In what decade did huey lewis & the news gain major popularity?

Question: In what decade did huey lewis & the news gain major popularity?

Huey Lewis & the News is a rock band that emerged in the early 1980s and became one of the most successful acts of the decade. The band's catchy songs, energetic performances, and charismatic frontman Huey Lewis appealed to a wide audience and earned them multiple hits, awards, and fans. In this blog post, we will explore the history and achievements of Huey Lewis & the News, and how they influenced the music scene of the 1980s.

The origins of Huey Lewis & the News can be traced back to 1979, when Huey Lewis and keyboardist Sean Hopper joined forces with guitarist Chris Hayes, bassist Mario Cipollina, drummer Bill Gibson, and saxophonist Johnny Colla. The band was originally called American Express, but changed their name to Huey Lewis & the News after signing with Chrysalis Records in 1980. Their debut album, Huey Lewis & the News, was released in 1980 and received little attention from critics or the public.

However, the band's fortunes changed with their second album, Picture This, which was released in 1982 and featured their first hit single, "Do You Believe in Love". The song was written by former Clover member Robert John "Mutt" Lange, who would later produce albums for AC/DC, Def Leppard, and Shania Twain. "Do You Believe in Love" reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and helped the album go gold. The band also gained exposure by touring with acts like Phil Collins, Foreigner, and Journey.

The band's breakthrough came with their third album, Sports, which was released in 1983 and became one of the best-selling albums of the decade. Sports spawned four top-ten singles: "Heart and Soul", "I Want a New Drug", "The Heart of Rock & Roll", and "If This Is It". The album showcased the band's versatility and range, from upbeat rockers to soulful ballads. The album also reflected the band's sense of humor and fun, as they spoofed various genres and stereotypes in their music videos. Sports sold over 10 million copies in the US and won a Grammy Award for Best Music Video for "The Heart of Rock & Roll".

The band's success continued with their fourth album, Fore!, which was released in 1986 and topped the Billboard 200 chart. Fore! featured three number-one singles: "Stuck with You", "Jacob's Ladder", and "Hip to Be Square". The album also included "The Power of Love", which was written for the movie Back to the Future and earned the band an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. The band also appeared in the movie as themselves, performing at Marty McFly's high school dance.

Huey Lewis & the News reached the peak of their popularity in the mid-1980s, but they also faced some challenges and controversies. In 1985, Huey Lewis sued Ray Parker Jr. for plagiarism, claiming that his song "Ghostbusters" copied the melody of "I Want a New Drug". The lawsuit was settled out of court, but sparked a media feud between the two artists. In 1987, Huey Lewis was accused of lip-syncing during a live performance at the New Year's Rockin' Eve show. Huey Lewis denied the allegation and blamed technical difficulties for the mishap.

The band's fifth album, Small World, was released in 1988 and marked a departure from their previous sound. The album featured more diverse influences, such as reggae, jazz, and world music. The album received mixed reviews from critics and fans, and sold less than their previous albums. The band also faced internal conflicts and personnel changes, as guitarist Chris Hayes left the band in 1989 and was replaced by Stef Burns.

The band took a hiatus in the early 1990s, but returned with their sixth album, Hard at Play, in 1991. The album was a return to their rootsy rock style and featured guest appearances by Bruce Hornsby and Tower of Power. The album produced two hit singles: "Couple Days Off" and "It Hit Me Like a Hammer". The band also embarked on a successful tour with Chicago.

The band continued to record and tour throughout the 1990s and 2000s, releasing albums such as Four Chords & Several Years Ago (1994), Plan B (2001), Soulsville (2010), and Weather (2020). The band also participated in various projects and collaborations, such as performing at We Are the World 25 for Haiti (2010), recording a song for Pineapple Express (2008), and appearing on American Idol (2009).

Huey Lewis & the News is one of the most iconic bands of the 1980s, but they are also more than that. They are a band that has endured and evolved over the years, while staying true to their musical vision and identity. They are a band that has influenced and inspired many artists and fans, and that has contributed to the cultural and musical landscape of their era and beyond. They are a band that deserves recognition and appreciation for their achievements and legacy.

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