The Unforgettable Journey Of Richard Berry: The Man Behind "Louie Louie"

Sometimes when an artist is working, lightning strikes and they create something incredible, enduring, and game-changing. Anyone who creates stuff for a living hopes for that moment. Every artist wants the fame and fortune that comes with creating something amazing–because that’s what happens when you make something amazing–you get fame and fortune. Right? Unfortunately, that’s not the case at all. In fact, for many artists, creating something amazing can mean very little.

For Richard Berry, an R&B artist who wrote and performed tracks for decades, his amazing creation would eventually generate millions of dollars worth of royalties. Unfortunately, thanks to one REALLY BAD business decision and some scummy record execs, Richard never saw a penny. Here’s the story of the man who wrote the massively successful song, “Louie Louie,” and how it took a random commercial for him to finally get his due.

Early Life: The Beginnings of a Musical Talent

Richard Berry was born on April 11, 1935 in Extension, Louisiana. He grew up in Los Angeles, where his love for music blossomed after he received a ukulele at summer camp. During high school in the 1950s, Richard and his classmates would sing doo-wop and R&B songs together, sharing their passion for music.

His journey into rock and roll began with a strange phone call from his cousin Marvin in the middle of the night in November of 1955, sparking an interest that would shape his future. After graduating from Jefferson High School, Richard started performing with various local doo-wop groups, some of which achieved moderate success. He recorded tracks with prominent groups like The Cadets and The Chimes, and even lent his bass voice to other artists' recordings, often without credit, including the iconic Etta James.

The Birth of "Louie Louie"

In 1955, while performing with Rick Rillera and the Rhythm Rockers, Berry was inspired to create his own version of Rene Touzet’s “El Loco Cha Cha.” He wrote new lyrics and notated shifts in melody on a roll of toilet paper while waiting to perform backstage. The lyrics of the chorus, which described trying to get the attention of a bartender named Louie, laid the foundation for what would become a timeless classic.

Richard recorded “Louie Louie” with the Pharaohs, and it was released in 1957 as a B-side to his cover of “You Are My Sunshine.” Although it only sold 130,000 copies, it gained popularity among R&B and rock groups who began covering the tune.

Giving Up His Golden Ticket

Despite the song's potential, Berry’s original version never became a major hit, leading him to sell his publishing and songwriting rights to Flip Records for a mere $750 in 1959. At the time, this was approximately $6,000 when adjusted for inflation. The decision stemmed from financial pressures; he was about to get married and needed money, leading him to part with the most valuable asset he owned—his music.

The Kingsmen and the Explosion of "Louie Louie"

In 1963, a high school garage band called The Kingsmen released their own version of “Louie Louie,” paying only $35 for studio time. Their rendition, which strayed from the reggae sound and made the lyrics nearly unintelligible, became a massive hit but also sparked controversy. The FBI even investigated whether the lyrics contained obscene content, leading to its ban from multiple radio stations.

Despite the chaos, Richard Berry's original lyrics told a simple story of a Jamaican sailor returning home to see his lover. However, the Kingsmen's version left much to the imagination, leading to debates about its appropriateness for younger audiences. Today, “Louie Louie” stands as one of the most recorded rock songs, with countless covers from bands around the world.

The Resurgence of Richard Berry

Throughout most of his life, Richard Berry did not profit from his song's success. By the mid-1980s, he struggled financially, living on welfare at his mother's house in South Central LA. However, in a twist of fate, California Cooler sought to use “Louie Louie” in a commercial campaign, leading them to discover Berry's rights agreement from 1959.

After tracking him down, a lawyer suggested that Berry reclaim his rights. The subsequent lawsuit against the rights holders revealed he had been deprived of millions in royalties. Ultimately, a settlement was reached, making Berry a millionaire, with reports indicating he received between $20 million and $25 million.

A Lasting Legacy

Following his newfound wealth, Richard Berry found himself in high demand as a live performer. He played concerts across the country and shared the stage with the Pharaohs and the Dreamers for his final performance in February 1996. Sadly, Berry passed away from heart failure in January 1997.

While he may not have received the recognition he deserved in his prime, Berry’s story serves as a reminder of the enduring power of music. “Louie Louie” continues to captivate audiences and inspire generations, solidifying Richard Berry's place in music history.

In summary, Richard Berry's journey is one of talent, struggle, and eventual recognition. His song, “Louie Louie,” is not just a classic but a testament to the resilience of artists and the ever-evolving music industry.