On This Day in History

[Brother Mythos]

April 6, 1963 - The Kingsmen Recorded Their Cover of "Louie Louie"

American Songwriter magazine, whatever that is, wrote about this song, "It might be the best-known rock song of all time. It might be the most important rock song of all time." And, the Kingsmen's cover is by far its best-known version.

"Louie Louie" has been covered by literally thousands of noted artists. It inspired International Louie Louie Day, in honor of its writer, Richard Berry. And, it inspired the infamous Louie Louie Parade held annually in Philadelphia, until it was eventually canceled due to "excessive rowdiness."

The Establishment of the 1960s really freaked-out over "Louie Louie" being played on the radio. J. Edgar Hoover actually assigned FBI agents to follow the Kingsmen around from performance to performance, to investigate suspected obscenities in the song's lyrics. Now, that in itself was truly indicative of just how popular and influential this song was to ultimately become.