Chris Rea was an English rock and blues singer-songwriter known for his distinctive gravelly voice and slide guitar playing.
Rea's early influences included blues legends like Charlie Patton and Muddy Waters, shaping his unique musical style.
He was married to Joan Lesley, with whom he had two daughters, both of whom inspired songs named after them.
Biography
Early Life
Christopher Anton Rea was born on March 4, 1951, in Middlesbrough, North Riding of Yorkshire, England. He was the son of an Italian father, Camillo Rea, and an Irish mother, Winifred K. Slee, and grew up in a large family of seven children. The Rea family was well-known locally for their ice cream factory and café chain. As a child, Rea worked in the family business, but his aspirations leaned towards journalism. He attended St Mary's College in Middlesbrough and later developed a passion for music, purchasing his first guitar in his early twenties.
Career
Rea's music career began to take shape as he honed his skills in slide guitar, drawing inspiration from blues legends like Charlie Patton and Muddy Waters. He became known for his distinctive gravelly voice and a unique blend of rock and blues, which earned him a dedicated following. Over the years, he released numerous albums, including notable works such as "Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?", "The Road to Hell", and "Auberge". His music often reflected his personal experiences and interests, including his love for cars and motor racing, which he pursued alongside his musical endeavors.
Personal Life
Rea was married to Joan Lesley, whom he met as a teenager, and they had two daughters, both of whom inspired songs. He lived in Cookham, Berkshire, where he owned a recording studio and produced many of his albums. Beyond music, Rea had a passion for painting and historic motor racing, owning several classic cars and participating in racing events. His artistic pursuits and love for cars were significant aspects of his life, showcasing his multifaceted personality.
Legacy
Chris Rea passed away on December 22, 2025, leaving behind a rich musical legacy. He was celebrated for his ability to blend genres and for his authenticity as an artist. His contributions to music were recognized by fans and critics alike, with many noting his reluctance to embrace the pop star lifestyle, which only added to his charm. Rea's impact on the music scene and his roots in Middlesbrough have solidified his status as a local icon, remembered fondly by those who appreciated his artistry.
Collected from open sources (4) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Discography
Blue Guitars II - Country Blues2005
- 1.Walkin' Country Blues3:42
- 2.Man Gone Missing4:41
- 3.Can't Stay Blues4:58
- 4.KKK Blues4:56
- 5.Too Much Drinking4:52
- 6.Catwalk Woman4:32
- 7.If You've Got a Friend in Jesus4:25
- 8.Head Out on the Highway4:31
- 9.Wild Pony4:09
- 10.Steam Train Blues3:51
- 11.Going Up to Memphis4:20
- 12.Somewhere Between Highway 61 & 496:07
- 13.Ticket for Chicago5:17
- 14.Dance All Night Long4:33
Blue Guitars IV - Electric Memphis Blues2005
- 1.Electric Guitar4:45
- 2.Electric Memphis Blue4:17
- 3.All Night Long4:15
- 4.Born Bad3:48
- 5.Let's Start Again3:55
- 6.What I'm Looking For4:28
- 7.Rules of Love3:14
- 8.What You Done to Me3:31
- 9.Hobo Love Blues3:40
- 10.Pass Me By3:09
- 11.The Soul of My Father's Shadow3:55
- 12.My Blue World Says Hello4:08
Blue Guitars I - Beginnings2005
- 1.West Africa - Instrumental4:16
- 2.Cry for Home4:58
- 3.The King Who Sold His Own5:18
- 4.White Man Coming4:02
- 5.Where the Blues Come From6:22
- 6.Lord Tell Me It Won't Be Long4:58
- 7.Work Gang4:36
- 8.Praise the Lord4:42
- 9.Sweet Sunday5:39
- 10.Sing Out the Devil6:09
- 11.Boss Man Cut My Chains3:24
Blue Guitars2005
- 1.West Africa (instrumental)4:16
- 2.Cry for Home4:58
- 3.The King Who Sold His Own5:18
