In the early to mid-80’s, I can remember going with friends to North Vernon to a bowling ally/bar to see this performer that I thought was so freaking awesome. The Pro Bowl was always packed, and live bands were the rage. Back in the day, DJs were around, but simply couldn’t draw a crowd or begin to compete with the atmosphere surrounding a live act.
The dude’s name was Henry Lee Summer. He was funny on stage, interacted with the audience, always jumped up and down with energy and enthusiasm, and even joined us on the dance floor on occasion. He ate Oreo cookies and wore goofy converse tennis shoes.
Henry Lee’s career was on the rise and soon he was the opening act for John (then Cougar) Mellencamp. I can remember my cousin, Jerilyn, and I going to Indy to a concert in 1986 — more because of Henry Lee than Mellencamp. “Wish I Had a Girl” was hot and he was on his game. I thought it was so cool that he still ‘came back home’ to do an occasional gig at the Pro Bowl — you didn’t see Mellencamp doing local shows (even though he used to play the “sock-hops” right here in the burg).
Jerilyn and I went to see him around 10 years ago at a bar in Bloomington and he still had it going on. It was a great time and the place was packed with college students. About a year ago, he was doing gigs at the Slippery Noodle in Indy. I remember going and being disappointed, but can’t remember who I went with. He’d evidently lost his edge enough at that point, the night simply wasn’t memorable. I heard he’s recently been playing the Big Dog Saloon of Indy.
When I saw that Henry Lee was recently arrested for possession of meth (among other things) — I was pretty disappointed. Click the link and check out what Henry Lee looks like now. Sad stuff. Wonder if it was his friends ripping off the anhydrous tanks this morning…