The rock and blues singer, Chris Rea spent countless hours on the road, and his love of cars and driving was the inspiration behind many of his songs.

Chris Rea, the British blues rocker best known for his wistful holiday hit 'Driving Home For Christmas,' has died at age 74 of undisclosed causes.

A statement from his wife and two children says he "passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family".

Chris Rea, an English singer-songwriter and guitarist best known for his festive hit "Driving Home For Christmas", has died aged 74 following a short illness, his family said on Monday.