Chris Rea: The car enthusiast whose love of driving inspired his songs
Published: 12/22/2025

Chris Rea, the rock and blues singer known for hits like "Road to Hell" and "Driving Home for Christmas," had a deep love for cars, which often inspired his music. Rea's gravelly voice and slide guitar-playing made him a distinctive figure in the music industry, with 25 solo albums under his belt. Despite health challenges, including a battle with pancreatic cancer, Rea's passion for music and cars remained a driving force in his life and creative endeavors.



