Huey Lewis & The News: The Sound of Fun, Rock, and the ’80s
If you grew up in the 1980s, turned on the radio, or watched Back to the Future, chances are you’ve heard Huey Lewis & The News. With their mix of rock, pop, and rhythm & blues, they created some of the catchiest, feel-good songs of the decade. Their music wasn’t just about having a good time—it was the soundtrack to an entire generation.
The Rise of Huey Lewis & The News
Formed in San Francisco in the late ‘70s, Huey Lewis & The News found their groove by blending rock with a horn-driven, bluesy sound. But it wasn’t until the 1983 album Sports that they exploded onto the scene. This record wasn’t just a hit—it became one of the biggest albums of the decade, producing four Top 10 singles:
🎵 “Heart and Soul” – A rock radio favorite with an unforgettable hook.
🎵 “I Want a New Drug” – One of their funkiest and most recognizable tracks.
🎵 “The Heart of Rock & Roll” – A tribute to the enduring power of rock music.
🎵 “If This Is It” – A beachy, doo-wop-inspired breakup anthem.
By the mid-’80s, Huey Lewis & The News were unstoppable.
The Back to the Future Effect
If you say “The Power of Love,” most people immediately think of Back to the Future (1985). This song, featured in the blockbuster film, became the band’s first #1 hit and is still one of the most iconic movie songs ever. Huey Lewis even had a cameo in the film as the strict talent show judge who tells Marty McFly, “You’re just too darn loud.”
Their song “Back in Time” was also written for the movie, making them forever linked to one of the greatest trilogies in film history.
More Hits, More Success
Following Sports, the band kept delivering:
🔥 “Stuck with You” – A smooth, feel-good love song that hit #1.
🔥 “Hip to Be Square” – A playful anthem about embracing normalcy (and later famously referenced in American Psycho).
🔥 “Doing It All for My Baby” – A soulful, singalong favorite.
Huey Lewis & The News had a signature sound—clean, fun, and full of life.
The Legacy Lives On
Even though health issues (including hearing loss) have slowed Huey Lewis down in recent years, his music remains timeless. Their songs still get airplay, show up in movies and commercials, and bring back memories of the days when rock was fun, catchy, and all about good vibes.
So next time “The Power of Love” comes on, turn it up, sing along, and remember why Huey Lewis & The News ruled the airwaves.
What’s your favorite Huey Lewis song? Drop it in the comments!
– Ken Robol, Rockin’ Hits Radio 🎶
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