English of Italian origins, he had become famous for his unique style of blues, jazz and soft rock
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Chris, who passed away peacefully today after a short illness. Chris’s music has accompanied the lives of many people and his legacy will live on through the songs he left us.” With these words the family announced the death of Chris Rea74 years old, English singer and guitarist of Italian origins.
Chris Rea, far from the excesses of spectacular rockhe focused on atmospheres, stories and an unmistakable voice, becoming one of the British artists most appreciated by the European public. His success was not sudden, but the result of a coherent and deeply personal path.
After an uncertain debut, Chris Rea found his artistic dimension in the 80s. It was in this period that the mainstream public learned to recognize his style: blues-flavored guitars, soft rhythms and evocative lyrics. His songs don’t scream, but remain engraved in the memory.
Among the songs that mark the turning point is Fool (If You Think It’s Over). a melancholic ballad that opens the doors of the international market to him. Years of growing popularity followed with songs like Let it Loose and I Can Hear Your Heartbeat, Josephinecertainly his most famous piece, and then some Driving Home For ChristmasOn the Beach and The Road To Hell.
Among his most beautiful albums, and worth rediscovering Shamrock Diaries, 1985 a record that doesn’t seek immediate impact, between blues guitars, keyboard carpets and never intrusive rhythms. The main themes of the album are memory: childhood and family roots.
