Visiting the bar of the Huey Lewis and the News album “Sports”

After meeting the man himself, and some of his band, would it thrill to go to the bar featured in the photo on the cover of Sports, the breakthrough album for Huey Lewis and the News?

Indeed it would, and did.

On 1/27/23, I first stepped foot into a scene I’ve known since 1983—the 2 A.M. Club in Mill Valley, CA [near San Francisco]. Consistent with its devil-may-care dive bar ethos, the punctuation varies; on its home page, it’s also referred to as 2am Club and 2 AM Club. 

I was with my dad and two cousins, both of whom have lived in the area for decades and were familiar with the place. In fact, some years ago, one was in the joint when someone tried to steal his bike outside, and he and his friends chased away the would-be thief.

We arrived soon after opening, around 12:30 pm. Only a couple of guys at the bar. No bartender in sight. As I was clumsily trying to recreate the album cover pose, a voice behind me said “Just leave it here when you’re done.” I turned to see a copy of the album—signed by Huey—and the bartender already heading to the back again. It was heartening how trusting he was with something so meaningful. I guess Huey fans tend to be as clean-cut as Huey’s mid-‘80s image.

I’ve had the privilege of visiting world-famous, centuries-old masterpieces including the moai of Easter Island and the Taj Mahal. For a lifelong, hardcore HLATN fan, a certain corner of the 2 A.M. Club just about equals them.

with my dad

Batman, Bill, and Brigham Young

On 2/20/19, I had the pleasure of speaking at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, where your backdrop is this:

I was invited by the Copyright Licensing Office. The topic was Bill Finger framed through the lens of copyright. The talk was open to anyone on campus. The turnout exceeded my expectations—surely in part due to the extensive marketing (which included free pizza).

A touch I especially appreciated: attendees filed in to a mix of songs (including "Philadelphia Freedom" by Elton John) that had all been the focus of a copyright claim. (I did not hear the two I knew of offhand, "I Want a New Drug" by Huey Lewis and the News vs. "Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr. or "One Fine Day" by the Chiffons vs. "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison.)

After, I gave a 30-minute interview to Julie Rose for Top of Mind, the daily BYU radio program (also available on other services including SiriusXM).

Thank you again to Peter Midgley for making this happen and Julie for your interest.

Seeing "The Heart of Rock & Roll" jukebox musical in San Diego

I dressed as Huey Lewis.

I interviewed women who starred in Huey Lewis and the News videos.

I met Huey Lewis (and some of the News).

And now I've seen the new musical based on the songs of Huey Lewis and the News.

The Heart of Rock & Roll world-premiered in San Diego in September 2018 and is set to close in late October. As luck may have it, I was already scheduled to be in California during the show's run, but in Redlands, about 1.5 hours from San Diego. 

Still, not knowing if the musical would be successful enough to pop up elsewhere, I seized the opportunity. I flew directly to San Diego, drove straight to the show, and straight afterward drove into the night to my Redlands-area hotel.

Bonus: This poster combines two things I love.

The story was better than I was expecting based on a review or two I read, but of course this was not first and foremost about a story. The songs were the stars. I've rarely heard HLATN songs reinterpreted, so that was a rare treat. I was pleasantly surprised that the show included a few songs that were not hits ("I Never Walk Alone," "World to Me") and one song Huey wrote specially for the story. 

It was worth the side trip.

It was hip to be there.

"Rolling Stone" links to my "If This Is It" interviews

In 9/14, Rolling Stone counted down the best singles of 1984.

Number 49 is "If This Is It" by Huey Lewis and the News. 

And the write-up links (the word "report") to my interview with the two women in the video:

The greatest year in pop music: 1984

So says Rolling Stone, and I agree. 

In 1984, whether or not Big Brother was watching, I bet he was listening.

It’s (let’s go) crazy how many cool (it now) songs came out that year. It’s astounding that I knew almost every song on this Rolling Stone list of the 100 best singles of 1984, and even more astounding, that I like far more than half. I doubt I could say the same about most years since—and probably no year since the ‘80s closed up shop.

The boss of ‘84 was Prince. But there were tons of executive vice presidents.

