Sacramento – In a candid interview I had this week with Governor Gavin Newsom, I got to experience a different side of his persona. The discussion, initially centered around policy and state affairs, took a tuneful detour when I inquired about Newsom’s personal music preferences.
“You like Huey Lewis and the News?” He asked. “I guess they’re o.k” I said timidly.
Without hesitation, Governor Newsom’s face lit up with enthusiasm as he declared, “Their early work was a little too new wave for my taste. But when Sports came out in ’83, I think they really came into their own, commercially and artistically.”
Newsom, known for his composed and meticulous demeanor, seemed more than eager to delve into the reasons behind his love for the band, but I couldn’t help notice the scattered magazines strewn about the floor of his meticulously cleaned apartment. “Why are there copies of the Style section all over the place? Do you… Do you have a dog?” I inquired with confusion.
The governor simply grinned and replied “No, Allen.”
I also was perplexed at the Governors choice in wardrobe attire, “Is that a raincoat?”
Newsom cocked his head and answered “Yes, it is.” before continuing to reminisce. “In ’87, Huey released this; Fore!, their most accomplished album. I think their undisputed masterpiece is “Hip To Be Square”. A song so catchy, most people probably don’t listen to the lyrics. But they should, because it’s not just about the pleasures of conformity and the importance of trends. It’s also a personal statement about the country itself.”
His admiration for the band extends beyond their chart-toppers. Newsom appreciates the depth of Huey Lewis and the News’s discography, highlighting the skillful blend of rock with a touch of blues, making their music timeless. “They managed to create songs that are both reflective and vibrant. Their music is as relevant today as it was back then, resonating with people of all ages.”
As the interview wrapped up, Governor Newsom’s unexpected musical discourse offered a glimpse into the personal tastes that shape the man behind the public office. His tribute to Huey Lewis and the News not only marked a moment of personal sharing but also underscored the enduring impact of 80s music culture.
In an era where political figures are often seen through the lens of their policies and decisions, Newsom’s candid share reminds us of the universal language of music and its power to reveal the multifaceted nature of individuals, transcending their public personas. (JK Around)
