The Kingsmen, from left, Don Gallucci, Jack Ely, Lynn Easton, Mike Mitchell and Bob Nordby. (Gino Rossi photo)
Based on outcry from parents who bought into what may have started as an
idle rumor, the FBI launched a formal investigation in 1964 into the so-called
pornographic lyrics of the song “Louie, Louie.” The investigation finally
neared its conclusion on this day in 1965, when the FBI Laboratory declared
the lyrics of “Louie, Louie” to officially unintelligible. The tune would go
on to become one of the most –covered songs in rock-and-roll history.
Jack Ely, the guitar player and lead singer for the Kingsmen, sang
the classic rock and roll song “Louie, Louie, ” died April 27, 2015
at age 71.