Chris Rea Parents: Meet Camillo Rea, Winifred K. Slee

Christopher Anton Rea, the renowned English rock and blues singer and guitarist hailing from Middlesbrough, has etched his name in the annals of music with a distinctive sound.

Born on March 4, 1951, in Middlesbrough in the North Riding of Yorkshire, Rea’s musical journey is interwoven with the rich tapestry of his Italian-Irish heritage, anchored by his parents, Camillo Rea and Winifred K. Slee.

Rea’s father, Camillo Rea, of Italian descent and originating from Arpino in the Province of Frosinone, played a pivotal role in the local community. His legacy was marked by the family’s well-known ice cream factory and café chain, contributing to the familiarity of the Rea name in the region.

Despite the family’s Roman Catholic faith, young Chris Rea found himself drawn to pursuits beyond the family business.

Growing up in a household of seven children, Rea’s Irish mother, Winifred K. Slee, added another layer to the cultural mosaic that influenced his upbringing. The Rea family’s roots in both Italy and Ireland undoubtedly infused Chris Rea’s artistic sensibilities with a diverse range of influences.

In his formative years, Rea’s ambitions extended beyond the realm of music. Initially aspiring to be a journalist, he attended St Mary’s College in Middlesbrough. However, the call of music proved irresistible, and in his early 20s, Chris Rea acquired his first guitar, setting the stage for a musical journey that would captivate audiences worldwide.

A self-taught guitarist, Rea’s dedication to his craft led him to explore opportunities with The Elastic Band, a friend’s group, where he aimed to contribute his skills on guitar or bass. However, practical considerations guided by his father’s advice led him away from the band, and Rea found himself navigating the realms of casual labor, including involvement in his father’s ice cream business.

Reflecting on that period, Rea noted, “I was meant to be developing my father’s ice-cream cafe into a global concern, but I spent all my time in the stockroom playing slide guitar.” This divergence from the family business laid the foundation for a career that would see Chris Rea evolve into a maestro of melodic blues and rock.

In tribute to his heritage and the melodic echoes of his musical journey, Chris Rea’s artistry continues to resonate globally, transcending cultural boundaries with a sound that reflects the fusion of Italian and Irish influences.