Chris Rea Net Worth

Chris Rea’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Life and Career of the ‘Road to Hell’ Singer

Chris Rea, the acclaimed English singer-songwriter, boasts a net worth of $8 million, a testament to his enduring appeal and prolific career in the music industry. Known for his distinctive “husky” voice and masterful slide guitar technique, Rea has carved a unique niche in pop rock, soft rock, and blues rock. His expertise extends to vocals, guitar, and piano, solidifying his status as a multi-talented artist.

Rea’s journey in music commenced in the 1970s, and he has since been associated with prominent record labels such as Magnet, East West, and Edel. He is celebrated as one of the most popular British singer-songwriters of the 1980s, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene with his evocative melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

Among his most iconic songs is “Fool (If You Think It’s Over),” a track that resonated with audiences, peaking at #12 on the “Billboard” Hot 100 chart. His discography includes 25 studio albums, with several achieving platinum status, including “The Road to Hell” (1989), “Auberge” (1991), “On the Beach” (1986), “Dancing with Strangers” (1987), and “God’s Great Banana Skin” (1992). Beyond music, Rea showcased his creative versatility by writing and producing the 1996 film “La passione” and appearing in the 1998 film “Parting Shots.”

Early Life and Influences

Christopher Anton Rea was born on March 4, 1951, in Middlesbrough, North Riding of Yorkshire, England. His heritage is a blend of cultures, with an Irish mother, Winifred, and an Italian father, Camillo. He was raised in a Roman Catholic household with six siblings, providing a rich tapestry for his formative years.

Camillo owned Rea’s Creamy Ices, an ice cream chain, where Chris began working at the tender age of 12. This early exposure to the world of business and customer service likely contributed to his grounded personality. He attended St Mary’s College, Middlesbrough, and later acquired his first guitar, a 1961 Hofner V3, in his early twenties. Self-taught, Rea honed his skills by drawing inspiration from a diverse array of musicians. His influences included blues legends like Charlie Patton, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Blind Willie Johnson, and Muddy Waters, as well as contemporary artists such as Joe Walsh and Ry Cooder. The sounds of Sonny Boy Williamson II also left a lasting impact on his musical style.

Getty Images

Musical Odyssey: From Magdalene to International Stardom

Rea’s musical journey began in 1973 when he joined the band Magdalene, marking the initial steps of a promising career. Later that year, he founded The Beautiful Losers, further showcasing his burgeoning talent and ambition. His breakthrough came when he secured a solo record deal with the independent label Magnet Records, setting the stage for his solo endeavors.

In April 1978, Rea released his debut album, “Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?,” a critical and commercial success. The album was certified Gold in the U.S., reached #49 on the “Billboard” 200 chart, and #94 on Australia’s Kent Music Report. The single “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)” achieved significant success, topping the “Billboard” Easy Listening chart and Canada’s “RPM” Adult Oriented Playlist, and reaching #12 on the “Billboard” Hot 100 chart. This success earned him a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, acknowledging his significant impact on the music scene.

Rea followed up with a string of successful albums, including “Deltics” (1979), “Tennis” (1980), “Chris Rea” (1981), “Water Sign” (1983), and “Wired to the Moon” (1984), solidifying his position as a prominent artist. His seventh studio album, “Shamrock Diaries” (1985), was certified Gold in Germany and Silver in the U.K., achieving top chart positions in the Netherlands and Germany. The single “Josephine” brought him top 10 success in France and the Netherlands.

The 1986 album “On the Beach” achieved platinum status in the U.K. and New Zealand and gold status in France, Germany, and the Netherlands. It reached the top of the charts in the Netherlands and Germany, and #4 in New Zealand. His 1987 album, “Dancing with Strangers,” reached platinum in the U.K. and gold in France, Germany, and New Zealand. The single “Let’s Dance” became a top 10 hit in several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa.

The release of “The Road to Hell” in 1989 marked a pivotal moment in Rea’s career. The album went 6x Platinum in the U.K. and platinum in Austria, France, and Switzerland. The title track also became a top 10 hit in Austria and the U.K. In the 1990s, Rea continued to release successful albums, including “Auberge” (1991), “God’s Great Banana Skin” (1992), “Espresso Logic” (1993), “The Blue Cafe” (1998), and “The Road to Hell: Part 2” (1999). “Auberge” achieved double platinum status in the U.K. and platinum in Germany and Switzerland. All of Rea’s studio albums from the 1990s reached the top 10 in at least one country, with most achieving significant certifications in the U.K.

Rea’s success continued into the 21st century, with albums like “Dancing Down the Stony Road” (2002), “The Blue Jukebox” (2004), and “Blue Guitars” (2005). In 2011, he released “Santo Spirito Blues,” which reached the top 10 in Germany and the top 13 in Croatia and the U.K., achieving gold status in Poland. His 2017 album “Road Songs for Lovers” reached #11 on the UK Albums chart, and his twenty-fifth studio album, “One Fine Day,” was released in 2019.

(Photo by David Wolff – Patrick/Redferns)

Beyond the Stage: Personal Life and Interests

In his personal life, Rea has maintained a long-lasting relationship with Joan Lesley, whom he met in 1968 as a teenager. The couple later married and have two daughters, Josephine and Julia. His family life provides a stable foundation amidst the demands of his career.

Rea once owned Sol Mill Recording Studios in Cookham, Berkshire, demonstrating his commitment to the music-making process. He has expressed a passion for reading, and although he chose music, he admitted that journalism was his first passion, indicating an interest in the written word. He also enjoys historic motor racing, participating in events with a collection of classic cars, including a Ferrari 328, a Ferrari Dino, and a 1955 Lotus 6.

In 1993, Rea was a guest driver in the British Touring Car Championship ToCa shootout, and he joined the Historic Racing Drivers Club, further showcasing his love for the sport. In 2005, he sold his Caterham 7 and donated the proceeds to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, demonstrating his charitable side. Rea faced a significant health challenge when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1994, which led to surgery to remove his pancreas, gallbladder, and part of his liver. Following the operation, he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

In 2008, several news outlets mistakenly reported that Rea had donated large sums of money to the Conservative Party. The donations were, in fact, made by a different Chris Rea, a businessman. In a display of his political views, Chris supported Jeremy Corbyn during the 2017 general election and penned a song about him titled “What’s So Wrong With A Man Who Tells The Truth?,” indicating his social and political awareness.

Awards and Nominations

Chris Rea’s contributions to music have been recognized with several accolades and nominations. He received a nomination for Best New Artist at the 21st Annual Grammy Awards in 1979. He earned Brit Award nominations for Best British Male Artist in 1988, 1989, and 1990, highlighting his sustained popularity in the U.K. In 1973, his band The Beautiful Losers won a “Melody Maker” award for Best Newcomers, marking an early recognition of his talent.