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Today in Music History: What the Hell Is He Saying?

Posted at 7:20 AM on April 13, 2009 by Steve Seel

1945, Born on this day, Lowell George, singer, songwriter, guitarist, Little Feat.
1946, Born on this day, Al Green, US soul singer
1951, Born on this day, Max Weinberg,
1962, Born on this day, Hillel Slovak, guitar, The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Died from a heroin overdose 27th June 1988.
1971, The Rolling Stones released 'Brown Sugar' the first record on their own label, Rolling Stones Records, which introduces the infamous licking- tongue and lips logo.
1974, Elton John went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Bennie And The Jets'
1974, Paul McCartney's 'Band On The Run', went to No.1 on the US album charts.
1993, the first 'Aerosmith Day' was observed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts after the band were given their very own holiday.

It was on this day in 1963 that The Kingsmen recorded the song "Louie Louie." What was originally a mild-mannered song recorded in the style of a Jamaican ballad by Richard Berry, the Kingsmen turned into one of the most enduring songs in rock n' roll history in a sloppy, ramshackle recording made for the hilariously tiny sum of $36. Rolling Stone ranksThe Kingsmen's version of the song at #55 on their list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It is unknown how many versions of the song have been recorded, but Louielouie.net estimates the number at over 1500.

Just as notable, however, is the controversy surrounding the single's original release. A letter written to then Attorney General Robert Kennedy claiming the song's lyrics were obscene spurred an investigation by the FBI. After two years, the Bureau concluded that the recording could not be interpreted, that it was "unintelligible at any speed," and therefore the recording could not be declared obscene.

The entire history of the song is quite amazing. I'd recommend reading the Wikipedia entry if you're curious.

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