The Kingsmen

Portland, Oregon is known for many things in the music world, but perhaps no claim to fame is greater than being the birthplace of The Kingsmen. This beat/garage rock band hit the scene in the 1960s and became known for their unique sound and energetic live performances. Although they had other notable hits, it was their recording of “Louie Louie” that launched them into worldwide fame, holding the No. 2 spot on the Billboard charts for six weeks. Today, The Kingsmen are remembered as one of the defining bands of their era and a true legend in the world of rock and roll.

About The Kingsmen

The Kingsmen were formed in Portland, Oregon in 1959 by a group of high school students with a love for music. The band consisted of Jack Ely on lead vocals, Lynn Easton on lead guitar, Mike Mitchell on rhythm guitar, Bob Nordby on bass guitar, and Dick Peterson on drums. At first, they played small gigs around town, but it wasn't until they released their version of Richard Berry's “Louie Louie” in 1963 that they gained national attention.

The song, originally written by Richard Berry in 1955, is a simple tune with catchy lyrics that tell the story of a man trying to win back his lover. The Kingsmen's version, however, was far from simple. With a driving beat, distorted guitar, and Jack Ely's rough, almost slurred vocals, the song became an instant hit. The version was so popular, in fact, that it was banned by some radio stations for its alleged "obscene" lyrics, which were later found to be completely innocent. Despite the controversy, "Louie Louie" went on to hold the No. 2 spot on the Billboard charts for six weeks, becoming a true classic of the era.

Following the success of "Louie Louie," The Kingsmen released a string of other hits, including "Money (That's What I Want)" and "Jolly Green Giant," but none would ever match the success of their signature hit. Still, the band remained active throughout the 1960s, touring and performing regularly, as well as releasing several albums.

Over the years, The Kingsmen underwent some lineup changes, with various members coming and going, but the band never lost its signature sound or energy. In the 1980s, the group even saw something of a resurgence when their version of "Louie Louie" was featured in the hit film "Animal House," introducing the song to a whole new generation of fans.

Today, The Kingsmen's legacy lives on, not only through their own recordings but through the countless other bands that they inspired. Their unique blend of garage rock and R&B has been imitated, but never duplicated, and their live performances are still remembered as some of the wildest and most energetic in rock history.

Whether you are a die-hard fan or just discovering The Kingsmen for the first time, one thing is for sure: this band is an essential part of rock and roll history and a true icon of the genre. As the music world continues to evolve and change, The Kingsmen will always be remembered as a band that helped shape it and define it in its earliest days.