Here are my favorites from the list—almost half, and hard to narrow down further:

99 Scandal feat. Patty Smyth, “The Warrior”
98 Dead or Alive, “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)”
95 Depeche Mode, “People Are People”
89 Steve Perry, “Oh Sherrie”
85 Bryan Adams, “Run to You”
78 The Cars, “You Might Think”
76 General Public, “Tenderness”
75 Billy Joel, “Uptown Girl”
72 Twisted Sister, “We’re Not Gonna Take it”
69 Ray Parker Jr., “Ghostbusters”
67 Madonna, “Like a Virgin”
66 Elton John, “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues”
65 Laura Branigan, “Self Control”
64 Matthew Wilder, “Break My Stride”
63 ZZ Top, “Legs”
62 Animotion, “Obsession”
59 Pat Benatar, “Love Is a Battlefield”
57 Scorpions, “Rock You Like a Hurricane”
50 Wham!, “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”
49 Huey Lewis and the News, “If This Is It (this write-up links to me!)
48 The Go-Go’s, “Head Over Heels”
46 Eurythmics, “Here Comes the Rain Again”
45 Billy Ocean, “Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)”
40 Duran Duran, “The Reflex”
36 Cyndi Lauper, “She Bop”
34 Night Ranger, “Sister Christian”
27 New Edition, “Cool It Now”
22 Culture Club, “Karma Chameleon”
21 The Cars, “Drive”
18 a-ha, “Take on Me”
15 Nena, “99 Luftballons”
10 Sheila E., “The Glamorous Life”
8 Prince and the Revolution, “Purple Rain”
7 Don Henley, “The Boys of Summer”
4 Prince and the Revolution, “Let’s Go Crazy”
1 Prince and the Revolution, “When Doves Cry”

You know it’s a hella good year when “The Warrior” is #99…though in some cases I have a quibble with the ranking. “Solid” by Ashford & Simpson (#19) higher than “Wrapped Around Your Finger by the Police (#86)—and top 20, no less?

But still, I’d take “Solid” over “Timber” any decade.

From where I jam, most of these songs not only still hold up but also surpass much of what makes the Top 40 today. For starters, not a one is about going clubbing.

Obsession indeed.

The Girl in the Video: “Stuck with You” (1986)

Introduction to series “The Girl in the Video 2” (including list of interviewees).

The video: “Stuck with You” by Huey Lewis and the News.

The girl-now-woman: Keely Brosnan (also known as Keely Shaye Smith).

How old were you when you appeared in the “Stuck With You” video?

24.

Where were you living at the time?

New York City.

What music videos, shows, or movies had you appeared in prior to that?

I had starred in a film called The Opponent with Academy Award winner Ernest Borgnine and appeared in a comedy special with Rodney Dangerfield as well as another comedy pilot for HBO called Norman’s Corner with Gilbert Gottfried. I was the Keri (lotion) girl and had filmed probably 20 national commercials (my bread and butter at the time) for a myriad of products including English Leather Cologne, Eastern Airlines, Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum, and Eagle Brand Snacks which featured Tony Randall and Jack Klugman as the Odd Couple (directed by Alan Arkin).

I was also modeling, doing catalog work for large department stores like Macy’s, runway shows for Perry Ellis and Bill Blass, and editorial work in women’s fashion magazines as well as acting in NYC-based soap operas.

photo courtesy Cynthia Wolff

How were you cast in “Stuck With You”?

I was represented for print and television by Elite Model Management; however, I was sent on the “go-see” by my boyfriend at the time (who was a model at a competing agency), not by my agent. It was a proper audition at a large casting office with director Edd Griles who was looking for an “island girl.” There were dozens of gorgeous young women hoping to land the part. Following my audition, I was invited for a call back. The second audition took place at a fancy hotel on Central Park West. I auditioned with Huey for the director.

photo courtesy Cynthia Wolff

Do you remember what your reaction was when you were cast?

I was excited. The job paid union scale, which wasn’t a lot of money at the time, but it seemed like a lovely opportunity. MTV was hip, innovative, and showcasing artists in a unique way. There were only a few dozen music videos playing in rotation. The music video industry was breaking ground at the time—it was all so new.

Were you a fan of Huey Lewis and the News’s music?

Sure. Everyone knew who Huey Lewis and the News were following the success of their album “Sports” and their song “The Power of Love” for Back to the Future.

Where was the video filmed?

The Bahamas. The opening sequence took place in Nassau. Huey was flirting with my character at garden party but ultimately we found ourselves washed up on a remote tropical island—my favorite thing in the world—following a mock-shark attack. The pristine island was a little jewel with white sand, breathtakingly clear seawater lapping at the shoreline, a thick grove of lush coconut palms…and no development whatsoever… a truly magical, dream location.

How long was the shoot?

The shoot lasted one full week.

How did you feel making the video?

