Harry Hooper Hodes Guitarist / Vocalist
RIP 9/2/61 - 3/26/13
I first met Harry at Bicentennial Park in Downtown Miami at an outdoor concert in 1978.
I would again run into him and Lyle a few months later in Homestead at Kenny Ham's house.
Harry was quite a unique person. He played Guitar well and sang well but would struggle with alcohol since I first met him.
We had some really good times playing together and I have very fond memories of our time together but in the end I could not see him destroying himself and our at times, turbulent relationship.
My best memories were Teaser practicing at Harry's home in south Miami and playing in Key West at Durty Harry's. We played there several times and it was a great time for Me, Lyle and Harry. Also a great time playing at Gilbert's in Key Largo at the Tiki Bar in the afternoon on Saturday and Sundays and the Restaurant/Bar Friday and Saturday nights was taxing but fun.
The last time I heard from Harry he was living and working in Key West.
Harry's Brother Mike sent this to me:
Harry Hooper Hodes 51, of Key West FL died peacefully on March 26, 2013, at Plantation Convalescent Center in Tavernier Florida, after a brief battle with Liver Cancer.
Harry was born on September 2, 1961 in Miami Florida and raised in South Florida and the Florida Keys which ultimately became his permanent home.
He graduated from Miami Killian High School in Miami and attended The Art Institute in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
All that were fortunate enough to know Harry (H.H.H.) saw a gifted, creative, friendly and colorful musician that loved the stage and entertaining people. Harry worked in the entertainment industry
throughout much of his career. His music and work travels took him to Nashville where he honed his talents as a D.J. and most recently he settled in Key West where he continued his colorful D.J. career.
He was always regarded as a talented musician rarely straying too far from his 1960 vintage Les Paul Jr. electric guitar.
He performed with many local bands in and around Miami, His Favorite being “ The Teaser” band with lifetime friends and band members Lyle Lingle, Kirk Richards, and Mike McGee. “Great Memories”.
Because of Harry’s Talent and personality he was scooped up by a touring British band while visiting Germany and his older brother Michael who was stationed there. The good lord guided him, with his
new British “mates” around Europe doing what he loved best “Just Entertaining the folks”. Those certainly were the days!
He is loved and remembered by his family, including his brothers and their wives, Michael and Tana Hodes, Hal and Carol Hodes and Stanley and Laurie Hodes.
He adored his nieces and nephews; Phillip, Haley, Nicky, Jamie, Kyle, Jackie, Chris and just too many wonderful friends to mention.
He is predeceased by his father, Stanley Hodes his mother Irene Gretelle Hodes and his grandparents who were super special to Harry.
In lieu of flowers and To Honor Harrys’ wishes please take a moment and look to the heavens wishing him well on his journey to the greatest performance of all.
”Harry Hooper Hodes” You will be missed our loving brother, uncle and friend.
A private memorial will be held by his family. Message of condolence maybe be posted to hodesconst@aol.com.
Donations in his memory may be made to your favorite Charity.
Harry's Tribute
Saturday April 20th, 2013 1pm - 5pm
Cafe' 27 4690 US 27 Weston, Florida (Hwy 27 and Griffin) 954.659.9957
The Gist will be playing with Brett and Lyle - Let's pay our respects, jam and get wasted.