Christopher Anton Rea, born on March 4, 1951, is a celebrated English rock and blues singer and guitarist, hailing from the town of Middlesbrough. Renowned for his distinctive gravel-voiced guitar playing, Rea has had an illustrious career, releasing an impressive total of twenty-five solo albums, with two of these albums having reached the pinnacle of success, topping the UK Albums Chart.
As a remarkable embodiment of resilience, Christopher de Burgh Rea has astonishingly overcome numerous life-threatening illnesses, thereby warranting the esteemed designation of "a major European star" prior to his long-awaited breakthrough in the UK Top 10 with the iconic single "The Road to Hell (Part 2)".
Noted British singer-songwriter, Chris Rea, has built a remarkable legacy throughout his extensive and illustrious music career, boasting an impressive array of chart-topping hits that have captivated audiences worldwide.
These notable tracks include, but are not limited to, the iconic "I Can Hear Your Heartbeat", the nostalgic "Stainsby Girls", the romantic "Josephine", the laid-back "On the Beach", the energetic "Let's Dance", the festive "Driving Home for Christmas", the introspective "Working on It", the emotive "Tell Me There's a Heaven", the atmospheric "Auberge", and the melodic "Julia".
In addition to his solo work, Chris Rea has also had the privilege of collaborating with other esteemed artists, including the legendary Elton John, on the duet "If You Were Me", a testament to his versatility and ability to create meaningful music with a wide range of talented musicians.
Rea, a renowned British artist, has garnered numerous accolades, including a trio of nominations for the prestigious Brit Award for Best British Male Artist, specifically in the years 1988, 1989, and 1990.
As his remarkable career progressed, Rea defied conventional wisdom by eschewing a traditional United States tour, yet his music resonated with a vast and diverse global audience, ultimately resulting in an astonishing 40 million records sold worldwide, a testament to his enduring appeal and artistic prowess.
Christopher Rea, a multifaceted individual with a rich heritage, was born to a father of Italian descent, Camillo Rea, and a mother of Irish extraction, Winifred K. Slee. As one of seven siblings, Rea's family, rooted in the Roman Catholic faith, enjoyed a certain level of local notoriety, courtesy of his father's esteemed ice cream factory and café chain.
Growing up, Rea was immersed in the family business, where he began working at a tender age, clearing tables and assisting with the production of ice cream. This early exposure to the industry would later influence his future endeavors. As he matured, Rea's aspirations shifted towards a career in journalism, prompting him to attend St Mary's College, Middlesbrough, with the aim of pursuing a degree in this field.