It was an exciting moment in time because it felt like we were making a short film. Les Blank, a renowned independent documentary filmmaker known for his poetic glimpses into the lives of artistic individuals as well as his intimate portraits of musicians, was on set filming Be-Fore: The Making of a Music Video. Blank was a genius in his own right and I was fortunate to be simultaneously cast in a music video as well as his documentary. Blank took viewers behind the scenes to observe what ensues when a hit song is converted into a visual medium and one of the best known rock-and-roll bands of the ‘80s become actors. The footage also offered some insight into sexism in the media, the MTV machine, and the music business.

What was the hardest part of the shoot?

The silver dress.

Kidding aside, one of the most difficult aspects of the job was getting up in the dark and travelling by barge with a crew of fifty technicians to the remote location with all the camera equipment and gear. I would sit for hours with the hairdresser then head to makeup as the sun began to rise. Working on the boat made it very challenging for the makeup artist to practice her craft. We would also have wardrobe fittings or costume changes in a small makeshift area on the barge.

Everyone worked long hours, filming under a blistering tropical sun. I recall getting very sunburnt. Some days to cool off, I would swim during our lunch break (in my dress because there was nowhere to change on island). At the end of the day, I would get a lift back to Nassau on an enormous cigarette boat with Huey and the band.

How was it to work with the band? What were they like? Did any of them hit on you?

Huey Lewis had a casual, easy elegance and charm. And most of the band members had a great sense of humor. They all seemed relaxed and to genuinely enjoy what they were doing…being rock stars. Huey was married and I was in a relationship. Let’s just say…I was immune to any advances.

Any funny stories from the shoot?

Not that I can tell you. I do recall being awakened from a deep sleep by Huey and some of the guys well after midnight and being persuaded to join them at the casino. Huey spotted me $500 and that’s the night I discovered I was a natural at playing blackjack!

Anything go wrong on the shoot?

Not to my knowledge.

What did you think of the video?

I thought “Stuck With You” was delightfully engaging. It was hugely popular and I was proud to be a part of it. I believe Huey and the band won the American Music Award for best music video that year. Suddenly I was the “girl in the video.” People wanted to meet me. Men wanted to meet me. Occasionally I didn’t live up to someone’s fantasy of the “island girl” in the video. After “Stuck With You,” I had a plethora of casting calls. And requests for blind dates.

What did your parents think of it?

The video was actually quite tame. My parents liked it.

What did you friends think of it?

My friends got a kick out of the immediacy of seeing me on MTV several times a day. Everybody liked the video. I had a small circle of friends composed of artists, actors, models, and photographers and often we would meet for coffee or brunch at a restaurant called Lox Around-the-Clock on 6th Avenue. They had a large television/jukebox in the corner of the restaurant and for a quarter, you could play your favorite music video. It was kind of a kick to catch up on each other’s lives and careers while “Stuck With You” played in the background. Naturally they loved it when I was “recognized.”

Did you watch the MTV World Premiere of the video, and if so, where and how did that feel?

I don’t recall watching the premiere. I was probably working.

Did the video ever affect your dating life in any way (i.e. when you first told boyfriends you were the woman in it)?

Well…even though it was my boyfriend at the time who sent me on the casting call (and he was proud that I booked the job), he was very distraught that I was leaving for a week to travel to a remote tropical island with Huey Lewis. Truly, it was a source of amusement more than anything following the release of the video.

Did you receive fan mail?

Not for the video.

Did the video generate any controversy that you know of?

No.

What were you paid?

Union scale…which was a little over $300 per day.

Were you ever recognized in public? How often and when last? Any stories about that?

I was recognized frequently when the video first appeared, but I went on to have a diverse career in television, working as an actor on General Hospital, correspondent and producer for morning news programs including The Home Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show (I met my husband while on assignment), and Entertainment Tonight. I co-hosted Unsolved Mysteries with Robert Stack for two seasons and wrote, produced, and hosted my own ecologically-minded home and garden series for PBS called Home Green Home.

Did you appear in other music videos after that?

No.

If you ever met other women who were female leads in a mainstream ‘80s rock video, who?

Lyndie Benson, Cindy Frey, Cindy Crawford, and Nicollette Sheridan are all friends. Stephanie Seymour and Elaine Irwin were Elite models in the ‘80s and we worked together early in our careers. Garcelle Beauvais and I did lots of bridal advertising and catalog work together when we were young. And throughout my time in New York City, London, and Hollywood, I have met many ‘80s stars including Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Brooke Shields, Coureney Cox, Carol Alt, Helena Christensen, Kim Alexis, and Joan Severance.

If you went to college, what did you study?

