Celebrated English blues singer and guitarist Chris Rea breathed his last earlier today. The 74-year-old rocker leaves behind a fortune of approximately $8 million, to his wife and two daughters. A statement by the family's spokesperson said,
“It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris. He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.”
Over the course of his long career, Chris suffered from a number of ailments. In 2001, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which led to the removal of his pancreas along with parts of his stomach and bowels, ultimately leaving him diabetic. Later, in 2016 he suffered from a stroke and in 2017, he passed out on stage during his performance in Oxford.

Known for his unique husky voice and a distinct slide guitar technique, Rea's discography contains some of the most popular classic rock numbers like Driving Home for Christmas, Looking for the Summer and On the Beach to name a few.
Chris Rea's Net Worth
Born to an Irish mother and an Italian father in Middlesbrough, England, Rea was widely considered one of the most popular British singer-songwriters of the 1980s. Leaving behind riches worth around $8 million, his wealth is primarily sourced from his extensive music career, including album sales, live performances, and songwriting royalties.
Rea had contributed to several charitable causes throughout his career, often using his music to garner support for causes close to him. His dedication to his craft and tenacity when faced with a barrage of personal health scares powered him to leave a long-lasting effect on the British music scene.

In addition to being a musician, Rea had a strong passion for motorsports. He held a racing licence and took part in several high-profile events, including racing in a Jordan Formula One car and competing against the former British Formula One driver, Nigel Mansell, in a BMW touring car shootout at Donington Park.
Interestingly, Rea maintained an extremely modest lifestyle despite his generational success.