Heart and Soul

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some righteous trivia about "Heart and Soul" by Huey Lewis & The News, the track we're spinning from their 1983 album Sports! Did you know this song wasn’t originally theirs? It was first recorded by the band Exile in 1981, written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn, but it only hit No. 102 on the Billboard Hot 100. Huey and the boys heard its potential, covered it, and turned it into a Top 10 hit, peaking at No. 8. In a wild studio moment, Huey Lewis recalled walking down the hallway while recording in Los Angeles and hearing the Bus Boys working on the same song in another studio—turns out, the publisher had pitched it to both bands! Huey kept his cool and stuck with it, a decision that paid off big time. Fans on X still rave about it, with posts calling Sports the moment Huey Lewis & The News hit their commercial and artistic peak.

Another cool tidbit: Huey has shared in interviews that "Heart and Soul" was inspired by his own rollercoaster experiences with love and relationships. He aimed to craft a tune that’d vibe with anyone who’s navigated the ups and downs of romance. The song’s infectious energy made it a fan favorite, and it even got a Grammy nod for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Group. Over on Facebook, fans in groups like Huey Lewis and The News Fans share stories of catching the band’s epic live performances of the track, which always got the crowd moving. The song’s also been covered by others, like T’Pau in 1987, who took it to the UK charts, proving its timeless groove.

Now, let’s rewind to how Huey Lewis & The News got their start. Huey Lewis, born Hugh Anthony Cregg III in New York City, grew up in the Bay Area and caught the music bug early. In the late ’70s, he was hustling with a band called Clover, a rootsy outfit that even tried their luck in England but couldn’t break through. After Clover fizzled, Huey teamed up with keyboardist Sean Hopper, bassist Mario Cipollina, saxophonist/guitarist Johnny Colla, and drummer Bill Gibson—guys from a rival Bay Area band, Soundhole. They added guitarist Chris Hayes, snagged a deal with Chrysalis Records, and by 1979, Huey Lewis & The News was born. Fun fact: they almost called themselves Huey Lewis & American Express, but the label nixed it to avoid a lawsuit!

The band’s early days were scrappy, playing local gigs and building a rep for their high-energy shows. Their first album in 1980 didn’t make waves, but by 1982, they scored a Top 10 hit with “Do You Believe in Love” from their second record. Then came Sports, their make-or-break moment. Huey’s said in interviews that if Sports hadn’t hit, they might’ve been dropped by their label. Lucky for us, it went seven-times platinum! You can keep up with the band on their Instagram for tour updates and throwback pics, or check X for their latest posts. Fans also hang out on sites like Huey Lewis and The News Fan Site, sharing vinyl finds and concert memories. So, Zoo Freaks, crank up "Heart and Soul" and let’s keep the good vibes rollin’!