I studied broadcast journalism and went from model to actress, actress to broadcast journalist, and then television host. I have also written for television and various magazines.

What are you doing these days?

Traveling the world. I just returned from seven spectacular weeks in Paris and Versailles. Prior to that I was in Thailand for a couple of months while my husband [MTN: actor Pierce Brosnan] was shooting a film called The Coup.

New Year’s Eve 2013-14, Thailand

I am currently producing a documentary about Kauai County Bill 2491 (working title: Pass the Bill: Stop Poisoning Paradise), editing an edible gardening book, designing and landscaping gardens in Hawaii and California, curating my husband’s original paintings for an art exhibit, and managing our affairs while raising a family and completing the building our dream home.

I have long been a champion of environmental causes and have run or participated in a number of successful environmental campaigns. I enjoy directing and producing public service announcements. The last PSA I co-wrote and co-produced challenged President Obama not to legalize whaling for Iceland, Japan, and Norway.

My husband and I are philanthropically minded and involved in a number of environmental, animal, and children’s issues. Most recently we are challenging the United States Navy’s use of military sonar in training exercises which poses a deadly threat to whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals. (Please purchase War of the Whales by Joshua Horwitz to learn more or Google NRDC to see how you can help.)

We also launched a new California Pet Lover’s Specialty License Plate featuring Pierce’s artwork (of our dog and cat). All profits from the sale of these specialty license plates pay for free or low-cost spay and neuter programs in California.

1995

Where do you live?

Being an island girl at heart, I divide my time between living in a rainforest on a tropical island and along the coast of Malibu.

What was your future husband’s reaction when he learned you were in this video?

My husband didn’t learn about the music video until long after we were married.

2013

What do your kids think of the video?

We have two teenage boys: ages 13 and 17. I think they think the video is quaint and amusing. It’s not their mom they are watching, it is someone else. However, it annoys my younger son Paris when I kiss Huey. Of course, it doesn’t annoy him when he sees his dad kiss Halle Berry, Meryl Streep, Salma Hayek or any other women appearing alongside him in films—such a double standard!

What did you think when you first heard from me?

I was surprised that the video still generates interest.

Has anyone else ever interviewed about this?

No.

Have you appeared at any fan conventions to sign autographs? If not, would you?

No and no.

Did you stay in touch with Huey Lewis or anyone else from the video?

No.

When was the last time you were in touch?

I went to see Huey Lewis and the News in concert in New York City shortly after the video was released. It was the most popular video of the year. I asked for two tickets, for myself and my boyfriend. Surprisingly, or maybe not, we ended up in the nosebleed section.

How do you look back on the experience?

Fondly, of course. A quarter-century later, it is like looking back at another lifetime.

Anything you’d like to add?

I am pleased that “Stuck With You” brought joy to so many people. It was a deliciously light and airy confection. I am also pleased to have been a part of something that became an MTV classic. My husband, who likes to sing, belts out a Huey Lewis song in one of his next films—a scene in a karaoke bar where he murders “Heart and Soul.” It is very funny. I suppose I have come full circle. 

 2014, Kauai (photo by Pierce)

Tweet about this interview to @Huey_Lewis_News @JohnnyColla!

Next: Robbie Nevil, “C’est La Vie” (1986).

The Girl in the Video: “Tonight She Comes” (1985), “Doing It All for My Baby” (1987)

Introduction to series “The Girl in the Video 2” (including list of interviewees).

The videos: “Tonight She Comes” by the Cars and “Doing It All for My Baby” by Huey Lewis and the News.

The girl-now-woman: Tara Shannon. [rhymes with car-uh]

Subject of her response to my first email: “Doing it all for Marc Tyler Nobleman.”

She also asked if she could ask me questions, “only fair.”

How old were you when you appeared in the “Tonight She Comes” video?

28 or 29.

Where were you living at the time?

New York. I think I was bicoastal at the time.

What music videos, shows, or movies had you appeared in prior to that?

None.

How were you cast for “Tonight She Comes”?

At that stage of my career, I think I was pretty well known, so it was through my [modeling] agency, Elite.

How were you cast for “Doing It All for My Baby”?

It had the same director as “Tonight She Comes,” Jeff Stein, so he knew me and booked me again. He did “Don’t Come Around Here No More.” Tom Petty thought his daughter would freak out when she saw him eat the girl-cake. They had the actress come over in costume to show Tom’s daughter that he didn’t kill her. [MTN: Wish Cohen, who played Alice and was in round 1 of this series, says this story, while good, is not true.]

