I Wish I Had a Girl

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious “I Wish I Had a Girl” by Henry Lee Summer, a track from his 1988 self-titled album that became a defining hit for the Indiana rocker. The song’s origin story is as lively as its rhythm. Summer shared in a 2023 interview with The College Crowd Digs Me that he wrote the song in Louisville, Kentucky, inspired by a chance encounter. While walking to a nightclub rehearsal with his guitarist, they passed a strip club where a few dancers strutted out, their confident walks sparking the song’s iconic line. Summer penned the track in minutes, and it became so popular that audiences demanded multiple plays per show. Interestingly, the song was first recorded for his 1985 independent album Time for Big Fun, but the 1988 Epic Records version, polished with top New York musicians, hit No. 1 on rock radio and No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s near-collaboration with rock royalty. In the same interview, Summer revealed that Keith Richards was almost recruited to play on the track. Producer Michael Frondelli, who had connections to Richards through a Chuck Berry project, tried to make it happen, but a publishing dispute derailed the plan. The song’s music video, directed by D.J. Webster, also became a hit, landing in MTV’s Top Five. The video features Summer playfully serenading women who ultimately leave him, only to find a match by the end, with a cheeky moment where his new love interest grabs his backside, prompting a high note. On X, fans like catturd2 have celebrated the song’s nostalgic charm, calling it a “righteous mullet song” and a one-hit wonder gem, cementing its cult status among Zoo Freaks.

Henry Lee Summer, born Henry Lee Swartz on July 5, 1955, in Brazil, Indiana, kicked off his career with a pivot from sports to music. A talented basketball player, he earned a scholarship to a Montana college but chose to chase his musical dreams instead, as noted in his Wikipedia bio. Starting as a singer and drummer, Summer taught himself guitar and keyboards, honing his craft through relentless gigging across the Midwest and South in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His early hustle included releasing two independent albums under Majestic Records with manager James Bogard, including the aforementioned Time for Big Fun. His big break came in 1987 when he signed with Epic Records, leading to his self-titled debut and the breakout success of “I Wish I Had a Girl.” Summer’s gritty, heartland rock style drew comparisons to John Mellencamp, and he toured with heavyweights like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eddie Money, and Chicago, solidifying his place in the 1980s rock scene.

Zoo Freaks can connect with Henry Lee Summer through his official website, henryleesummer.com, maintained by Shinn Technology Services Corporation. His Facebook page keeps fans updated on performances and milestones, like his 2014 induction into the Wabash Valley Musicians Hall of Fame. While Summer’s Instagram presence is quieter, it offers glimpses of his ongoing gigs. On X, fans share love for his music, though Summer himself isn’t highly active. For deeper fan engagement, check out the fan-run Henry Lee Summer Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees swap stories, photos, and memories of his electrifying live shows. Summer’s journey, from a small-town dreamer to a rock radio king, continues to resonate with fans who vibe with his soulful sound.