PORTLAND, Oreg. — According to Rolling Stone, the guitarist for The Kingsmen, Mike Mitchell, died Friday.
Originally from Portland, Oregon, The Kingsmen formed in 1957 and got their start performing at local parties.
In 1962, their manager noticed a cover of “Louie, Louie” by “Rockin’” Robin Roberts (originally in Tacoma band The Wailers) was playing on the jukebox nonstop at the Pypo Club in Seaside, Oregon.
He convinced The Kingsmen to learn the song, which they began to play at dances to critical acclaim.
In a statement to Rolling Stone, guitarist Joe Walsh said of Mitchell, “My sincere condolences. I learned to play guitar because of Mike Mitchell. I know every one of his solos, mistakes and all. We’re losing the good guys.”
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In 1985, Ross Shafer of the Seattle television series “Almost Live!” attempted to replace the state song with “Louie, Louie.”
A resolution was brought to the state legislature, where it did not pass the House. However, the Senate declared April 12, 1985, to be “Louie, Louie Day.”
The song was not without controversy. The recording of the song was completed with a single microphone that was suspended above the band, which led to lyrics sung by front man Jack Ely being nearly unintelligible.
The unknown lyrics were suspected to be obscene, which led to an FBI investigation.
The guitar solo performed by Mitchell was interrupted at the end by Ely, who famously came in too early.
Mitchell was part of The Kingsmen for 60 years, performing in shows around the world.
He died on his birthday. He was 77.
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