Richard Berry (musician)

Richard Berry (1935 – 1997) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician, best known for writing and originally performing the song "Louie Louie."

Berry was born in Extension, Louisiana, and moved to Los Angeles, California, as a child. He began his musical career in the early 1950s, performing with various R&B and doo-wop groups. He was influenced by artists such as Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, and Little Richard.

In 1957, Berry recorded "Louie Louie," a song he based on the rhythm and melody of "El Loco Cha Cha" by René Touzet. Berry's version, released on Flip Records, was a regional hit but did not achieve national success. However, the song became a garage rock standard after it was covered by The Kingsmen in 1963. Their version, though often criticized for its muffled vocals, reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and cemented "Louie Louie" as a rock and roll anthem.

Despite writing one of the most recognizable songs in rock history, Berry did not initially receive significant financial compensation. Legal battles over the ownership of the song's copyright continued for many years. However, in the late 1980s, Berry finally gained full ownership of the copyright and began to receive royalties for its use.

Richard Berry continued to perform and record music throughout his life, though he never achieved the same level of fame as "Louie Louie." He died of heart failure in 1997. His legacy lies in his contribution to rock and roll history through the creation of "Louie Louie," a song that continues to be performed and enjoyed by generations. He is often referred to as a one-hit wonder, but his influence on the development of rock music is undeniable.