The Louie Report

This week, I’d like to introduce the world to someone that was closely involved with the 1983 Rhino record known as THE BEST OF LOUIE LOUIE, a release that was one of the catalysts, along with the KFJC radio marathon, that directly inspired behind this LOUIE LOUIE documentary project. It was the synergy of a [...]

Back in 1963, LOUIE LOUIE by the Kingsmen was very close to becoming a #1 Billboard hit. There was one song that stopped LOUIE LOUIE from reaching that special destination. “Dominique” by the Singing Nun was the big roadblock that stood in the way of LOUIE LOUIE. As it turns out, there’s now a new [...]

This week’s LOUIE is by Jack Ely & the Courtmen – live at the Ontario Oregon Armory in 2009. LOUIE die-hards will recognize Jack as the original vocalist for the Kingsmen when they recorded their big hit. Jack left the band after they recorded the song, and never had a chance to tour with the [...]

Our friend John “Kando” Kandarian got some attention in the “back-from-hibernation” Lance Monthly. He’s featured in the latest issue- December 2009, so if you want to read it or download it, do it now if you want to read it for free. John’s a roadie veteran that I met via his work with the Kingsmen. [...]

Jack Ely sent out a message to his friends after his big show at the Ontario Armory. He gave me permission to recycle these words, so here’s his report: As most of you know by now, last weekend my old band and I played a benefit gig for the tri-county food bank at the Ontario [...]

For those of you that would like an opportunity to see the guy that sang LOUIE LOUIE with the Kingsmen, you’ve got a chance next weekend. Jack Ely, who left the band before it had the big hit, and wasn’t allowed to rejoin, is doing a big show with his Courtmen next weekend.. The National [...]

It’s time for another rare LOUIE from the E.P. archives! In the early-mid 1980′s, I was just getting started in the video biz. The LOUIE project began with the help of a local public access channel that allowed me to borrow a big 3 tube video camera with a 3/4″ Umatic portapack. I didn’t own [...]

A few weeks ago, there was a wonderful memorial for Drake Levin, guitarist with Paul Revere & the Raiders. Family and friends came together to celebrate the man with beautiful stories, some funny jokes, and wonderful memories. I was asked to videotape the ceremony, and some of these stories were too good to not share, [...]

I just got word that Drake Levin, guitarist with Paul Revere & the Raiders, has succumbed to cancer today, passing away at the age of 62 at his home in San Francisco, with his wife Sandra at his side. I knew that Drake had cancer, and hoped to visit him, but I never had the [...]

Four different people that do not know each other sent me some LOUIE information about today- May 19. So I might as well mention it…. In 1965…In their efforts to determine the true significance of the lyrics to “Louie Louie,” FBI agents visited the offices of Wand Records, who distributed The Kingsmen’s hit record. More [...]