- 4.White Man Coming4:02
- 5.Where the Blues Come From6:19
- 6.Lord Tell Me It Won’t Be Long4:58
- 7.Work Gang4:34
- 8.Praise the Lord4:42
- 9.Sweet Sunday5:39
- 10.Sing Out the Devil6:09
- 11.Boss Man Cut My Chains3:24
- 12.Walkin’ Country Blues3:42
- 13.Man Gone Missing4:41
- 14.Can’t Stay Blues4:58
- 15.KKK Blues4:56
- 16.Too Much Drinkin’4:53
- 17.Catwalk Woman4:32
- 18.If You’ve Got a Friend in Jesus4:25
- 19.Head Out on the Highway4:31
- 20.Wild Pony4:10
- 21.Steam Train Blues3:51
- 22.Going Up to Memphis4:20
- 23.Somewhere Between Highway 61 & 496:07
- 24.Ticket for Chicago5:17
- 25.Dance All Night Long4:33
- 26.Two Days Missing Down the Viper Room3:00
- 27.Who Cares If I Do4:36
- 28.What Made Me Love You3:23
- 29.You Got Dixie4:42
- 30.One Night With You5:30
- 31.Talking ’Bout New Orleans5:28
- 32.Le Fleur de La Vie (instrumental)3:16
- 33.Catfish Girl3:51
- 34.Only a Fool Plays by the Rules4:02
- 35.Baby Come Home3:34
- 36.Dance Avec Moi (instrumental)3:17
- 37.L’Ete Eternal (instrumental)3:33
- 38.Electric Guitar4:45
- 39.Electric Memphis Blues4:17
- 40.All Night Long4:15
- 41.Born Bad3:49
- 42.Let’s Start Again3:55
- 43.What I’m Looking For4:28
- 44.Rules of Love3:14
- 45.What You Done to Me3:31
- 46.Hobo Love Blues3:40
- 47.Pass Me By3:09
- 48.The Soul of My Father’s Shadow3:56
- 49.My Blue World Says Hello4:08
- 50.Lone Rider4:47
- 51.Texas Blue5:12
- 52.No Wheels Blues5:05
- 53.Lone Star Boogie5:19
- 54.Blind Willie6:49
- 55.The American Way4:08
- 56.Angellina4:49
- 57.Truck Stop4:50
- 58.Weekend Down Mexico4:20
- 59.Texas Line Boogie4:42
- 60.Too Big City5:06
- 61.Houston Angel4:01
- 62.I’m Moving Up4:34
- 63.Maxwell Street4:40
- 64.Bob Taylor5:16
- 65.She’s a Whole Heap of Trouble2:32
- 66.Jazzy Blue3:27
- 67.Hip‐sway3:41
- 68.That’s the Way It Goes3:34
- 69.To Get Your Love5:09
- 70.Chicago Morning4:58
- 71.Catwalk Woman3:37
- 72.Since You’ve Been Gone4:11
- 73.All Night Long5:28
- 74.Here She Comes Now4:16
- 75.Last Call3:33
- 76.Maybe That’s All I Need to Know4:22
- 77.Deep Winter Blues5:03
- 78.If I Ever Get Over You5:00
- 79.I Love the Rain4:28
- 80.My Soul Crying Out for You3:29
- 81.If That’s What You Want4:11
- 82.There’s No One Looking5:24
- 83.What Became of You4:48
- 84.My Deep Blue Ways4:18
- 85.Sweet Love4:12
- 86.Break Another Piece of My Heart4:19
- 87.Ball & Chain4:55
- 88.Gospel Trail4:50
- 89.Shy Boy3:34
- 90.Come Change My World4:03
- 91.Call on Me3:59
- 92.Just in Case You Never Knew4:06
- 93.Let Me In5:37
- 94.I’ll Be There for You4:05
- 95.The Pain of Loving You3:36
- 96.Are You Ready6:07
- 97.Celtic Blue (instrumental)8:00
- 98.Too Far From Home7:31
- 99.’til the Morning Sun Shines on My Love and Me5:31
- 100.Lucky Day5:10
- 101.What She Really Is4:57
- 102.Wishing Well4:00
- 103.Irish Blues3:59
- 104.No More Sorrow5:51
- 105.While I Remain4:55
- 106.Last Drink4:58
- 107.’til I Find My True Love’s Name3:32
- 108.Big White Door5:31
- 109.Hey Gringo5:50
- 110.Immigration Blues5:09
- 111.Still Trying to Clear My Name4:09
- 112.Sun Is Hot4:13
- 113.Screw You and Your Deep Blue Sea4:22
- 114.Nothing Seems to Matter No More3:39
- 115.Sometimes4:53
- 116.Lampiou5:40
- 117.Keep On Dancing3:50
- 118.Lucifer’s Angel4:50
- 119.How I Know It’s You4:01
- 120.Forever4:37
- 121.You Got Soul5:09
- 122.Bajan Blue4:30
- 123.My Baby Told Me (Blues)2:42
- 124.Got to Be Moving3:47
- 125.My Baby Told Me (Gospel)3:04
- 126.Heartbreaker2:48
- 127.Yes I Do (instrumental)3:16
- 128.Wasted Love4:31
- 129.Cool Cool Blue3:56
- 130.Clarkson Blues4:56
- 131.Who Killed Love4:05
- 132.Never Tie Me Down4:05
- 133.Mindless3:47
- 134.Ain’t That Just the Prettiest Thing5:07
- 135.Nobody but You3:34
- 136.Waiting for Love4:41
- 137.Blue Morning in the Rain4:30
Blue Guitars III - Louisiana & New Orleans2005
- 1.Two Days Missing Down the Viper3:00
- 2.Who Cares If I Do4:36
- 3.What Made Me Love You3:23
