The Kingsmen are a quintessential American garage rock band most renowned for their rowdy and raucous rendition of "Louie Louie," which became a defining hit of the 1960s rock era. Emerging from Portland, Oregon, the band formed in 1959 and initially comprised Lynn Easton (vocals, saxophone), Mike Mitchell (lead guitar), Don Gallucci (keyboards), Bob Nordby (bass), and Jack Ely (vocals, guitar). The Kingsmen shot to fame with their 1963 recording of "Louie Louie," a cover of Richard Berry's rhythm and blues song, which gained notoriety both for its incomprehensible lyrics and an FBI investigation into the supposed obscenity of those mumbled words. Despite the scrutiny, no evidence of indecency was ever found, and the controversy only fueled the record's mystique and popularity.

Over the years, The Kingsmen saw several changes in their lineup, but they continued to perform and record new material. In their later releases like "Ya Ya," "House Party," and "Quarter to Three," The Kingsmen maintained their raw, party-driven sound that initially brought them into the limelight. Records like "Live At The Castle" and "Big And Live" captured the unfiltered energy of their live performances, a hallmark of the band's enduring appeal. Their album "Reverend Everette Beverley and Sister Annie Laura" reflected their versatility, showcasing a thematic project that resonated with the spirit of American roots music. Throughout their career, The Kingsmen have remained synonymous with the unpolished, energetic sound that typified the garage rock movement and continues to influence generations of rock musicians to this day.

Genres

Classic Garage Rock

Related Artists

The Beach Boys

Chuck Berry

The Wailers

Little Richard

Jerry Lee Lewis

The Trashmen

The Sonics

The Beatles

The Rolling Stones

Elvis Presley

Paul Revere & The Raiders

The Temptations

Latest Release

Ya Ya

The Kingsmen

Album - 11 Tracks - Released October 14, 2015