Chris Rea’s iconic Christmas song, “Driving Home for Christmas,” has become a staple during the holiday season. However, the story behind the song’s creation is one of struggle and triumph.
Back in the day, Rea was facing financial difficulties, having been dropped by his manager and nearing the end of his record contract with only $280 to his name. Banned from driving, he relied on his future wife Joan to make the long journey from Teesside to Abbey Road studios in London to pick him up just before Christmas. The slow and snowy drive back home inspired Rea to pen the lyrics that would later become the beloved holiday tune.
The journey took six hours, with Rea jotting down lyrics whenever the street lights shone inside the car. Upon arriving home at 3 am, a letter on the doormat changed his fortunes. A cheque for £15,000, equivalent to about $19,000, arrived from a US performing rights organization due to the success of his song “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)” in the States.
The lyrics to “Driving Home for Christmas” were initially set aside in a tin before resurfacing years later. Released in 1986 as a B-side, the song gained popularity when radio DJs started playing it. Despite Rea’s initial reluctance, the track became a perennial favorite, re-entering the UK singles chart every year since 2007.
Recent analysis has revealed that over half of Rea’s Spotify streams come from the Christmas track alone. The song has contributed significantly to his fortune, estimated at around $8.8 million out of his total $19 million earnings over the years. Rea, who has sold over 30 million records, closed his company Posedrive Productions last year, receiving a payout of nearly $16 million alongside his wife Joan.
A car enthusiast, Rea invested in vintage Ferraris and Lotuses before selling them following a stroke in 2016. He battled serious illnesses, including pancreatic cancer and diabetes, before passing away surrounded by his family. In a statement, his wife and daughters expressed their immense sadness at his death.
Chris Rea’s legacy lives on through his music, with “Driving Home for Christmas” serving as a reminder of his talent and resilience in the face of adversity.
