Huey Lewis and the News
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Band Timeline
1972
Formation and Early Years of Huey Lewis and the News
Huey Lewis and the News began as part of the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area music scene in the early 1970s. Huey Lewis and keyboardist Sean Hopper joined the jazz-funk band Clover, which was active in the UK pub rock scene in the mid-1970s. Meanwhile, other future members of the News were part of the band Soundhole, which also operated in the same scene. This period was foundational, setting the stage for the merging of talents that would become Huey Lewis and the News.
1979
Formation of Huey Lewis & The American Express and Name Change
In 1979, separating from their previous bands, Huey Lewis joined Soundhole members Hopper, drummer Bill Gibson, guitarist Johnny Colla, and bassist Mario Cipollina to form a new group initially called Huey Lewis & The American Express. Under this name, they released a disco-themed single but saw little commercial success. Signing with Chrysalis Records and prompted by legal concerns over the name, they changed their band name to Huey Lewis and the News, marking the official beginning of the band identity that would become famous.
1980
Debut Album Release: Huey Lewis and the News
The band released their self-titled debut album in 1980. While showcasing their pop-rock and rhythm & blues influences, the album went largely unnoticed by the wider music audience, despite positive critical reviews and the charisma of Huey Lewis. This album marked the band's initial attempt to enter the mainstream, though commercial success still eluded them at this early stage.
1982
Second Studio Album: Picture This
Huey Lewis and the News released their second album, Picture This, in 1982. The album helped the band build a growing fan base and garnered more attention. Songs like 'Do You Believe in Love' became hits on rock radio, setting the stage for their breakthrough. Though not yet massively successful, Picture This laid important groundwork in musical style and public recognition.
1983
Breakthrough with Sports Album
The 1983 release of the album Sports proved to be a turning point for Huey Lewis and the News. The album catapulted them to worldwide fame, thanks to catchy, radio-friendly songs blending pop, rock, and soul. Sports featured numerous hit singles such as 'Heart and Soul' and 'I Want a New Drug,' leading to massive commercial success. The album was certified 7× platinum, establishing the band as one of the leading US pop-rock acts of the 1980s, and MTV played a significant role in their rising popularity through music videos.
1985
Major Success with "The Power of Love" and Back to the Future
In 1985, Huey Lewis and the News gained major mainstream exposure through their song 'The Power of Love,' which was featured prominently in the blockbuster film Back to the Future. The track reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The inclusion of their music in such a widely successful movie significantly broadened their audience and cemented their place in 1980s pop culture.
1986
Release of Fore! and Continued Chart Success
The album Fore!, released in 1986, sustained the band's momentum with two number-one singles: 'Stuck with You' and 'Jacob's Ladder.' The album also offered hits like 'Hip to Be Square,' showcasing the band's continued ability to blend catchy hooks with rock and pop sensibilities. Fore! further solidified Huey Lewis and the News as a dominant force on the charts and in popular music during the mid-1980s.
Late 1980s
Sustained Popularity and Hit Singles in the Late 1980s
During the late 1980s, Huey Lewis and the News continued to release music that resonated with audiences, including top-ten hits such as 'If This Is It,' 'I Know What I Like,' and 'Doing It All for My Baby.' The band maintained a strong presence on the charts and in live performances, further developing their sound which combined elements of blue-eyed soul, new wave, and roots rock. Their music sustained relevance through this period of changing music trends.
1990s and Beyond
Later Career, Albums, and Shifts in the Band
Throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, Huey Lewis and the News released additional albums and contributed to film soundtracks, including the 2008 movie Pineapple Express. Although their chart-topping days were mostly behind them, they retained a loyal fan base and continued touring. Lineup changes and evolving music styles marked these decades, but the band remained an enduring presence in American rock. Their compilation albums also served to introduce new listeners to their classic hits.
2018
Hiatus Due to Huey Lewis's Ménière's Disease Diagnosis
In 2018, the band halted all touring and recording activities following the revelation that Huey Lewis had Ménière's disease, a disorder of the inner ear that caused hearing loss and severely impacted his ability to perform. This diagnosis brought a practical end to their active career as a performing and recording unit. The news marked the close of an era for a band that had been active for over four decades since their formation.
2020
Release of Weather - Final Album pre-dating Lewis's Hearing Loss
In 2020, Huey Lewis and the News released Weather, an album comprising songs recorded before Huey Lewis's hearing loss. This album served as a final musical statement from the band, offering new material to fans after a long absence. Weather encapsulated the band's signature blend of rock and soul influences while also marking the conclusion of their recording legacy amidst the challenges faced by the lead singer.
Albums
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Johnnie Bamont
2009
Saxophone
Rob Sudduth
1994
Saxophone
Background vocals
Johnny Colla
1979
Guitar
Background vocals
Saxophone
Bill Gibson
1979
Drums (drum set)
Background vocals
Percussion
Sean Hopper
1979
Background vocals
Keyboard
Huey Lewis
1979
Harmonica
Lead vocals
John Pierce
1995
Bass guitar
Stef Burns
2001
Guitar
Background vocals
Marvin McFadden
1994
Background vocals
Percussion
Trumpet
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Ron “Rev” Stallings
1994
2009
Saxophone
Chris Hayes
1980
2001
Guitar
Background vocals
Mario Cipollina
1979
1995
Bass guitar
Story of Huey Lewis and the News
Hailing from San Francisco, Huey Lewis and the News exploded onto the music scene in the 1980s, becoming one of the era`s defining acts. Their infectious blend of blue-eyed soul, new wave, power pop, and roots rock, drawing heavily from classic pop, R&B, and doo-wop influences, yielded a remarkable nineteen top ten singles across the Billboard Hot 100, Adult Contemporary, and Mainstream Rock charts.
While their early albums garnered critical acclaim, showcasing Huey Lewiss undeniable charisma, it was 1983s Sports that propelled them to global stardom. Fueled by extensive MTV airplay, Sports became a phenomenal success. The albums impact was amplified by "The Power of Love," featured in the blockbuster film *Back to the Future*. This iconic track hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned an Academy Award nomination. Further cementing their reign, their 1986 album *Fore!* delivered two more chart-topping hits: "Stuck with You" and "Jacobs Ladder." Their string of 80s top ten hits also included classics like "Do You Believe in Love," "Heart and Soul," "I Want a New Drug," "The Heart of Rock & Roll," "If This Is It," "Hip to Be Square," "I Know What I Like," "Doing It All for My Baby," and "Perfect World," solidifying their place in music history.
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