Where was Chris Rea born?
He was born in Middlesbrough, England.
How many studio albums did Chris Rea release?
He released more than 20 studio albums over his career.
What was Chris Rea best known for?
He was best known for his distinctive voice, slide guitar playing, and long-running success in the UK and European music markets.
