Lieutenant governor Gavin Newsom has rock star friends, his own clubs and a progressive agenda that got his state’s landmark Proposition 64 legislation passed — and the music industry rallying behind him
IF THE CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC party could magically conjure up a rising star, that candidate might look a lot like Gavin Newsom. The 49-year-old lieutenant governor of the state is warm and articulate, an earnest progressive who’s approachable on national TV — take the time last June when, while appearing alongside Wiz Khalifa on Chelsea Handler’s Netflix show, the rapper dapped him in solidarity. He’s a successful entrepreneur who owns 23 businesses — a San Francisco club, wineries, restaurants — and hobnobs with rock stars, hanging backstage at The Fillmore recently with Sammy Hagar and John Mayer. And he’s a photographer’s dream, with a winning smile and sharp suit always at the ready, a beautiful wife (actress-filmmaker Jennifer Siebel) and four adorable children.
This past November, Newsom also proved he’s a serious force to reckon with when it comes to passing groundbreaking legislation. Having started California’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy in 2014, he campaigned for five months and got Proposition 64, legalizing adult use of marijuana in the state, passed, with 56 percent of voters in favor. Now, he’s the telegenic face of a movement. “I’m happy to be associated with this change. I’m sick and tired of politics and politicians as usual,” says Newsom today. “I’ll be kicked out before I rust out. You can love me or hate me and disagree with me, but you sure as hell know where I stand.”
“Gavin boldly stands up for social issues with unwavering commitment while relentlessly championing people who can’t speak for themselves,” says his longtime friend Pat Monahan, the lead singer of Train. “This issue is one of many that Gavin thinks of in a big-picture way. He’s an outlier and a great leader.” And he already has declared that he’s running for governor in 2018.
This story is from the January 28, 2017 edition of Billboard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 28, 2017 edition of Billboard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Fifth Harmony: Pretty Little Fighters
Girl groups were supposed to have been kaput when The X Factor threw together five ambitious teens with hard-knock childhoods. But as Fifth Harmony finally attains the upper reaches of the Hot 100, the tight-knit group finds itself “traumatized” by the strain of prepackaged fame, isolated from family and struggling to stay balanced. Now, they’re eager to assert their opinions on the industry, politics and Kanye West: “We finally have a damn voice.”
Jennifer Nettles: A Star Goes Back To Her Roots
Four years after Sugarland’s split, Jennifer Nettles is supporting Hillary and advocating for female artists (bro country be damned): “It’s in my blood”
Life's Been Good To Niall (So Far)
A year-and-a-half ago, Niall Horan was basking in the shrieks of One Direction superfans. Now, with the group in limbo and his mates making moves in everything from R&B to acting, “the cute one” is painstakingly crafting an album as a California rocker — and hanging with astronauts, Selena Gomez and (yes) the Eagles. All while staying truly hashtag-humble: “I’m a simple old soul, me”
Becoming Chris Cornell
Years before he was minted as a proper platinum-selling star, the late Soundgarden frontman tore off his thrift-store T-shirts and wailed like Robert Plant, transfixing a fledgling Seattle scene with little use for rock gods.
Nathan Sykes Second Act
Nathan Sykes, 23, has risen from the ashes of boy band fame to propel himself as one of this year’s buzziest new artists.
People Are So Sensitive
Jason Aldean returns from controversy (and blasts “bro country”) ahead of his aptly titled new album, They Don’t Know: “Media tends to make a big deal out of things”
A Leap Of Faith
His 1987 blockbuster made him a global icon. By 1992, he’d sued his record company and turned his back on pop stardom. “He had principles,” says his former manager.
Town And Country
Taylor Swift wrote their latest hit, and the Ryman just honored them with a residency. But lately, the sumptuously soft-rocking Little Big Town come off less like Nashville insiders than they do outlaws, stirring up controversy with “Girl Crush,” working with Pharrell and urging all people to overcome their differences: “There’s probably not a house in America that’s not divided right now”
Bishop Takes Rock
With a big voice and some self-doubt, Bishop Briggs enters festival season: “A huge part of me is in disbelief”
'We Carved Our Own Path'
Alt-rock standouts Incubus reflect on prescient sound, 20-year legacy and coming out of it ‘alive’