Do you remember what your reaction was when you were cast?

Rock wasn’t my genre of music. But it was so much fun!

What was your genre?

R&B. Delfonics, Isaac Hayes, [artists at] Stax Records, Motown. My mother was a political activist and we were raised in ghettos.

Where?

In Denver, oddly enough.

Where were the videos filmed?

The Cars…I don’t remember where it was but not on a movie lot. Huey Lewis was on the Paramount lot—or might’ve been on Francis Ford Coppola’s lot, when he bought a film studio. Demi Moore was filming The Seventh Sign and came over to watch the Huey video. Also, this new group was shooting a video nearby and the music was incredible. Everyone was like “That guy can really sing.” It was Pearl Jam. [NOTE: A kind commenter below pointed out that Pearl Jam was not around in 1987; apparently they formed in 1990. I am guessing that Tara is right about the band but wrong about the year this anecdote took place or right about the year but misremembering which band it was. In any case, it was cool enough to at least partly remember!]

How long were the shoots?

They were always pretty epic. Jeff Stein was a pretty nonlinear creative. He usually did both a story and a performance in his videos. And he always killed somebody!

How did you feel making the videos? Was one more fun than the other?

“Doing It All for My Baby” was just a blast. The guys loved it, too. Huey loved playing Frankenstein.

Did these videos all blend together for you?

I thought they were spectacularly wonderful and fun. I have a high regard for music and loved the medium of music videos. In my eyes it was very prestigious and so creative. The Cars video when he was a fly—that was brilliant.

I got to bring my own clothes, ideas, interpretations to shoots. I had a lot of input into my makeup and hair. As a model I was known as the woman of 1,000 faces.

What was the hardest part of each shoot?

Long hours. Huey was a 36-hour shoot because there was no union. And usually it’s cold.

How was it to work with the Cars? What were they like? Did any of them hit on you?

I was shot separately.

So you never met them?

Yeah, I met Ric at one point. In fact, I saw him just the other day smoking a cigarette outside a 7-Eleven. I didn’t say anything.

I wish you had! I bet he would’ve appreciated it.

(laughs) I knew Paulina [Porizkova] from working with her.

How was it to work with Huey Lewis and the News?

They were so sweet. Huey is a real businessman. The heads of the band are the dads, especially with Huey, and everyone else pretty much the kids. They were very respectful, removed. Nothing romantic going on. They were in relationships.

Any funny stories from the shoots?

The Cars video included performance, so the cameraman would be on a half-moon railroad track on a dolly. The camera would pan right and left to shoot members of the band…and eventually, the cameraman lost his lunch.

It was fun to see myself on screen so tall. Jeff got the idea from the Attack of the 50 Foot Woman movie. It was [tricky] to sync Ric’s reaction to my actions, like when I blew a bubble and his finger had to pop the bubble.

On Huey, there was the pyrotechnics aspect. They put hairspray—and newspaper—in my hair to get it to stay up. When I was lying on the bed and they did the electricity, one of the grips who was smoking a cigarette kept getting closer; Jeff said to me, “Your hair might catch on fire, but don’t worry, I’m sure it won’t happen.” He had this voice. He was childlike. He got could anybody to do anything because he was so passionate.

And there’s a lot of time spent on their hair. In Quiet Riot or Whitesnake or one that Jeff had done, there was fake hair so they couldn’t use wind machines.

I also remember people talking about the Jacksons, saying never work for them because they never paid their bills.

Anything go wrong on the shoots?

Stuff always went wrong. The rocket at the end was [inspired by] Dr. Strangelove. That wasn’t the easiest mechanics to work with. I had a lot of setups [wardrobe changes] in that video. That wasn’t typical—usually it’s the band who has the most shots.

What did your parents think of the videos?

My father was dead. My mother was very proud.

What did your friends think of them?

Everyone loved that stuff.

Did either video ever affect your dating life in any way (i.e. when you first told boyfriends you were the woman in it)?

I was never recognized. The only people who did recognize me were black drag queens. I became friendly with some in the New York area; one became a judge on America’s Next Top Model—J. Alexander. Off set, I was pretty low-key gal. I didn’t look like what I projected on film.

Did you receive fan mail?

No, people didn’t know who I was. But I had a huge career in Italy, London, and Paris and had a following in Europe. I became pen pals with a lot of them. They’d put your name in [with print ads]. I was also interviewed. The modeling world of Europe was like the music video world of America.

I did receive fan mail from my Oprah appearances.

Tell me about those.

