🎶 The Power of Love... and Rock-n-Roll
Huey Lewis, hearing loss, depression.... cut off from the very thing that had defined his life for decades.
The impact of Ménière's disease on Lewis's career cannot be overstated. Unable to hear pitch or music, he found himself cut off from the very thing that had defined his life for decades. The condition left him struggling with depression and even suicidal thoughts. "I haven't come to terms with it," Lewis admitted in a 2020 interview. "I'm still hoping it will reverse itself somehow."
Enjoy this Huey Lewis track while reading this post. ~ JT
The Heart of '80s Rock-n-Roll
Hugh Anthony Cregg III, better known as Huey Lewis, rose to fame as the charismatic frontman of Huey Lewis and the News. Born on July 5, 1950, in New York City, Lewis's journey to stardom was as unconventional as his music. From his early days teaching himself to play the harmonica to becoming one of the most recognizable voices of the 1980s, Lewis's career has been been full of ups and downs. He’s always had an unwavering love for music.
Lewis's band, Huey Lewis and the News, dominated the charts in the 1980s with hits like "The Power of Love," "Hip to Be Square," and "I Want a New Drug." Their album "Sports" (1983) absolutely crushed it, selling over 10 million copies in the US alone. But it was Lewis’s contribution to the "Back to the Future" soundtrack that cemented his place in pop culture history.
When Marty is being judged at the band auditions at the beginning, the judge who stands up to say he is "just too darn loud" is Huey Lewis, whose songs, "The Power of Love" and "Back in Time" are featured on the movie's soundtrack, and also wrote Marty's audition song (which is a re-orchestrated version of "The Power of Love."
Battling Ménière's Disease
In 2018, at the age of 67, Lewis faced a devastating blow to his career and passion. He was diagnosed with Ménière's disease, an inner ear disorder that causes severe hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus. For a musician whose life revolved around sound, this diagnosis was nothing short of catastrophic.
Lewis described the onset of his condition as sudden and severe.
"I was onstage in Dallas, and I couldn't hear a thing. It was just awful noise.
I thought the PA had gone haywire."
This marked the beginning of a challenging new chapter in Lewis's life, forcing him to cancel tours and step away from live performances.
The Impact on a Musical Life
The impact of Ménière's disease on Lewis's career cannot be overstated. Unable to hear pitch or music, he found himself cut off from the very thing that had defined his life for decades. The condition left him struggling with depression and even suicidal thoughts. "I haven't come to terms with it," Lewis admitted in a 2020 interview. "I'm still hoping it will reverse itself somehow."
Despite these challenges, Lewis has shown his true heart. He continued to work on music when possible, releasing the album "Weather" in 2020, which included songs recorded before his hearing loss became severe. Lewis refused to be silenced.
You can listen the album HERE.
Lewis's struggle with hearing loss is not unique in the music industry. Several other prominent musicians have faced similar challenges:
1. Pete Townshend (The Who): Known for his powerful guitar work, Townshend has battled tinnitus and hearing loss for decades, largely due to exposure to loud music during performances.
2. Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys): The musical genius behind The Beach Boys has struggled with hearing loss in his right ear since childhood, which he attributes to physical abuse from his father.
3. Phil Collins: The Genesis drummer and solo artist has experienced hearing loss and tinnitus, which contributed to his decision to retire from live performances in 2011 (although he later returned to touring).
The Power of Adaptation and Hope
Despite the enormous challenges posed by his condition, Lewis has not given up hope. He continues to explore treatment options and remains optimistic about the possibility of regaining his hearing. In the meantime, he has found new ways to connect with his audience, including through interviews, podcasts, and writing.
Looking to the Future
As Lewis navigates this new chapter of his life, his loyal fan base has cheered him on in support. The Heart of Rock and Roll, a musical comedy inspired by the songs of Huey Lewis and the News, closed on Broadway on June 23, 2024, and there has been talk about the tour picking back up in 2025. So although it may not be in the cards for Huey Lewis to tour, he is still creatively active.
I remember how often I listend to Huey Lewis and The News as a kid back in the day and it blows my mind to think a musical icon like Lewis would ever have to deal with something like hearing loss. I mean, I understand health problems come up in old age for some, but hearing loss for a guy that’s been creating and playing music? Makes me shake my head.
But I do love hearing that he has continued on despite this obstacle, and that gives me me hope that when faced with seemingly debilitating challenges, the power of love - for music, for life, and for oneself - can carry us through the darkest times.
Rock on Huey!
I invite you to follow my ULTIMATE 80s Playlist on Spotify—
I had absolutely no idea Huey Lewis had Ménière's disease. It'd be inaccurate to say I listened to Huey Lewis and the News growing up—it'd be like saying I listened to the sound of milk hitting my Kix in the morning. He wasn't just listened to, he was part of the experience. Some memories are hard to imagine without his music in the background.
So glad he's getting support through his fans, though. Thanks as always for sharing!
Four Chords & Several Years Ago should not be overlooked. A fantastic cover album.