# Chris Rea

> English male singer-songwriter and guitarist (1951–2025)

**Wikidata**: [Q262314](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q262314)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Rea)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/chris-rea

## Summary
Chris Rea was an English male singer-songwriter and guitarist (1951–2025) known for his contributions to rock, blues, and soft rock music. He was a prolific songwriter, recording artist, and musician who produced numerous albums and singles, earning recognition as a key figure in the music industry.

## Biography
- Born: March 4, 1951
- Nationality: United Kingdom
- Known for: Singer-songwriter, guitarist, recording artist
- Employer(s): United Artists Records
- Field(s): Music, rock, blues, soft rock, pop rock, electric blues, blues rock

## Contributions
Chris Rea contributed to the music industry through his work as a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and recording artist. He was associated with United Artists Records and produced music across various genres including rock, blues, soft rock, pop rock, electric blues, and blues rock. His work included creating and performing original songs, which were recorded and released through his affiliations with music labels and organizations.

## FAQs
**What genres of music did Chris Rea perform?**
Chris Rea performed in genres such as rock, blues, soft rock, pop rock, electric blues, and blues rock. His music spanned multiple subcategories of these genres, contributing to the evolution and popularity of these styles.

**Where was Chris Rea born?**
Chris Rea was born on March 4, 1951, in the United Kingdom.

**What was Chris Rea's primary occupation?**
Chris Rea was primarily a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and recording artist. He was known for his work in the music industry, producing and performing original songs across various genres.

**Which record label was Chris Rea associated with?**
Chris Rea was associated with United Artists Records, an American record label. This affiliation helped him in the distribution and promotion of his music.

## Why They Matter
Chris Rea's contributions to the music industry were significant, particularly in the genres of rock, blues, and soft rock. His work as a singer-songwriter and guitarist influenced the development and popularity of these music styles. His affiliations with notable record labels and organizations ensured that his music reached a wide audience, making him a key figure in the music industry during his time.

## Notable For
- Performed in multiple music genres including rock, blues, soft rock, pop rock, electric blues, and blues rock.
- Associated with United Artists Records, an American record label, which helped in the distribution and promotion of his music.
- Known for his work as a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and recording artist, contributing to the music industry through his original songs and performances.

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Chris Rea was born on March 4, 1951, in the United Kingdom. He began his career in the music industry as a singer-songwriter and guitarist, producing original songs across various genres. His early work laid the foundation for his later contributions to the music industry.

### Music Genres and Performances
Chris Rea performed in multiple music genres, including rock, blues, soft rock, pop rock, electric blues, and blues rock. His music spanned subcategories of these genres, contributing to the evolution and popularity of these styles. His performances were recognized for their originality and influence on the music industry.

### Affiliations and Contributions
Chris Rea was associated with United Artists Records, an American record label, which helped in the distribution and promotion of his music. His affiliations with notable organizations ensured that his work reached a wide audience, making him a key figure in the music industry during his time. His contributions included creating and performing original songs, which were recorded and released through his affiliations with music labels and organizations.

### Legacy and Influence
Chris Rea's legacy in the music industry is marked by his significant contributions to the genres of rock, blues, and soft rock. His work as a singer-songwriter and guitarist influenced the development and popularity of these music styles. His affiliations with notable record labels and organizations ensured that his music reached a wide audience, making him a key figure in the music industry during his time.

## References

1. [Chris Rea, husky-voiced blues-tinged singer of hits including Driving Home for Christmas. 2025](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2025/12/22/chris-rea-driving-home-for-christmas-road-to-hell-blues/)
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. MusicBrainz
8. filmportal.de
9. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
10. [Chris Rea: Driving Home for Christmas singer dies aged 74. 2025](https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c0q5g3v02qjt)
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. Virtual International Authority File
13. [Source](http://www.rockonthenet.com/grammy/newartist.htm)
14. BBC Things
15. ISWC Network
16. Discogs
17. Genius API
18. YouTube API
19. The Movie Database