First appearance was a show on sex symbols of the 1990s. Then one about the darker side of modeling, like Gia Carangi, and conflicts in the modeling world. These shows aired in the ‘90s.

Still in touch with any of the pen pals?

I don’t think so. But on Facebook I have these great gay guys—maybe straight ones, too, and girls—who find these amazing tear sheets of my work in the ‘80s and send me the copies. And they’re not old—young kids! I have a couple of regulars who send me things—things I don’t remember or haven’t even seen.

Did either video generate any controversy that you know of?

No, the only controversy about Huey was that long intro [3 minutes, 39 seconds] before the music. Oh, there was another little controversy—when Huey turned human again at the end, the lighting made his package look very big…and he liked that.

He was very funny in a respectful way. He and Jeff together became like irreverent little boys.

What were you paid for each video?

I don’t even remember if I was paid. The cover of Vogue was $100, editorial was $300 a day—it was nothing.

Did you appear in other music videos?

• “Right on Track”—Breakfast Club
• “French Kissin” (also known as “French Kissin in the USA”)—Debbie Harry
• “Can’t Keep Running”—Gregg Allman
• “Wot’s It to Ya”—Robbie Nevil

What else did you do after the videos?

[In 1987,] I got to marry Spider-Man at Shea Stadium in front of 50,000 people (before a game). The New York Times acted like it was a real wedding.

When Marvel Comics was just getting sold, before they became big conglomerate movie people, they did this big publicity event when Peter Parker got married in the comics. I got asked to play Mary Jane because I was a redhead and because I was known for kooky things. Stan Lee officiated. 

I never saw the face of the groom! He was always in costume.

I also have quite a history with Cirque du Soleil. I trained with them and was in a charity event with them in New York. I had to learn to crack a whip. This was with the first Cirque, in 1994. I was offered a two-year contract to be one of the personage—one of the quirky people on the perimeters, in the audience. But my career was still going. Today I regret it a little bit.

Did you ever meet other women who were female leads in a mainstream ‘80s rock video?

Everyone was doing it at that point. Paulina, the girls in the George Michael videos like Linda Evangelista. I never worked with another girl in a video, though.

Now thanks to Facebook, models are connecting with each other even if we didn’t know each other personally. She wasn’t in my class but went to my school, you know?

Many in this series look as though they’re not far out of school or even still in school.

I always said models are genetic mutants.

If you went to college, where and what did you study?

The last grade I finished was 9th. I became a live-in babysitter. At 16, I got my own apartment and got a job at Ebbets Field, a bar in Denver. There I saw Richard Pryor, Greg Allman, the Marshall Tucker Band, Little Feat. I had never heard of [most of] them because I grew up with all black music.

How did you segue from working in a bar to modeling?

I got discovered there. I worked at it really hard. It became a career choice.

What are you doing these days?

I came out to L.A. to help a friend, a woman who wrote a self-help book, a NYT best-seller, and I was doing her image—her social networking, her videos, taught her how to speak on camera, designed her website, helped edit her new book. That lasted six months.

What I’m working on now…a friend, a makeup artist named Dale Johnson, asked if I’d like to do videos for YouTube about makeup and hair for women 40+. I’m the techie girl—I love Apple.

Also, Rick Ferrari at L.A. Talent and I became friends on Facebook and he said “Come in, I want to sign you.” I said “Really?”

I am taking acting lessons—it’s not about anything but having fun. At this age, I’m not looking for anyone’s approval.

Where do you live?

In Pasadena. I just moved in with my boyfriend. I was in Orange County for six months before that, and Florida and Amsterdam before. New York 1978-2000.

If you are/were married, what was your future husband’s reaction when he learned you were in these videos?

I was married in Holland, from 2000-2007.

Kids?

No, but three stepkids through the man in Holland. One is a magazine editor in Holland, one is a photographer, and the son is an amazing creative artist and pianist.

What do they think of these videos?

They loved it! The oldest one was ten when I met them, the others six and two.

What did you think when you first heard from me?

I thought it was a great idea, really sweet. But when I saw the list of questions, I was tired and thought “I am never going to answer all of these.” Then I had house issues and got overwhelmed.

Has anyone else ever interviewed you about this? If so, who, when, and for what publication?

No. I did win Best Performance of a Model in a Music Video but they forgot to invite me! 

Did you stay in touch with anyone in the Cars or Huey Lewis and the News after the shoots?

Oh, no. I stayed in touch with Jeff and my new agent Rick is also in touch with Jeff.

How do you look back on the experience?

The gems of my crown of my career.

