“Thanks to p2p networks and file sharers, I’m almost sure I have (I won’t say own : ) every cover of The Kingsmen’s Louie-Louie ever recorded.”

OK, curiousity is getting the best of me. Just how many LOUIE LOUIEs do you have? Please don’t say 50. There are currently over 1,600 documented versions. Is it possible to share a list of what you got? I’d like to see what you found on P2P, as I’m a novice to that universe.

Now, you really should know that Kingsmen were NOT the first band to record LOUIE LOUIE. That honor should go to Richard Berry, who wrote the song in 1955, and recorded it in 1957. The first two musicians that covered it were Rockin Robin Roberts (backed by the Wailers) and Little Bill Engelhart. When the Kingsmen recorded their version in 1963, it was really a “cover of a cover,” as they followed Robin’s version pretty closely.

If you haven’t picked it up, pick up the Ace Records LOVE THAT LOUIE collection. In addition to superior sonics, you’ll also get an extensive booklet with with comprehensive liner notes and photographs. If you want to learn about Richard Berry, pick up the HAVE LOUIE WILL TRAVEL collection, which also includes superior audio mastering and excellent liner notes… but then I’m slightly biased.

By all means, please send me an email. Let’s compare notes!

ERIC PREDOEHL
louie at louielouie.net