Johnny Colla

John Victor Colla is an American musician, singer, and songwriter best known as a founding member of the rock band Huey Lewis and the News. A versatile multi-instrumentalist specializing in saxophone and guitar, he has been a defining voice in the San Francisco Bay Area music scene for over five decades.

Colla brings a distinct blue-eyed soul energy to his performances, blending R&B influences with classic rock. Beyond his work with the headline act, he remains an active recording artist and producer who continues to release solo material and perform live into the mid-2020s. He balances his public career with a private life focused on family in Marin County. [edit]

John Victor Colla entered the world on July 2, 1952, in Sacramento, California, before his family relocated to Suisun City during his childhood. His musical awakening arrived unexpectedly through a spinet piano left behind by the previous owners of their new home. That instrument sparked a deep fascination with sound that would guide his entire life. He attended Solano High School in Fairfield, where he crossed paths with Bill Gibson. The two teenagers bonded immediately over a shared obsession with rhythm and blues and soul music, laying the groundwork for a lifelong musical partnership.

Before stepping onto the global stage, Colla spent years honing his craft within the vibrant underground circuit of the Bay Area. He played in various local groups that served as training grounds for his skills on both saxophone and guitar. His professional resume included stints with notable acts like Rubicon, a blues-rock band active in the early 1970s. He also toured briefly with the legendary funk group Sly and the Family Stone and worked as a session musician for Van Morrison. These experiences broadened his musical palette and prepared him for the unique sound he would help create later. [edit]

In 1978, Colla co-founded Huey Lewis and the News alongside lead singer Huey Lewis and bassist Chris Hayes. Merging with a backing band called The News, the group adopted its final name and quickly established a signature style that mixed rock, pop, and R&B. Colla took on the critical roles of rhythm guitarist and saxophonist, becoming essential to the band's sonic identity.

The band achieved massive commercial success starting in the early 1980s. Their 1982 album Sports reached number one on the Billboard 200 and produced four top-ten hits, including "I Want a New Drug" and "Hip to Be Square." This momentum continued with the 1985 release of Fore!, which featured the Grammy-winning hit "The Power of Love." The song also served as the theme for the blockbuster film Back to the Future, cementing the band's place in pop culture history.

Following the band's initial hiatus in the early 1990s, Colla formed Johnny Colla & The Lucky Devils to continue creating independent music. The group reformed periodically, allowing Colla to explore different creative avenues while maintaining his connection to the original lineup. In November 2021, he released a solo album titled The Power of Love, demonstrating his enduring creativity outside the band context. As of 2026, he continues to perform live, notably appearing with the Sons of Champlin at Yoshi's Oakland in September 2024. [edit]

Colla is known for his energetic stage presence and distinctive style. He typically performs wearing casual yet stylish attire, often incorporating elements of 1980s fashion mixed with modern comfort. His public image is that of a humble, down-to-earth musician who values the music and the community over celebrity status. He is often portrayed in the media as a beloved figure in the Bay Area, respected for his longevity and dedication to his craft. Unlike many rock stars, he avoids the spotlight when not performing, preferring to stay grounded in his local roots. [edit]

iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated this person, but they do not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list). Fans of the band, often referred to as "Hueyheads" or simply fans of the band, hold him in high regard for his instrumental prowess and songwriting contributions. The fanbase is highly organized, with active online communities, fan clubs, and conventions dedicated to the band's legacy. Colla interacts with fans through social media, live shows, and occasional interviews, maintaining a strong connection with his audience. The fanbase actively supports his solo work and keeps the band's history alive through digital archives and reunion events. [edit]

A pivotal moment in Colla's early life involved a spinet piano left behind by the previous owners of his family's new home in Suisun City; this instrument sparked his initial musical interests. Before achieving fame with his main group, Colla toured and performed with the legendary funk group Sly and the Family Stone, an experience that significantly broadened his musical palette. He also served as a session musician and touring member for Van Morrison, further establishing his reputation as a versatile sideman in the industry. The band's name "Huey Lewis and the News" was chosen after a suggestion from a friend, reflecting the group's desire to sound like a news broadcast. One of the most iconic moments in his career occurred during a historic concert at the San Francisco Civic Auditorium on March 12, 1988, when the band collaborated with the Grateful Dead. [edit]

Johnny Colla resides in the Marin County region of the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, Karen Colla. While specific details regarding their wedding date or how they met are not widely publicized, Karen is frequently mentioned in his personal communications and social media posts. Together they have raised two children: Allison Colla and Ryan Colla. Colla maintains a low-key personal life, focusing on his music and family rather than tabloid attention. There are no public records of prior marriages, engagements, or high-profile romantic relationships preceding his marriage to Karen. [edit]

Huey Lewis, Bill Gibson, Chris Hayes, The Sons of Champlin, Primary Wave. [edit]

Johnny Colla is married to Karen Colla. While specific details regarding their wedding date or how they met are not widely publicized in mainstream media, Karen is frequently mentioned in his personal communications and social media posts. They have raised a family together in the Marin County area. There are no public records of prior marriages, engagements, or high-profile romantic relationships preceding his marriage to Karen. As of 2026, Johnny Colla is reported to be happily married and living in the San Francisco Bay Area. He maintains a low-key personal life, focusing on his music and family rather than tabloid attention. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Johnny Colla's net worth at approximately $10 million. This figure reflects his decades of earnings from royalties, touring, and business ventures. His wealth stems primarily from continuous earnings generated by streaming, radio play, and licensing of Huey Lewis and the News songs, particularly those featured in major films like Back to the Future. The 2022 acquisition of the band's catalog by Primary Wave for $20 million further validated the value of his intellectual property, though this sale benefited all members collectively.

Beyond music rights, Colla earns income from live performances with the band and his own projects, as well as sales and streaming from his solo albums such as The Power of Love. He also owns real estate properties in the San Francisco Bay Area, particularly in Marin County. Occasional endorsement deals related to his brand and the band's legacy contribute additional revenue streams. Given the enduring popularity of the band and his active career, his net worth remains substantial and likely continues to grow through asset appreciation. [edit]

As a founding member of Huey Lewis and the News, Colla shares in the group's accolades. Notable achievements include winning a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for The Power of Love in 1986. The band also won multiple American Music Awards including Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group and Favorite Pop/Rock Album for Sports and Fore! MTV Video Music Awards nominations and wins were also secured for videos like The Power of Love and Hip to Be Square. [edit]