My friend said I was the Forrest Gump of modeling. I thought it was hilarious. I’ll take it.

Anything you’d like to add?

I think music videos are a lost art. It was like the Three Stooges, but in a good way.

Tweet about this interview to @Huey_Lewis_News @JohnnyColla!

Next: Prince, “Kiss” (1986).

The Girl in the Video 2: MORE original interviews with icons of 1980s MTV

From Annie and Josie to Diane and Jenny and (sort of) Billie Jean…welcome to round 2 of the girl in the video series.

logo adapted by Leigh Cullen @DesignLeigh

Thank you to all who said such nice things about round 1. Thank you also for your requests here and on Twitter; I’ve fulfilled as many of them as I could, plus, of course, threw in some surprises. 

This encore presentation/love letter to an era features 27 videos and 29 women including winners of an Oscar (Marlee Matlin) and Emmy (Kay Lenz). It also spills a bit into the ‘90s.

But first, a recap of round 1 (15 videos, 21 women): 

1983 

• Huey Lewis and the News, “Heart and Soul” and “I Want a New Drug” (1984)—Signy Coleman
• Journey, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”—Margaret Olmsted Menendez (+ BONUS: Steve Perry, “Oh Sherrie” [1984]—Sherrie Swafford)

1984 

• ZZ Top, “Legs” and others—Wendy Frazier, Kymberly Herrin, Danièle Arnaud
• Don Henley, “The Boys of Summer”—Audie Lenkov (Audie England)
• Huey Lewis and the News, “If This Is It”—Janet Cross, Sandra Wilder

1985 

• a-ha, “Take On Me”—Bunty Bailey
• Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, “Don’t Come Around Here No More”—Wish Cohen (Louise “Wish” Foley)
• Bryan Adams, “Summer of ‘69” and others—Lysette Anthony

1986

• Robert Palmer, “Addicted to Love”—Julie Pankhurst, Patty Elias (Patty Kelly), Kathy Davies, Mak Gilchrist, Julia Bolino
• The Outfield, “Your Love”—JoAnn Willette

1987 

• Lou Gramm, “Midnight Blue”—Traci Lind

1988 

• Michael Jackson, “Smooth Criminal”—Kelley Parker

1989 

• Tom Petty, “Free Fallin’”—Devon Kidd (Devon Jenkin)

[Also rare ‘80s: interview with Mick Smiley, singer-songwriter behind the memorable song “Magic” from Ghostbusters (1984).] 

And now...ROUND 2:

1981

• Tommy Tutone, “867-5309/Jenny”—Karen Morton

1982

• John Cougar (now John Mellencamp), “Jack & Diane”—Vicky Granucci
• 38 Special, “Caught Up in You”—Shari Shattuck
• Adam Ant, “Goody Two Shoes”—Caroline Munro
• John Waite, “Change”—Tina Gullickson

1983

• Michael Jackson, “Billie Jean”; Bryan Adams, “Cuts Like a Knife”—Raquel Pena
• Mötley Crüe, “Looks That Kill”—Wendy Barry 

1984

• Night Ranger, “Sister Christian”—Macha Bennet-Shephard (Annie Hubbard)
• Rod Stewart, “Infatuation”—Kay Lenz 
• John Waite, “Missing You”—Liz Whitney (Elizabeth Reiko Kubota Whitney)
• Survivor, “I Can’t Hold Back”—Lee Ann Marie
• Chicago, “Stay the Night”—Ingrid Anderson
• Don Henley, “The Boys of Summer”—Carol Seligson Fabi

1985

• The Cars, “Tonight She Comes”; Huey Lewis and the News, “Doing It All for My Baby” (1987)—Tara Shannon 

1986

• Prince, “Kiss”—Monique Mannen
• Huey Lewis and the News, “Stuck with You”—Keely Brosnan (also known as Keely Shaye Smith)
• Robbie Nevil, “C’est La Vie”—Kathy Foy-Asaro

1987

• REO Speedwagon, “That Ain’t Love”—Karen Peterson Matchinga

1988

• George Michael, “Father Figure”—Tania Harcourt-Cooze (Tania Coleridge)
• Richard Marx, “Endless Summer Nights”—Blueberry Blervaque
• Bryan Ferry, “Kiss and Tell”—Denice Lewis

1989

• Billy Joel, “We Didn’t Start the Fire”—Melody Knighton, Marlee Matlin, Lupe McDonald, Susan McNabb, Barbara Paolella, Frankie Thorn

