Renowned British singer-songwriter Chris Rea has died today at the age of 74.
In a joint statement, the artist's wife and two children announced that Rea "passed away in hospital, after an illness, surrounded by family."
Chris Rea was internationally known for his famous Christmas hit "Driving Home for Christmas", as well as a number of songs that achieved great success in the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, including "Fool (If You Think It's Over)", "Let's Dance" and "The Road to Hell".
Born in Middlesbrough, Rea had been battling serious health problems for years. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and underwent major surgery to remove his pancreas in 2001.
Chris Rea remains one of the most distinctive figures in British music, appreciated for his distinctive style and long-standing contribution to the international music scene.
