“Louie Louie” – 1964

“Louie Louie” was one of the anthems of Baby Boomers as the first wave entered their 18th year and graduated from high school.

As I entered Chicago in December 1964, “Louie Louis” was played and replayed on jukeboxes and record players at parties and dance clubs. What had shifted from a popular dance sound to an anthem was the governor of Indiana declaring the lyrics, which are mostly unintelligible as obscene. Then we had to play it.

Mike Mitchell, the lead guitarist from the band’s start, just passed away. He was still playing.

Lots of good memories.

Founding guitarist Mike Mitchell (right) with
the Kingsmen in 1964 | Michael Ochs Archives

Read RollingStone: Mike Mitchell, Guitarist on the Kingsmen’s “Louie Louie,” Dead at 77