Staying Fit
Huey Lewis, 73, retired from singing in 2018 after suffering hearing loss from Ménière’s disease, a disorder that affects balance and hearing. But his memorable music has found a new voice in the feel-good Broadway musical comedy The Heart of Rock and Roll, opening April 22 at the James Earl Jones Theatre in New York City. Lewis says the new show is “a wonderful thing for me. It keeps me creative and it keeps me busy.” He shares with AARP his advice for others suffering from hearing loss, his favorite ’80s tunes and why he loves living in Montana.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal
Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.
How did the Broadway musical come about?
My neighbor [from Lewis’ hometown of Ross, California] is a musical theater buff. We were having dinner and [my neighbor said to his son-in-law, film producer Tyler Mitchell], “Tyler, you should do a musical on Huey’s music.” Tyler said, “Wow, that’s a great idea. What do you think, Huey?” I said, “Well, the proof’s in the pudding, Tyler. Lots of people have approached me with the idea of doing a musical. It’s all about the [script].” And so he went away with his friend, John Abrams, and they wrote a first draft, which was really good. That was nine years ago. We’ve been working on it since.
Who are you bringing to opening night?
Jimmy Kimmel is going to come with me on opening night. He’s going to be my date. And we’ve got a lot of friends — some famous, some not so famous — but it’ll be a good night. And a lot of my band members are coming as well.
What do you miss most about the ’80s?
Well, I don’t miss the travel. I don’t even miss doing five, six shows a week. But I do miss the circus — the camaraderie of everything. And interestingly, that’s what I’m getting finally, now that I’m in New York and we’re here with a Broadway show.… [It’s] really collaborative, and that’s a wonderful feeling, to be part of something. That’s a thrill.
You Might Also Like
Tony Goldwyn Interview
‘Law & Order’ actor talks filming in NYC, keeping mentally sharp, and directing Robert De Niro in new movie
Patti Stanger Interview
Relationship guru discusses new TV show, the status of her love life and offers dating tips for the 50-plus crowd
Free Hearing Test
Members can take a phone-based hearing test for free once a year from the safety and comfort of your home
More Celebrity Interviews
Read exclusive Q&As with the biggest names in movies, music and television, best-selling authors and other high-profile personalities
More Members Only Access
Enjoy special content just for AARP members, including full-length films and books, AARP Smart Guides, celebrity Q&As, quizzes, tutorials and classes
Recommended for You