Louie Louie
Famously mumbled anthem
"Louie Louie" is a 1955 rhythm and blues song that became a rock standard through the Kingsmen's 1963 version.
That recording's slurred, nearly unintelligible vocals sparked an FBI investigation into whether the lyrics were obscene—they weren't.
The song's three-chord structure has made it a touchstone for garage rock and punk: Every band learns "Louie Louie" first.
- songMusical piece with words
- danceRhythmic bodily movement
- iconicWidely recognized, enduring
- anthemOfficial song of praise
- garage rockRaw amateur band style
garage band · censorship · FBI investigation · beat · party · surf rock · rhythm and blues · freedom of expression · music · counterculture · rock and roll · youth rebellion · frat party · classic · parody songs · film soundtracks · cover versions · rhythm
Louie LouieBohemian Rhapsody
Queen's operatic rock suite
Stairway to Heaven · progressive rock · Rhapsody in Blue · jazz fusion · bebop
Louie LouieDark Side of the Moon
Moon's hidden face
Pet Sounds · Thriller · Steely Dan · wall of sound · Abbey Road
Louie Louieopera
Theatrical art combining song
chamber music · easy listening · elevator music · adult contemporary · smooth jazz