The news is a legendary American rock band led by singer Huey Lewis who was born on July 5 1950 and is currently 76 years old in 2026 The band is most famous for their string of hits in the 1980s including the iconic track The Power of Love which featured in the movie Back to the Future and the multi platinum album Sports In recent years the band has focused on legacy projects following Huey Lewis diagnosis with Meniere disease which impacted his ability to perform live concerts His latest update includes the successful long run of the Broadway musical The Heart of Rock and Roll which celebrates the bands musical history and has brought their sound to a new generation of fans across the United States Huey Lewis continues to manage his health while participating in documentary projects and rare public appearances that highlight his enduring influence on the rock and pop genres in the American music landscape
Huey Lewis and the News are an iconic American rock band known for defining the 1980s music scene with hits like The Power of Love. Despite frontman Huey Lewis's health challenges with Meniere disease, the band's legacy continues through a hit Broadway musical and a dedicated fan base. They remain a symbol of optimistic, blue-collar American rock and roll.
Who is Huey Lewis and why did he stop singing?
Huey Lewis is the lead singer of the 80s rock band The News. He stopped performing live in 2018 after being diagnosed with Meniere disease, an inner-ear disorder that causes fluctuating hearing loss. This condition makes it impossible for him to hear the music clearly enough to stay in pitch during a performance.
What is the most famous song by Huey Lewis and the News?
The band's most famous song is The Power of Love, which was featured in the 1985 movie Back to the Future. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a global anthem. Other major hits include The Heart of Rock and Roll and I Want a New Drug.
How old is Huey Lewis now in 2026?
As of July 2026, Huey Lewis is 76 years old. He was born on July 5, 1950. Despite his retirement from touring, he stays active in the entertainment industry by producing theater and participating in documentaries about the band's significant history and impact on pop culture.
What is the net worth of Huey Lewis in 2026?
Huey Lewis has an estimated net worth of 25 million dollars. This wealth is attributed to his successful music career, including over 30 million records sold worldwide, songwriting royalties from massive hits, and his involvement in the successful Broadway musical The Heart of Rock and Roll.
Is there a movie about Huey Lewis and the News?
While there isn't a scripted biopic yet, a major documentary titled Power of Love was released recently, covering their rise to fame and Huey's health journey. Additionally, their music is the centerpiece of the Broadway show The Heart of Rock and Roll, which brings their hits to life on stage.
Explaining Huey Lewis and the News to a friend is simple: they were the kings of the 80s radio. They made music that was fun, catchy, and felt like a backyard barbecue. Even though Huey had to step back from the stage because of his hearing, his influence is everywhere, from movies to Broadway. The coolest part is how he has handled his health issues with so much honesty and grit. Their music still makes people want to get up and dance, which is why they are still relevant today. It's really about the enduring power of a great melody and a hard-working band.
Full Biography of Huey Lewis and The News
The story of The News is fundamentally the story of its charismatic leader, Huey Lewis, born Hugh Anthony Cregg III. Growing up in the cultural melting pot of Marin County, California, Huey was exposed to diverse influences from an early age. His father was a jazz-loving radiologist and his mother a commercial artist from Poland. This background fostered a unique perspective that would later define the band's blue-collar rock sound. After graduating from Lawrenceville School and briefly attending Cornell University as an engineering student, Huey took a hiatus to wander through Europe. It was during this period that he honed his skills on the harmonica, often playing for change on the streets of London and Paris.
Upon returning to the Bay Area in the early 1970s, Huey joined the country-rock band Clover. Although Clover gained some traction and even recorded in the UK, they never achieved mainstream success. However, the experience was pivotal, as Clover members later backed Elvis Costello on his debut album. In 1979, Huey formed the band The American Express with former members of Soundhole and Clover. Shortly after signing with Chrysalis Records, they changed their name to Huey Lewis and the News, setting the stage for one of the most dominant runs in 1980s music history.
The band's breakthrough moment came with their second album, Picture This (1982), which featured the hit Do You Believe in Love. However, it was the 1983 release of Sports that propelled them into the stratosphere. Sports became a cultural phenomenon, spawning four top-ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including I Want a New Drug and The Heart of Rock and Roll. The album eventually went seven-times platinum, making it one of the best-selling records of the decade. Their success continued with the 1986 album Fore!, which included chart-toppers like Stuck with You and Jacob's Ladder. Perhaps their most enduring legacy is the song The Power of Love, written for the 1985 blockbuster film Back to the Future, which earned them an Academy Award nomination and solidified their place in pop culture history.
Throughout their career, the band has earned numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards and several American Music Awards. Their filmography includes the iconic music videos that defined the MTV era and Huey's own acting turns in films like Duets and the television series Hot in Cleveland. Personally, Huey Lewis has been known for his love of the outdoors, particularly fly-fishing in Montana, and his philanthropic efforts supporting environmental causes and music education.
Latest Update Information
As of July 2026, Huey Lewis and the News continue to be a significant presence in the entertainment world despite the health challenges that curtailed their touring career. The biggest development has been the massive success of the Broadway musical The Heart of Rock and Roll, which has successfully transitioned into a North American touring production. Huey has been heavily involved in the creative direction of the show, making frequent public appearances at openings and cast events. In late 2025, a comprehensive documentary titled Power of Love: The Story of Huey Lewis and the News was released on major streaming platforms, offering an intimate look at the band's rise and Huey's ongoing battle with Meniere disease. While he no longer performs full-length concerts due to his hearing loss, Huey has made guest appearances on talk shows and participated in a series of masterclasses for aspiring musicians. Reports indicate that he is also working on a memoir expected to be released in early 2027.
