"Louie Louie" is a rhythm and blues song written, composed, and recorded by American musician Richard Berry in 1956 and released in 1957. It is best known for the 1963 hit version by the Kingsmen and the attendant controversy over allegedly profane lyrics. The song is based on the tune "El Loco Cha Cha" popularized by bandleader René Touzet and is an example of Afro-Cuban influence on American popular music. The song’s historical impact and ongoing popularity, attested by books, articles, rankin…