Jacob’s Ladder

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some righteous vibes as we spin "Jacob’s Ladder" by Huey Lewis & The News from their killer album Fore! This track, which hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on March 14, 1987, is a bit of an outlier for the band, known for their upbeat, feel-good anthems. Written by brothers Bruce and John Hornsby, the song dives into deeper themes, touching on human struggles and a critique of shallow, capitalist-driven spirituality. In a 1987 interview with Rolling Stone, Huey Lewis shared that he was drawn to the song’s sincerity, saying, “It’s not our usual thing, but it felt real, like something worth saying.” That raw honesty helped it resonate with fans, even if it’s less remembered today than hits like “The Power of Love.”

Another cool tidbit about "Jacob’s Ladder" comes from its music video, which was notably low-key for the MTV era. According to a 2021 Stereogum article, the video didn’t try to sell Huey as a flashy rock star—it just showed him as “some guy” performing. This lack of pizzazz might’ve been intentional, reflecting the song’s grounded message. Fans on X have also posted about its chart success, with accounts like @OldSchool80s noting it was the band’s third and final #1 hit. The song’s serious tone didn’t quite fit Huey’s public image as the poster boy for Reagan-era yuppie charm, but that contrast is what makes it such a gem for Zoo Crew to spin.

Now, let’s rewind to how Huey Lewis & The News got their start. Huey Lewis, born Hugh Anthony Cregg III in New York City in 1950, grew up in California’s Bay Area. His early years were eclectic—he was a harmonica player in a jug band and even spent time hitchhiking across Europe, busking to make ends meet. According to a bio on their official website, Lewis joined a band called Clover in the 1970s, which caught the attention of producer Nick Lowe. Clover’s gigs in the UK didn’t lead to stardom, but they gave Huey serious chops. Back in San Francisco, he formed Huey Lewis & The News in 1979 with buddies like Johnny Colla and Bill Gibson, blending rock, pop, and R&B into a sound that screamed good times.

The band’s big break came with their 1983 album Sports, which exploded with hits like “I Want a New Drug” and “Heart and Soul.” Their blue-collar, bar-band energy, paired with Huey’s everyman charisma, made them MTV darlings and radio staples. Huey’s knack for storytelling, honed from his wandering days, shone through in their music. Fans still vibe with that energy, as seen in active communities like the Huey Lewis and The News Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can connect over classic tracks and new releases.

For more on the band, check out their official website for tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates straight from the source. If you’re looking to join the fan frenzy, the Huey Lewis and The News fan site has links to discographies and news, while the Facebook fan group is a great spot to swap stories with other devotees. Keep it groovy, Zoo Freaks, and let "Jacob’s Ladder" lift you higher!