It all began in 1957, when Richard Berry and the Pharoahs released Berry's composition "Louie, Louie", as the b-side of a single, and had some regional success in the San Francisco area.  Later, when the band toured the Pacific Northwest, several local groups picked up on the song's appeal and began adding it to their set-lists.  

Then in 1963, The Kingsmen, of Portland, Oregon, spent $36 for an hour of studio time and recorded their version of the song in one take.  Released in May of that year, the single gradually rose to #2 in the nation, during which all hell broke loose: Due to the fact that the lead singer mumbled the lyrics (possibly because he was wearing braces) the rumor sprang up that the words were in fact, graphically sexual - just ask any teenager.  The result? Phone calls from irate parents to government officials, bannings from radio stations and a 31-month FBI investigation which concluded that "they were "unable to interpret any of the wording in the record."  

Since then literally hundreds of versions of "Louie Louie" have been recorded.  So this week's I.W.H. is proud to bring you "The First Annual KRUU "Louie Louie"-thon!", featuring as many versions as I think you deserve.

Tuesday 2/23/10  8-10 PM   REBROADCAST Friday Midnight after P5K