Jack Ely...RIP

[WAYNO]

Jack Ely of the Kingsmen has passed away. Ya may not remember him, but you'll sure remember their song, "Louis Louis".

Louis Louis is considered the Pacific Northwest anthem for anyone who's ever really enjoyed playing a musical instrument.

I've been very involved in adult marching bands for many years, and of course the crowds always want us to play Louis Louis. I was playing at an event some years ago, and the Kingsmen made a cameo appearance. Of course we played Louis Louis, and they sang Louis Louis. At one point one of the Kingsmen thrust a microphone in my face and I was able to sing Louis Louis with them. A highlight forever for me.

May Jack Ely rest in peace. Thank you.

WAYNO.

 

[contender]

I saw that on the news earlier. I'm a fan of that era of music, and Miss Penny asked me if I knew who did it. She was a bit surprised when I answered correctly.

 

[Rick Courtright]

Hi,

Arguably the first garage band to hit the big time, and to this very day, folks are still asking the question we did as high school freshmen in '63: "WHAT did he just sing?"

Rest in peace, Mr. Ely, and thank you!

Rick C

 

[sfhogman]

Oh my....
Everyone in my high school THOUGHT they knew what he was singing....
Ah, well. It's lore now.....

Jeff

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

Even the FBI determined it was illegible at any speed. :roll: Ely said it was because they recorded in a studio with cheap equipment. He had to stand on his toes to sing in the mike that came down from over his head.

 

[SAJohn]

I was surprised to find out that he lived but a few miles from my house.

 

[Poco Oso]

Yep, just up the road from me a short bit too, John. I met and talked to him a couple of times. Real nice guy. RIP Jack. We gotta go now.

 

[RugerHound]

RIP Jack... 71 is too darned young! I saw the notice on Paul Revere's Raiders site.. There was a kinship there with the Kingsmen!