Huey Lewis on Recording We Are the World, Bob Dylan Writing a Song for Him & New Broadway Musical

TL;DR

Huey Lewis discusses his new Broadway musical, "The Heart of Rock and Roll."

Transcript

our next guest is a Grammy award winner with 30 million records sold in a new Broadway musical based on those records the heart of Rock and Roll opens at the James Earl Jones theater in New York on March 29th please welcome huie [Applause] Lewis H Huey you brought a little device along so that uh you can hear me because you have hearing issues exac... Read More

Key Insights

• 😫 Huey Lewis is set to debut "The Heart of Rock and Roll" on Broadway, showcasing his musical legacy.
• 🆕 The musical has evolved significantly since its initial San Diego production, with new songs and scenes adding fresh elements.
• 😚 The story behind the musical was proposed by a close connection, demonstrating how collaboration and community can spark creative endeavors.
• 🎼 Lewis is actively involved in maintaining the integrity of his music by overseeing lyric changes for the production.
• 🤑 His artistic roots lie in various music styles, underpinning the rich diversity of his works.
• 🇨🇫 Participation in influential moments, like the filming of a prominent documentary, highlights the intersection of personal nerves and public acclaim.
• 🧑‍🎨 The stories of past interactions with legendary artists like Bob Dylan illustrate the profound impact these relationships had on his career.

Questions & Answers

Q: What significant changes were made to "The Heart of Rock and Roll" since its San Diego debut?

The musical underwent notable alterations, including the addition of four new songs and changes to several scenes. The previous production was halted due to the pandemic, which allowed the creative team time to refine and improve the story, making it more engaging for audiences as it heads to Broadway.

Q: How did Huey Lewis come up with the concept for the musical?

The idea for "The Heart of Rock and Roll" originated from Tyler Mitchell, the son-in-law of Lewis’ neighbor, who suggested the concept. Lewis initially felt skeptical about the feasibility of a musical driven by a neighbor's son-in-law, but ultimately trusted Mitchell’s expertise in the entertainment industry.

Q: Did Huey Lewis have creative input on changes made to the lyrics of his songs for the musical?

Yes, Huey Lewis confirmed that he is consulted on any changes made to the lyrics in the musical. While he typically agrees with the changes, he maintains a level of oversight to ensure that the essence of his songs is preserved, reflecting the show's narrative effectively.

Q: What other musical project featuring Huey Lewis’ music is currently running alongside "The Heart of Rock and Roll"?

In addition to "The Heart of Rock and Roll," the popular musical adaptation of "Back to the Future" is also featuring Huey Lewis’ music. The simultaneous success of two Broadway shows based on his catalog highlights the enduring appeal of his work and the relevance of his songs in contemporary theater.

Q: What personal experiences influenced Huey Lewis' musical style and career?

Huey Lewis’ early exposure to various music genres, particularly soul and black music, shaped his artistic sensibilities. His time in San Francisco exposed him to folk music and he began playing harmonica, leading to a diverse appreciation for music. Punk rock also inspired him to embrace creativity without conforming to industry standards.

Q: What emotions did Huey Lewis experience during the filming of "The Greatest Night in Pop"?

While filming "The Greatest Night in Pop," Huey Lewis felt a mix of nervousness and pressure, especially when tasked with performing a solo in front of music legends. His apprehension was amplified by the lack of preparation for harmonizing with esteemed artists, making the experience memorable and somewhat overwhelming.

Q: How did his interactions with music legends like Bob Dylan impact him?

Huey Lewis’ interactions with Bob Dylan and other icons have left a significant mark on his musical journey. The fact that Dylan once sent him a song only to be misplaced reflects both the reverence Lewis holds for such legends and the bittersweet nature of missed opportunities in his career.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Huey Lewis elaborates on the upcoming Broadway musical "The Heart of Rock and Roll," which opens on March 29th, combining his classic hits with a new narrative.

• The production has undergone significant changes since its original run in San Diego, incorporating four new songs and various scene alterations post-pandemic.

• Lewis recalls his brushes with music legends and his journey, including a missed opportunity to record a song from Bob Dylan, sharing anecdotes about his influences and experiences.