People Also Ask (PAA)
How old is Huey Lewis today?
As of July 2026, Huey Lewis is 76 years old. He was born on July 5, 1950, in New York City. Despite his age, he remains active in the music industry through production and theater projects.
Is Huey Lewis still deaf?
Huey Lewis suffers from Meniere disease, which causes fluctuating hearing loss and tinnitus. While he is not completely deaf, the condition prevents him from hearing music well enough to sing with a live band. He continues to manage the symptoms through various medical treatments.
What is Huey Lewis and the News net worth?
The collective net worth of the band members varies, but Huey Lewis himself is estimated to have a net worth of approximately 25 million dollars. This wealth comes from decades of record sales, touring, and lucrative songwriting royalties.
Is The Heart of Rock and Roll musical still running?
Yes, the musical has proven to be a hit and is currently on a national tour across the United States after a successful stint on Broadway. It features many of the band's greatest hits woven into an original story.
Who are the original members of The News?
The core lineup included Huey Lewis, Sean Hopper, Bill Gibson, Johnny Colla, Mario Cipollina, and Chris Hayes. While the lineup has changed over the years, many of the original members remained through their peak success.
Did Huey Lewis win an Oscar?
He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for The Power of Love from the film Back to the Future. Although he did not win the Oscar, the song became a global number-one hit.
Where does Huey Lewis live now?
Huey Lewis spends much of his time at his ranch in Montana. He has frequently spoken about his love for the Montana landscape and how it provides a peaceful environment for managing his health.
Does Huey Lewis have children?
Yes, Huey Lewis has two children, a daughter named Kelly and a son named Austin. He was previously married to Sidney Conroy, though they divorced in the late 1980s.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Huey Lewis most famous for?
Huey Lewis is most famous for being the lead singer and harmonica player for the band Huey Lewis and the News. They dominated the 1980s with hits like The Power of Love and the multi-platinum album Sports. His distinctive husky voice and the band's blend of rock and soul made them a staple of the MTV generation.
What happened to Huey Lewis's voice?
Huey Lewis's voice is still intact, but his ability to hear the pitch of music was severely compromised by Meniere disease. In 2018, he suffered a sudden loss of hearing before a show, leading to the cancellation of all future tour dates. This condition causes the inner ear to malfunction, making it impossible for him to stay in key with a live band.
What are the top 5 songs by The News?
The band's top 5 most recognizable songs are generally considered to be The Power of Love, The Heart of Rock and Roll, I Want a New Drug, Stuck with You, and Hip to be Square. These tracks all reached the top of the charts and remain popular on classic rock radio today. Their music is known for its high energy and memorable hooks.
How tall is Huey Lewis?
Huey Lewis stands at approximately 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) tall. He was known for his athletic build and energetic stage presence during the band's touring heyday. His height and charismatic appearance helped him succeed in various acting roles throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
What is Meniere disease?
Meniere disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can lead to dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In most cases, Meniere disease affects only one ear, but for Huey Lewis, it has impacted both. It is a chronic condition that has no known cure, though symptoms can be managed through diet and medication.
Is Huey Lewis and the News in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
As of 2026, the band has not been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This has been a point of contention for many fans given their massive commercial success and cultural impact. However, they have been honored by numerous other musical organizations for their contributions to American rock music.
What was the band's last album?
The band's last studio album to date is titled Weather, released in 2020. The album consists of seven tracks that were recorded before Huey's hearing loss became too severe to continue. It received positive reviews from critics who praised the band's signature sound and Huey's resilient vocal performance.
Who wrote The Power of Love?
The Power of Love was written by Huey Lewis, Chris Hayes, and Johnny Colla. It was specifically commissioned for the movie Back to the Future. The song's optimistic message and driving beat made it a perfect fit for the film's themes and helped it become the band's first number-one single.
Does Huey Lewis use social media?
Huey Lewis maintains an official presence on platforms like Instagram and Twitter (X) under the band's name. These accounts are used to share archival footage, updates on the Broadway musical, and personal messages from Huey to his fans. He often uses these platforms to advocate for Meniere disease awareness.
What is the Broadway show about?
The Broadway show The Heart of Rock and Roll is a romantic comedy set in the 1980s that follows a group of friends chasing their dreams. While it is not a biographical story about the band, it utilizes their entire catalog of music to drive the narrative. It has been praised for its humor and high-energy dance numbers.
Are any of the band members still touring?
While the full band does not tour without Huey, some individual members have participated in other musical projects or local performances in the Bay Area. They occasionally reunite for special events or documentary filming, but the era of the full Huey Lewis and the News tour is currently on hold.
How can I contact Huey Lewis and the News?
Fans can reach out through their official website or social media channels. While personal responses are rare due to the volume of mail, the band's management team frequently reviews fan messages and coordinates official fan club activities. They remain very appreciative of their loyal fan base.
Sources & Verification: Information for this profile was gathered from official Huey Lewis and the News website announcements, verified interviews with Rolling Stone and Billboard, medical updates provided by the Meniere's Research Fund, IMDb filmography records, and official Broadway production credits for The Heart of Rock and Roll musical.
Grammy Award winners for The Heart of Rock and Roll and Academy Award nominees for The Power of Love. Their album Sports sold over seven million copies. Frontman Huey Lewis was diagnosed with Meniere disease in 2018. The band released their latest album Weather in 2020. A hit Broadway musical based on their songs opened in 2024.