1990

• Billy Idol, “Cradle of Love”—Betsy Lynn George

1991

• Van Halen, “Poundcake”—Diane Manzo

1993

• Meat Loaf, “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)”—Dana Patrick

Some I found declined to participate or did not respond:

J. Geils Band, “Centerfold” (1981)—Jill Forbert (Jill Priest); 
did not remember the names of any of the other women in the video:

Jill (left); Jill in 2011

 Huey Lewis and the News, “Do You Believe in Love” (1982)—Liz Shatner; 

daughter of William Shatner:

 Liz 2008; one of several videos of Liz interviewing her dad

Dexy’s Midnight Runners, “Come On Eileen” (1982)—Máire Fahey; 
editor of Prima magazine:

 
 

Maire recently

Kajagoogoo, “Too Shy” (1983)—Carolyn Miller (Carolyn Espley); 
married to comedian Dennis Miller:

Carolyn recently; image: C Home

The Kinks, “Come Dancing” (1983)—Emma Harrison (no photos)

 The Cars, “You Might Think” (1984)—Susan Gallagher; 

married to author/MTV executive Bill Flanagan:

image: Doug Hopkins

Susan 2010

Ray Parker, Jr., “Ghostbusters” (1984)—Cindy Horn (Cindy Harrell); 
a humanitarian married to Alan Horn, Chairman of Walt Disney Studios:

 Cindy 1982

Cindy 2014

Bruce Springsteen, “Dancing in the Dark” (1984)—Courteney Cox; 
starred in a 1990s sitcom (no photos)

 Lionel Richie, “Hello” (1984)—Laura Barboza (Laura Carrington); 

married to photographer Anthony Barboza:

  
Billy Idol, “Eyes Without a Face” (1984)—Nina Tolbert (no photos) 

Bon Jovi, “Runaway”  (1984)—Jennifer Gatti:

  
David Lee Roth, “California Girls” (1985):

 (one on the left)
 
Elton John, “Nikita” (1985)—Anya Rajah (Anya Major); 

also the hammer-wielding woman in the iconic
 Apple Computer “1984” Super Bowl commercial:

Anya circa 2010

Tears for Fears, “Head Over Heels” (1985)—Joan Densmore:

  
The Moody Blues, “Your Wildest Dreams” (1986)—Janet Spencer-Turner:

 Janet recently

 AC/DC, “You Shook Me All Night Long” (1986)—Corinne White (Corinne Russell); 

works in music management in the United Kingdom:

  
George Michael, “I Want Your Sex” (1987)—Kathy Jeung; 

a makeup artist who agreed to participate but then changed her mind:

  
Young MC, “Bust a Move” (1989)—Lisa Ann Cabasa:

 
John Mellencamp and Meshell Ndegeocello, “Wild Night” (1994)—

 Shana Phipps (Shana Zadrick); 
a model whose mother (from whom she is estranged) kindly left 
a note from me on Shana’s windshield…but I don’t know if Shana got it:

 

Believe me, I passionately tried to convince them to (re)consider. I risked annoying them for your benefit. Luckily, this round does feature women from other videos by five of the artists on the list immediately above. 

How you can become part of this series:

There could be a round 3.
 
If you agree that the people above saying no to an interview is a cultural misfortune, please say so in the comments below. If enough readers express heartfelt interest any particular ingénue, perhaps that will change her mind...

Plus I am still searching for a handful more. In other words, where can I find a woman like that?

If everyone who reads this simply skims the eight photos at that link (time investment: 11 seconds), I bet we will find at least one of those women the very day this series launches and others as word spreads.

So please click the link and tell me if you have leads on any of them: mtnobleman@gmail.com.

Housekeeping:

• I conducted the interviews between August 2013 and July 2014.
• Stills from videos are copyright their respective labels. I got permission to post all previously unpublished images; if you want to repost, please do the same by asking me first. You know the music business does not tolerate piracy.

To tease you in, five of my favorite lines (stay tuned to find out who said what):

• “You couldn’t eat breakfast at Du-par’s without a video gal chucking some hash browns at you.”
• “Now how did such an indelicate question get in here? I’m quite sure it must have been a mistake, so I’ll just pretend it wasn’t asked.”
• “My friend said I was the Forrest Gump of modeling.”
• “My dad was just thankful I wasn’t playing a prostitute this time.”
• “Who puts Prince on hold?”

She’s right here behind the glass
And you’re gonna like her ‘cause she’s got class
You can look inside another world
You get to talk to a pretty girl
She’s everything you dream about…

First up: Tommy Tutone, “867-5309/Jenny” (1981).