http://thehub.musiciansfriend.com/bits/jack-ely-singer-of-louie-louie-dies?source=3GOA5AEA
 
founder of "The Kingsmen"

You know, this guy sang what is one of, if not the most iconic rock and roll tunes of all times and hardly anyone knows him at all. Such is life. I mean really...this tune is more recognizable and more of a touchstone to what became true rock and roll than anything by anyone else, including Lieber-Stoller, Goffin-King or even Lennon-McCartney. Both Richard Berry, the writer/lyricist and Jack should be hailed as archetypes, even if accidentally so, of rock and roll. But, sadly, they are simply curiousities in the rock pantheon. Rock on, Jack, Ol pal...rock on'

He's been in the news quite a bit around here since he's from here.

I do remember debating what the actual lyrics of Louie Louie were (circa 1964?),  with most everyone thinking they heard specific references to male and female (external) anatomic structures. Nobody questioned what the overall thrust of the lyrics was. This was a very high energy, fun recording, with a great riff, a lewd pulsating rhythm , and an expressive, leering vocal by Jack Ely. The album came out on Wand records and one of the tracks was "Bent Scepter"- which I think was an instrumental.
 
Rock on, Jack!

Didn't the drummer drop a stick part way into the song but recovered it (on his own)?

Louie Louie is played on the PA during the 7th inning stretch at every Seattle Mariners home game. Right after Take Me Out to the Ball Game. The Kingsmen may have been one hit wonders, but what a hit. . . .

bapu
Didn't the drummer drop a stick part way into the song but recovered it (on his own)?

Who among us hasn't done that? It's not how you fail that matters, it's how you recover.
 
I should put that on a T-shirt. 

UbiquitousBubba

bapu
Didn't the drummer drop a stick part way into the song but recovered it (on his own)?

Who among us hasn't done that? It's not how you fail that matters, it's how you recover.
 
I should put that on a T-shirt. 

I haven't.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I might also add that I've never played with drumsticks...

I keep a pair of drumsticks in the car so I can put them on the dash and park in the handicapped spots. 

UbiquitousBubba

bapu
Didn't the drummer drop a stick part way into the song but recovered it (on his own)?

Who among us hasn't done that? It's not how you fail that matters, it's how you recover.
 
I should put that on a T-shirt. 

lol, yes, or picks, broken strings, or drunken bassists.
I even got unplugged in the middle of a guitar solo and had to plug back in myself... the reaction it caused made me consider keeping it in the act. lol
 
My first gig at 14 on bass, the guitarist pedal board died midway through the first piece and he panicked and gave up.... the drummer and I finished the set.
 
Gotta do what ya gotta do, but Mr. Ely is one of those who did it right, and with style!
 
RIP