Chris Rea was a British singer, songwriter, and guitarist celebrated for his distinctive husky voice and soulful blend of rock and blues. Rising to fame in the late 1970s and 1980s, he achieved international success with hits such as The Road to Hell, On the Beach, and Driving Home for Christmas. His many hit songs include “I Can Hear Your Heartbeat”, “Stainsby Girls”, “Josephine”, “On the Beach”, “Let’s Dance”, “Driving Home for Christmas”, “Working on It”, “Tell Me There’s a Heaven”, “Auberge”, and “Julia”. He also recorded a duet with Elton John, “If You Were Me”. He was nominated for the Brit Award for British Male Solo Artist in 1988, 1989 and 1990.
Birth Name
Christopher Anton Rea
Nickname
Chris
Profession
Singer-songwriter, Musician, Record Producer
Genre
Pop Rock, Soft Rock, Electric Blues, Blues Rock
Instruments
Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards
Labels
Magnet, East West, Edel, Warner, Rhino, Jazzee Blue
Nationality
British
Personal Life
Birthday / Date of Birth
Chris Rea was born on the 4th of March 1951, in Middlesbrough, England.
Died
Chris Rea was died on the 22nd of December 2025 (aged 74), in Middlesbrough, England (a short illness).
Sun Sign
Pisces
Ethnicity
Mixed
Religion
Roman Catholic
Education
Rea attended St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School in Middlesbrough, England, where he first discovered his passion for music. During his school years, he learned to play guitar and piano, which laid the foundation for his future career as a singer-songwriter and musician.
Family Details
- Father – Camillo Rea
- Mother – Winifred K. Slee
- Siblings – He has six siblings
Marital Status
Married
Girlfriend / Spouse
Idris Elba has dated –
- Joan Lesley Allport – Rea has been married to his long-term partner, Joan Lesley, for several decades. Their relationship has been marked by privacy and stability, and they have supported each other throughout his successful music career. With Joan he had two daughters: Josephine and Julia Christina.
Physical Statistics
Height
- In feet –5 feet 7½ inches
- In centimeters – 171 cm
- In meters – 1.71 m
Weight
- In Kilograms – 70 kg
- In Pounds – 154 lbs
Body Measurements
- Measurements – 32-14-40
- Waist – 32 Inches
- Biceps – 14 Inches
- Chest – 40 Inches
Body Build
Slim
Eye Color
Blue
Hair Color
Brown
Shoe Size
He wears a size 9 (US) shoe.
Sexuality
Straight
Professional Statistics
Famous For
Chris is famous for his internationally acclaimed music career, particularly for hit songs like The Road to Hell, On the Beach, and Driving Home for Christmas, which showcase his distinctive husky voice, masterful guitar work, and evocative songwriting. His albums, including The Road to Hell and Auberge, have achieved multi-platinum status, earning him worldwide recognition and establishing him as one of the UK’s most respected and influential rock and blues musicians.
Singing Debut
In the late 1970s, Rea began his professional music career releasing his debut single Fool (If You Think It’s Over) in 1978, which became a hit in the United States and earned him a Grammy nomination. This early success established him as an international recording artist and showcased his distinctive husky voice and melodic songwriting. Over the years, Rea continued to develop his signature blend of rock, blues, and soft pop, gaining acclaim for both his studio recordings and live performances. His debut marked the beginning of a prolific and influential career spanning decades, solidifying his place in the music industry.
Chris Rea Net worth
Chris Rea has an estimated net worth of $10 million dollars as of 2025.
Social Media Profiles
- Facebook – Chris Rea
- Instagram – chrisreamusic
- YouTube Channel – Chris Rea
Some Lesser Known Facts About Chris Rea
- Rea was born in Middlesbrough, England, into a working-class family with English and Irish heritage. His first ambition was to be a journalist which ended when a college teacher tore up one of his essays after which he went to work in his father’s ice cream factory.
- Chris began learning piano and guitar at an early age, which sparked his lifelong passion for music.
- His debut single “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)” (1978) became a hit in the United States and earned him a Grammy nomination.
- Rea is known for his distinctive husky voice and masterful guitar work, which have become his signature style.
- He has released over 25 studio albums, many of which have achieved multi-platinum status in the UK and Europe.
- He is an avid car enthusiast and has incorporated his passion for motoring into his music, most notably in the album The Road to Hell.
- Rea’s music has been widely used in films, television, and advertising, demonstrating his global influence. One of his childhood dreams was to become a film writer and film music composer.
- Chris wrote the title track and music score for the 1993 drama film Soft Top Hard Shoulder. He wrote and produced the 1996 film La Passione, partially inspired by Rea’s childhood experience of falling in love with motor racing and F1 Ferrari’s driver Wolfgang von Trips.
- Rea’s work is recognized for its melodic craftsmanship, guitar-driven sound, and emotionally resonant lyrics, earning him a lasting reputation as one of the UK’s most respected and influential musicians.
- He continues to perform live, tour, and produce music, maintaining his relevance and connection with fans across generations.
- In the early 2000s, He overcame serious health challenges, including pneumonia and a life-threatening illness, which influenced his music and songwriting.
- Rea was a fan of historic motor racing and raced a Ferrari Dino, a Ferrari 328, and a 1955 Lotus 6. In 2014, he was completing a 22-year restoration of an original replica of a Ferrari 156 Sharknose Formula One racing car.
- On 22 December 2025, aged 74, Rea died after a short illness in hospital on 22 December 2025, aged 74.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Chris Rea?
He was a renowned British singer, songwriter, and guitarist, celebrated for his distinctive husky voice, masterful guitar skills, and decades-long career producing iconic hits such as The Road to Hell, On the Beach, and Driving Home for Christmas, which have earned him international acclaim, multi-platinum albums, and a lasting legacy in rock and blues music.
What is the real name of Chris Rea?
His real name is Christopher Anton Rea.
What is the age of Chris Rea?
He is 74 years old (4th of March 1951).
What is Chris Rea Height?
The Height of Chris is 1.71m (5′7½”).
What is the Net worth of Chris Rea?
He has an estimated net worth of $10 million dollars as of 2025.