Back in the 80s

Most Friday music selections are whatever pops up on my iPhone. This is no exception.

If you were at a bar in the Midwest in the late 1970s or 1980s you probably saw Henry Lee Summer. After he signed with Epic Records Summer had a few modest hits, but the label tried turn him into a ballad singer a la Michael Bolton. Anyone who ever experienced the frantic energy of Ol' Henry Lee knows that is not who he is as a performer. I will argue that Henry Lee Summer is quite possibly one of the best entertainers I have seen live. He is right up there with Springateen for sheer entertainment. I think this video shows what I mean.  The first time I saw him Henry started the show by leaping from a tower speaker. I think that was in Lafayette, IN in a bar near Purdue University, maybe; it was more than 30 years ago for Pete's sake.

This tune was his biggest hit, but he did do some film vocals as well.