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Starting to feel kinda lonely 'round here....and below that announcement was this....dammit....
'Louie Louie' Singer Jack Ely Dies in Oregon at Age 71
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LOS ANGELES — Jack Ely, a former singer with garage band The Kingsmen whose largely slurred version of the song "Louie Louie" became a staple of rock radio, has died in Oregon at age 71, his son said.
Ely died this week at his home in Redmond of what appears to have been skin cancer, said his son, Sean Ely.
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"His religious beliefs didn't incorporate medical stuff so we're not really sure" about the cause of death, he said.
Jack Ely was with The Kingsmen in 1963 when they recorded a version of the rhythm and blues song "Louie Louie" that had been written in 1955 by singer Richard Berry.
Ely's slurred lyrics on the recording, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard charts, led to rumors he had sneaked obscenities into the song. The FBI opened an investigation in a futile attempt to determine all the words on the recording.
Ely later left the band which went on to record other hit songs without him, including "Money (That's What I Want)" and "The Jolly Green Giant."
He later went on to train horses at a ranch in Oregon, Sean Ely said. In 2012, he released a Christian album called "Love Is All Around You Now."
Dang it! I was proud to boast that I knew all the words to Louie Louie back in my bar betting days. But they really are all getting up there. :sigh:...and below that announcement was this....dammit....
'Louie Louie' Singer Jack Ely Dies in Oregon at Age 71
collapse story
LOS ANGELES — Jack Ely, a former singer with garage band The Kingsmen whose largely slurred version of the song "Louie Louie" became a staple of rock radio, has died in Oregon at age 71, his son said.
Ely died this week at his home in Redmond of what appears to have been skin cancer, said his son, Sean Ely.
advertisement
"His religious beliefs didn't incorporate medical stuff so we're not really sure" about the cause of death, he said.
Jack Ely was with The Kingsmen in 1963 when they recorded a version of the rhythm and blues song "Louie Louie" that had been written in 1955 by singer Richard Berry.
Ely's slurred lyrics on the recording, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard charts, led to rumors he had sneaked obscenities into the song. The FBI opened an investigation in a futile attempt to determine all the words on the recording.
Ely later left the band which went on to record other hit songs without him, including "Money (That's What I Want)" and "The Jolly Green Giant."
He later went on to train horses at a ranch in Oregon, Sean Ely said. In 2012, he released a Christian album called "Love Is All Around You Now."
Not to take away from this thread, R.I.P. Mr. King. Stand By Me gives me the chills every time I hear it, but I want to know what you do to interview these awesome people(even Tiny Tim brrrrrr)?...I had the pleasure of interviewing this gentleman, and I think he says it best...
R&B singer and songwriter Gary U.S. Bonds posted a tribute, thanking King for "the wonderful legacy" he leaves behind.
"With an extremely heavy heart, I must say goodbye to one of the sweetest, gentlest and gifted souls that I have had the privilege of knowing and calling my friend for more than 50 years - Mr. Ben E. King," he wrote. "I can tell you that Ben E. will be missed more than words can say."
...in a nutshell honey-I have been a radio announcer and DJ for 36 years....it used to be a fulltime gig, now I'm a nurse to pay the bills-but still do broadcasting on the side, and over the course of these years-I have been fortunate enough to speak with a number of unique, gifted and wonderful folks....Not to take away from this thread, R.I.P. Mr. King. Stand By Me gives me the chills every time I hear it, but I want to know what you do to interview these awesome people(even Tiny Tim brrrrrr)?
Dang it! I was proud to boast that I knew all the words to Louie Louie back in my bar betting days. But they really are all getting up there. :sigh:
Thanks Kurben - I had that song in my head.
Let's hope that Ben and River are standing by each other somewhere.....