Chris Rea, the singer and songwriter best known for the hit "Driving Home for Christmas," has died at 74, his family said Monday. Rea died in the hospital following a short illness, according to a statement from his family to Britain's Press Association news agency.

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.

Known for his gravelly voice and latterly for his slide guitar playing, he was nominated for a slew of top awards, including Brit Awards, at the height of his success and sold millions of records.