Complete List Of Huey Lewis And The News Band Members

Carl Lender, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons

Huey Lewis and the News, formed in 1979 in San Francisco, California, became one of the most successful pop-rock bands of the 1980s. Known for their infectious melodies, dynamic performances, and a string of chart-topping hits like “The Power of Love” and “Hip to Be Square,” the band blended rock, R&B, and soul to create a distinct sound. Over the decades, the group has undergone numerous lineup changes, yet its core essence has remained intact. The band has released ten studio albums, including the multi-platinum Sports (1983) and Weather (2020). Huey Lewis and the News have earned major award nominations, contributed to iconic soundtracks, and remain a beloved act with a legacy of timeless hits.

Huey Lewis

Huey Lewis, born Hugh Anthony Cregg III, is the lead vocalist and harmonica player for Huey Lewis and the News. As a founding member in 1979, Lewis brought his charismatic stage presence and soulful vocals to the forefront of the band’s success. Prior to forming the News, he played in the band Clover; several of his Clover bandmates backed Elvis Costello on his debut album My Aim Is True, although Lewis himself did not play on those sessions. Lewis co-wrote many of the band’s biggest hits, including “If This Is It,” “The Heart of Rock & Roll,” “I Want a New Drug,” and “The Power of Love.” Outside the band, he has acted in films and television and played harmonica with Thin Lizzy. His leadership and creative vision have been instrumental in the band’s enduring appeal.

Johnny Colla

Johnny Colla, a founding member of Huey Lewis and the News, has been a vital part of the band’s success as a saxophonist, rhythm guitarist, and backing vocalist. Colla contributed significantly to the band’s songwriting, co-writing hits such as “If This Is It,” “The Heart of Rock & Roll,” and “The Power of Love.” Before joining the band, Colla played with Sound Hole, a Marin County group that also included Bill Gibson and Mario Cipollina. His multi-instrumental talents and creative input have been essential to the band’s signature sound.

Bill Gibson

Drummer Bill Gibson is another founding member of Huey Lewis and the News, known for his impeccable timing and energetic performances. Joining the band in 1979, Gibson has been a constant presence through their decades-long career and has performed on every Huey Lewis and the News studio album. His work on albums such as Sports and Fore!, where he provided the driving rhythm behind hits like “I Want a New Drug,” showcased his versatility and technical skill. In addition to drumming and percussion, Gibson has contributed backing vocals and songwriting.

Sean Hopper

Keyboardist Sean Hopper is one of the original members of Huey Lewis and the News, bringing his keyboard work and vocal harmonies to the band’s distinctive sound. Before joining the News, Hopper played alongside Huey Lewis in Clover and was one of the Clover musicians who backed Elvis Costello on My Aim Is True. After returning to California, Hopper joined Lewis and other future members of the News in the Monday Night Live band and then in the group’s precursor, American Express. His keyboard work became a cornerstone of the band’s style on recordings such as “Heart and Soul” and “Jacob’s Ladder.” Hopper’s musicianship has been key to the band’s success from its earliest days.

Mario Cipollina

Bassist Mario Cipollina was a founding member of Huey Lewis and the News, playing with the band from its inception until 1994. Before joining the News, Cipollina played in Sound Hole with future bandmates Johnny Colla and Bill Gibson. His basslines provided the foundational groove for hits like “The Power of Love” and “Do You Believe in Love.” Cipollina also contributed to the band’s songwriting, including co-writing “You Crack Me Up” from Sports. His distinctive style and rhythmic precision helped define the band’s sound during its peak years.

Chris Hayes

Chris Hayes was part of the original Huey Lewis and the News lineup heard on the band’s 1980 debut album and became a key contributor to their success throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Hayes co-wrote major hits with Huey Lewis, including “I Want a New Drug,” “Stuck with You,” and “The Power of Love.” His dynamic guitar solos and harmonies added depth to the band’s music. Hayes left the group in 2000 to spend more time with his family, although he later made occasional appearances with the band. His songwriting and guitar work remain an integral part of the group’s legacy.

Stef Burns

Stef Burns succeeded Chris Hayes as a lead guitarist for Huey Lewis and the News, bringing a versatile playing style to the band’s later years. Burns has also performed with Alice Cooper, Sheila E., Y&T, Vasco Rossi, and other major artists. His work with Huey Lewis and the News includes extensive live performances and recordings, including the 2010 album Soulsville and the 2020 album Weather. His guitar work complements the band’s classic sound while adding his own distinct style.

Bill Hinds

Guitarist Bill Hinds became part of the expanded Huey Lewis and the News guitar lineup during the band’s later period. He performed and toured with the group during the 2000s and is credited as a guitarist on the 2010 album Soulsville. Working alongside Stef Burns and the longtime core members, Hinds helped carry the band’s guitar sound into its post-Plan B era. His tenure places him among the important later members of the News.

James Harrah

Guitarist and vocalist James Harrah became part of the later Huey Lewis and the News lineup after years of work as a respected session and touring musician. Harrah performed live with the band during the 2010s and took part in the sessions that produced Weather. He is officially credited on the 2020 album for guitar and vocals. His work helped expand the band’s guitar lineup during its final years of regular live performance and recording.

John Pierce

John Pierce became the permanent bassist for Huey Lewis and the News in 1994, replacing Mario Cipollina. Pierce had also played briefly with the News in 1986 during the Fore! era before returning as a full-time member eight years later. A seasoned session musician, Pierce has worked with artists including Mick Jagger, Tom Petty, Bruce Hornsby, Paul Westerberg, Boz Scaggs, and Toto. His solid bass playing and extensive professional experience made him a valuable addition to the band’s later lineup.

Marvin McFadden

Marvin McFadden became a key trumpet player in the Huey Lewis and the News horn section during the 1990s. He appears in the credits for Four Chords and Several Years Ago and continued performing and recording with the band through later releases. His trumpet became part of the expanded horn sound heard in the group’s concerts and later studio work, including Weather. McFadden has also performed or recorded with artists including Santana, The Doobie Brothers, Ray Charles, James Brown, and The Temptations.

Ron Stallings

Tenor saxophonist Ron Stallings was a longtime member of the Huey Lewis and the News horn section and became part of the group’s regular lineup in the 1990s. He appears on the band’s 1996 compilation Time Flies… The Best of Huey Lewis and the News and on the 2005 concert release Live at 25. Stallings continued touring with the band while undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma. He died on April 13, 2009. His soulful tenor saxophone remained an important part of the News’ live sound for many years.

Rob Sudduth

Rob Sudduth joined Huey Lewis and the News in 1994 as a tenor saxophonist and toured and recorded with the group through 2018. His contributions enriched the band’s live shows and recordings while maintaining the vibrant energy of its horn section. Sudduth also co-wrote “So Little Kindness” with Huey Lewis and Chris Hayes. Outside the News, he has recorded with Norah Jones and performed with artists including The Doobie Brothers, The Temptations, and The Four Tops.

Johnnie Bamont

Johnnie Bamont became part of the Huey Lewis and the News horn lineup in the band’s later years, playing saxophones and flute. By the time of the 2010 album Soulsville, Bamont was contributing alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, and flute to the group’s recordings. He also appears on Weather on baritone saxophone. His versatility as a musician has been a significant asset, and his wider recording and touring credits include work with Boz Scaggs, The Temptations, Frankie Valli, Sheryl Crow, and other artists.