DESCRIPTION:
From '' Louie Louie ''
Label: Arsa ‎– AR. 107
Format: Vinyl, 7"
Country: Belgium
Released: 1964

Tracklist
A Louie Louie (Written-By – Riichard Berry)
B Hoor ! Nu Zeg Ik Het Weer (There! I've Said It Again)

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"Louie Louie" is an American rock 'n' roll song written by Richard Berry in 1955.
It has become a standard in pop and rock, with hundreds of versions recorded by different artists.
The song was originally written and performed in the style of a Jamaican ballad; and tells, in simple verse-chorus form, the first-person story of a Jamaican sailor returning to the island to see his lady love.

A recording by The Kingsmen in 1963 is the best-known version.

In 1985, comedian Ross Shafer led a movement to make "Louie Louie" the state song of Washington, which failed.
The song is ranked #55 on the Rolling Stone magazine's list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time".

Original version by Richard Berry

Richard Berry was inspired to write the song in 1955 after listening to and performing the song "El Loco Cha Cha" with Ricky Rillera and the Rhythm Rockers.
The tune was written originally as "Amarren Al Loco" ("Tie up the crazy guy") by Cuban bandleader Rosendo Ruiz Jr. -- also known as Rosendo Ruiz Quevedo -- but became best known in the arrangement by René Touzet which included a rhythmic ten-note "1-2-3 1-2 1-2-3 1-2" riff.
Touzet performed the tune regularly in Los Angeles clubs in the 1950s.
In Berry's mind, the words "Louie Louie" superimposed themselves over the bass riff. Lyrically, the first person perspective of the song was influenced by "One for My Baby (And One More for the Road)", which is sung from the perspective of a customer talking to a bartender.

Richard Berry released his version in April 1957 (Flip Records 321), originally as a B-side.
When the song's popularity increased it was re-released as an A-side.
However, the single never charted on Billboard's national rhythm and blues or pop charts. Berry's label reported that the single had sold 40,000 copies. After a series of unsuccessful follow-ups, Berry sold his portion of publishing and songwriting rights for $750 to the head of Flip Records in 1959.

Cover versions

The Kingsmen
Paul Revere & the Raiders
Rockin' Robin Roberts

1960s

Otis Redding
The Beach Boys
Ray Davies
The Kinks
The Who Pete Townshend
The Sandpipers
Els Corbs
The Troggs
Friar Tuck
Frank Zappa
The Sonics
The Swamp Rats

1970s

Motörhead
Flamin' Groovies
Led Zeppelin
Flash Cadillac & the Continental Kids
Toots & the Maytals
Hot Chocolate
The Clash

1980s

Black Flag
39 Clocks
Pinker Tone
University of Southern California Marching Band
Grateful Dead
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Ross Shafer
Craig Cole
The Fat Boys
Rhino Records - The Best of Louie Louie
Rice University Marching Owl Band
Ultramagnetic MC's

1990s

Steve Plunkett (Autograph) The Simpsons Homer Goes to College
Iggy Pop
Michael Moore's Capitalism: A Love Story
Jim Jarmusch Coffee and Cigarettes
Young MC
Coupe de Ville
Dave
Robert Plant
Mr. Holland's Opus
Down Periscope
The Three Amigos

2000s

24 Hour Party People - John the Postman
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
The Smashing Pumpkins

Legacy

It is unknown exactly how many versions of "Louie Louie" have been recorded, but it is believed to be over 1,500 (according to LouieLouie.net.), surpassing "Yesterday" by The Beatles as most recorded rock song ever.

The Kingsmen version has remained the most popular version of the song, retaining its association with wild partying. It enjoyed a comeback in 1978-79 and was associated with college fraternity parties when it was sung, complete with the supposedly obscene lyrics, by Bluto (John Belushi) and his fellow Delta House brothers in the movie National Lampoon's Animal House despite the anachronism of the film taking place in 1962, a year before the Kingsmen recording.

Some bands have taken liberties with the lyrics, including attempts to record the supposed "obscene lyrics". It is believed the first artists to do so were The Stooges, whose version can be heard on their live album Metallic K.O. Iggy Pop later recorded a more civilized cover version of the song, with new lyrics composed by Pop, for his 1993 album American Caesar. He continues to play it live at shows.