Chris Rea

Chris Rea, born March 4, 1951, in Middlesbrough, England, is a British singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his husky voice and exceptional slide guitar skills. He began his career in the 1970s and gained international attention in 1978 with the single “Fool (If You Think It’s Over).” By the 1980s and 1990s, he had become one of Europe’s most recognizable artists. His most acclaimed albums include The Road to Hell and Auberge, both of which topped UK charts. Some of his most famous songs include “On the Beach,” “Josephine,” “Driving Home for Christmas,” and “Working on It.” His music blends blues, rock, and pop with introspective and personal lyrics. Despite facing serious health issues, including pancreatic surgery and a stroke, Rea continued recording and performing. Following his health struggles, he delved deeper into blues, releasing Dancing Down the Stony Road and the expansive Blue Guitars project, a collection of eleven themed albums exploring the history of blues music. In total, he has released over 25 studio albums and sold more than 40 million records worldwide. While he never broke into the American mainstream, he earned a devoted following in Europe through emotionally resonant songs, a consistent musical style, and a distinctive artistic voice.