The Kingsmen band was created in 1959. The band is best known for their version of “Louie Louie,” released in 1963. Richard Berry originally wrote “Louie Louie,” but he got little financial compensation for his work due to signing away his rights to the song.

Fun Facts

• The Kingsmen’s version of “Louie Louie” peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 charts at #2 and stayed there for six non-consecutive weeks.
• The Kingsmen band was formed in 1959. The band’s original members would split soon after their hit song “Louie Louie” hit the charts.
• The Kingsmen used two record labels to record their version of “Louie Louie.” The first version was done at Jerden Records and the second at Wand Records.
• The Kingsmen’s version of “Louie Louie” was rumored to contain inappropriate lyrics, which is why the band slurred their words. However, despite these baseless accusations, the single sold over 10 million copies.
• The FBI investigated the Kingsmen’s version of “Louie Louie” under the suspicion of indecent lyrics in their song version. The band was eventually declared innocent.
• Indiana’s Governor, Matthew Welsh, requested the ban of the song in the state. Unfortunately, this seemed to reverse the effect on the sales volumes as they increased.
• Not long after “Louie Louie’s” release in 1961, different artists rushed to recreate the R&B single.
• Richard Berry’s health took a turn after performing in February 1996. Unfortunately, he did not recover from heart failure.
  

Lyrics

Louie Louie, oh no

Me gotta go

Aye-yi-yi-yi, I said

Louie Louie, oh baby

Me gotta go

Fine little girl waits for me

Catch a ship across the sea

Sail that ship about, all alone

Never know if I make it home

Louie Louie, oh no

Me gotta go

Aye-yi-yi-yi, I said

Louie Louie, oh baby

Me gotta go

Three nights and days I sail the sea

Think of girl, constantly

On that ship, I dream she’s there

I smell the rose in her hair.

Louie Louie, oh no

Me gotta go

Aye-yi-yi-yi, I said

Louie Louie, oh baby

Me gotta go

Okay, let’s give it to ’em, right now!

See Jamaica, the moon above

It won’t be long, me see me love

Take her in my arms again

Tell her I’ll never leave again

Louie Louie, oh no

Me gotta go

Aye-yi-yi-yi, I said

Louie Louie, oh baby

Me gotta go

Let’s take it on outta here now

Let’s go!