- 4.You Got Dixie4:42
- 5.One Night With You5:28
- 6.Talking 'Bout New Orleans5:28
- 7.Le Fleur de La Vie3:16
- 8.Catfish Girl3:51
- 9.Only a Fool Plays by the Rules4:01
- 10.Baby Come Home3:34
- 11.Dance Avec Moi3:17
- 12.L'Ete Eternal3:33
The Blue Jukebox2004
- 1.The Beat Goes On4:31
- 2.Long Is the Time, Hard Is the Road5:15
- 3.Let’s Do It5:00
- 4.Let It Roll4:57
- 5.Steel River Blues4:33
- 6.Somebody Say Amen6:10
- 7.Blue Street4:47
- 8.Monday Morning4:03
- 9.Restless Soul5:49
- 10.What Kind of Love Is This6:36
- 11.Paint My Jukebox Blue3:59
- 12.Baby Don’t Cry5:22
- 13.Speed5:05
Hofner Blue Notes2003
- 1.Spy5:07
- 2.Expectations4:00
- 3.Hofner Blue Notes2:53
- 4.Paris in Minneapolis5:07
- 5.Sâo Paulo Blue5:00
- 6.What Became4:46
- 7.Detroit3:55
- 8.Goodnight Joe4:15
- 9.Take the Mingus Train4:24
- 10.Alone3:40
- 11.Saudi Blue4:07
- 12.Kestrel Avenue3:27
Blue Street (Five Guitars)2003
- 1.Blue Miles6:18
- 2.Blue Street7:04
- 3.Big C5:49
- 4.Big C Big Sea2:42
- 5.Hofner Break1:37
- 6.Heading for the City4:33
- 7.1st Snow Mingus8:18
- 8.Piano Break1:59
- 9.Still Going to a Go Go1:56
- 10.Are You Ready2:13
- 11.Funk 484:59
Dancing Down the Stony Road2002
- 1.Easy Rider4:51
- 2.Stony Road5:31
- 3.Dancing the Blues Away4:39
- 4.Catfish Girl3:14
- 5.Burning Feet5:01
- 6.Slow Dance4:12
- 7.Segway2:23
- 8.Mississippi 24:41
- 9.So Lonely3:17
- 10.Heading for the City6:07
- 11.Ride On4:19
- 12.When the Good Lord Talked to Jesus4:17
- 13.Qualified4:55
- 14.Sun Is Rising6:48
- 15.Someday My Peace Will Come3:50
- 16.Got to Be Moving On3:48
- 17.Ain’t Going Down This Way3:14
- 18.Changing Times3:05
- 19.The Hustler4:13
- 20.Give That Girl a Diamond3:54
King of the Beach2000
- 1.King of the Beach5:02
- 2.All Summer Long5:10
- 3.Sail Away4:49
- 4.Still Beautiful4:12
- 5.The Bones of Angels4:17
- 6.Guitar Street4:45
- 7.Who Do You Love4:54
- 8.The Memory of a Good Friend3:56
- 9.Sandwriting5:10
- 10.Tamatave5:19
- 11.God Gave Me an Angel3:00
- 12.Waiting for a Blue Sky5:02
The Road to Hell, Part 21999
- 1.Can’t Get Through8:17
- 2.Good Morning5:23
- 3.E6:06
- 4.Last Open Road3:47
- 5.Coming Off the Ropes5:44
- 6.Evil No.25:34
- 7.Keep On Dancing4:23
- 8.Marvin5:05
- 9.Firefly4:43
- 10.I’m in My Car4:39
- 11.New Times Square4:46
- 12.The Way You Look Tonight5:15
The Blue Cafe1998
- 1.Square Peg, Round Hole3:58
- 2.Miss Your Kiss4:05
- 3.Shadows of the Big Man4:50
- 4.Where Do We Go From Here?4:33
- 5.Since I Found You4:38
- 6.Thinking of You3:31
- 7.As Long as I Have Your Love4:45
- 8.Anyone Quite Like You4:49
- 9.Sweet Summer Day4:45
- 10.Stick by You4:05
- 11.I’m Still Holding On4:56
- 12.The Blue Cafe4:50
Espresso Logic1993
Tracklist not collected yet.
God’s Great Banana Skin1992
Tracklist not collected yet.
Auberge1991
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Road to Hell1989
Tracklist not collected yet.
Dancing With Strangers1987
Tracklist not collected yet.
On the Beach1986
Tracklist not collected yet.
Shamrock Diaries1985
Tracklist not collected yet.
Wired to the Moon1984
Tracklist not collected yet.
Water Sign1983
Tracklist not collected yet.
Chris Rea1981
Tracklist not collected yet.
Tennis1980
Tracklist not collected yet.
Deltics1979
Tracklist not collected yet.
Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?1978
Tracklist not collected yet.
Gallery
Label
- Record label
- United Artists Records
Similar artists
Archive
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Identifiers & aliases
Also known as: Chris Reynolds, Christopher Anton Rea, Rea, Chris, クリス・レア
Christopher Anton Rea was an English rock and blues singer-songwriter, guitarist and record producer. He was known for his distinctive gravelly voice, slide guitar playing and music style blending soft rock with blues.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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