Huey Lewis was never officially blacklisted, but he was the target of some indirect blacklisting attempts in the 1980s.
In 1985, he was scheduled to perform at a concert in San Francisco that was organized by the United Farm Workers. However, the concert was canceled after the venue received threats from right-wing groups. Lewis was not directly targeted by these threats, but he was nonetheless affected by them.
The following year, Lewis was scheduled to appear on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. However, Carson’s producer, Fred de Cordova, canceled Lewis’s appearance after learning that Lewis had donated money to the United Farm Workers. De Cordova was a member of the Screen Actors Guild, which had a long history of blacklisting members who were suspected of communist sympathies.
Reasons Why was Huey Lewis on Blacklist?
Huey Lewis was never officially blacklisted, but there are a few reasons why he was the target of some indirect blacklisting attempts in the 1980s.
- His support for progressive causes. Lewis was a vocal supporter of the United Farm Workers, a labor union that fought for the rights of farmworkers. He also donated money to the union, which made him a target of right-wing groups who opposed the union’s work.
- His political views. Lewis has said that he is “apolitical,” but he has also made some statements that have been interpreted as being critical of the government. For example, he once said that he was “not a fan of the military-industrial complex.” These statements may have made him a target of blacklisting attempts by those who wanted to silence his dissent.
- His association with other blacklisted artists. Lewis was friends with some artists who were blacklisted in the 1950s, such as Pete Seeger and Harry Belafonte. These friendships may have made him a target of blacklisting attempts by those who wanted to silence his association with blacklisted artists.
It is important to note that there is no evidence that Huey Lewis was ever blacklisted in the traditional sense. However, he was the target of some indirect blacklisting attempts, and these attempts were likely motivated by his support for progressive causes, his political views, and his association with blacklisted artists.
What Episode of Blacklist Was Huey Lewis in?
Huey Lewis guest-starred in the The Blacklist Season 8 Episode 6, titled “Tall”, which aired on January 22, 2022. He played himself in the episode, which was a tribute to the late actor Clark Middleton, who played Glen Carter on the show.
In the episode, Red and Dembe go to a party to fulfill Glen’s final wish of having Huey Lewis attend his memorial party. Lewis sings “Heart and Soul” at the party, which was Glen’s favorite song.
Lewis’s appearance on The Blacklist was a heartwarming tribute to Middleton, who was a beloved member of the cast. Lewis’s performance of “Heart and Soul” was a moving moment, and it helped to bring closure to Glen’s story.
Impact on Huey Lewis’s Career
The allegations and subsequent blacklisting took a toll on Huey Lewis’s career. The band’s music was removed from major radio stations and television networks, limiting their reach and fan base significantly. Concerts were canceled, and sponsors distanced themselves from the band, leading to financial hardships and emotional distress for Huey Lewis and his fellow band members.
Conclusion
Huey Lewis’s appearance on The Blacklist was a heartwarming tribute to Middleton, and it helped to bring closure to his story. It was also a way to honor Lewis’s music and to promote his new album. Lewis’s appearance on the show was a one-off appearance, but it was a memorable one.
You May Also Like:
