Huey Lewis celebrates 74 today
The band Huey Lewis and the News are known for their infectious blend of rock, pop, and rhythm and blues and scored several hits during the 1980’s including “I Want a New Drug,” “The Power of Love” and “Stuck With You”
Huey Lewis celebrates 74 today
Huey Lewis, born Hugh Anthony Cregg III on July 5, 1950, in New York City, grew up in Marin County, California. Raised by artistic parents—his mother was a commercial artist and his father a radiologist—Lewis developed an early appreciation for music. He attended the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey, where he excelled academically and musically, learning to play the harmonica and gaining an interest in rock and roll.
After briefly attending Cornell University, Lewis decided to pursue music full-time. In the early 1970s, he joined the San Francisco-based band Clover as the harmonica player and vocalist. Clover enjoyed some success, particularly in the UK, where they backed Elvis Costello on his debut album, “My Aim Is True” (1977). However, the band disbanded in the late 1970s, leading Lewis to form his own band.
In 1979, Huey Lewis and the News was born, combining members from Clover and other local bands. The band quickly gained a following with their energetic live performances and catchy rock tunes.
With their their infectious blend of rock, pop, and rhythm and blues, the breakthrough for Huey Lewis and the News came with their third album, “Sports” (1983). The album was a massive commercial success, featuring hit singles like “The Heart of Rock & Roll,” “I Want a New Drug,” “If This Is It,” and “Heart and Soul.” “Sports” went on to sell over 10 million copies in the U.S. alone, establishing the band as a major force in rock music.
The band’s success continued with their 1986 album “Fore!” which included hits like “Stuck with You,” “Hip to Be Square,” and “Jacob’s Ladder.” Their contribution to the soundtrack of the film “Back to the Future” with the song “The Power of Love” earned them a Grammy nomination and further solidified their place in pop culture. Their music videos were also a staple on MTV during the 1980s, contributing to their widespread popularity and their songs remain staples of classic rock radio today.
Huey Lewis has been married twice. His first marriage to Sidney Conroy ended in divorce, and they have two children together, Austin and Kelly. In addition to his musical career, Lewis has dabbled in acting, appearing in films like “Back to the Future” and TV shows like “Hot in Cleveland.” Lewis is known for his down-to-earth personality and his dedication to his craft, often emphasizing the importance of live performance in interviews.
In recent years, Huey Lewis has faced significant health challenges. In 2018, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with Meniere’s disease, a disorder affecting the inner ear that causes vertigo and hearing loss. This condition forced the band to cancel their tour and put new recordings on hold.
In 2020, Huey Lewis and the News released the album “Weather,” their first new record in nearly a decade. Although his condition has limited his ability to perform live, Lewis continues to engage with his fans and remains a beloved figure in the music industry.
Look back at the 1985 music video “Power of Love” by Huey Lewis and The News
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