The singer and composer Christopher Anton Rea, known as Chris ReaHe died in the hospital after a brief illness, his family said.
A statement on behalf of his wife and two children said: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris.
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“He passed away peacefully today in hospital after a brief illness, surrounded by his family.”
According News from heavenThe Middlesbrough-born musician had a long history of health problems. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, had his pancreas removed in 2001, and suffered a stroke in 2016.
Rea rose to fame in the late 1970s and 1980s, with songs such as Fool (If You Think It’s Over), Let’s Dance and The Road To Hell. It was later closely associated with the festive hit Driving Home For Christmas.
His debut album, What Happened To Benny Santini?, was released in 1978, a title that refers to a stage name his record label had wanted him to use.
(Heaven News)