The Kingsmen is an American rock band formed in Portland, Oregon in 1959. They are best known for their hit song "Louie Louie," which became a popular rock and roll anthem in the 1960s.

The band was originally formed by high school friends Lynn Easton and Jack Ely. They were influenced by early rock and roll artists like Little Richard and Elvis Presley, and they began performing at local dances and parties. In 1963, they recorded "Louie Louie" in a small studio in Portland, and the song became a regional hit.

The Kingsmen's version of "Louie Louie" was notable for its raucous, almost indecipherable vocals and raw, garage band sound. The song's lyrics were also controversial at the time, as some people thought they contained obscene or lewd references. The FBI even launched an investigation into the lyrics, but ultimately found no evidence of wrongdoing.

Despite the controversy, "Louie Louie" became a huge hit and reached the top of the charts in late 1963. The Kingsmen went on to record several more albums and singles, but none of them achieved the same level of success as "Louie Louie."

The original lineup of The Kingsmen disbanded in the late 1960s, but various versions of the band have continued to perform and record music over the years. They have also been the subject of several documentaries and books, and their version of "Louie Louie" has been covered by countless other artists.

Thanks to Jack Ely for keeping me straight regarding the lineup for The Kingsmen from 1958 through 1964. -GSH

• Mike Mitchell - lead guitar/vocals
  
• Jack Ely - rhythm guitar/vocals
• Bob Nordby - bass
• Lynn Easton - drums

• Mike Mitchell - lead guitar/vocals
• Jack Ely - rhythm guitar/vocals
• Bob Nordby - bass
• Lynn Easton - drums
• Don Gallucci - electric piano

1. "The Kingsmen In Person" (1963) - Single: "Louie Louie" (1963)

• Mike Mitchell - lead guitar
• Lynn Easton - vocals/sax
  
• Don Gallucci - electric piano
• Norm Sundholm - bass
• Gary Abbott - drums

• Mike Mitchell - lead guitar
• Lynn Easton - vocals/sax
• Barry Curtis -
• Norm Sundholm - bass
• Dick Peterson - drums
  

1. "The Kingsmen, vol. 2" (1964) - Single: "Money" (1964)
2. "The Kingsmen, vol. 3" (1965) - Single: "The Jolly Green Giant" (1965)

• Mike Mitchell - lead guitar
• Lynn Easton - vocals/sax
• Dick Peterson - drums
  
• Barry Curtis -
• Norm Sundholm - bass
  
• Kerry Magness -
• J. C. Reick -

• Mike Mitchell - lead guitar
• Dick Peterson - drums
  
• Barry Curtis -
• Kerry Magness -
• J. C. Reick -
• Pete Borg -

• Mike Mitchell - lead guitar
• Dick Peterson - drums
  
• Barry Curtis -
• Jeff Beals -
• Steve Friedson -

• Mike Mitchell - lead guitar
• Lynn Easton - vocals/sax
• Dick Peterson - drums
  
• Barry Curtis -
• Steve Friedson -

• Mike Mitchell - lead guitar
• Dick Peterson - drums
  
• Barry Curtis -
• Steve Friedson -
• Fred Dennis -

• Mike Mitchell - lead guitar
• Dick Peterson - drums
  
• Barry Curtis -
• Fred Dennis -

• Mike Mitchell - lead guitar
• Dick Peterson - drums
  
• Barry Curtis -
• Andy Parypa -
• Kim Nicklaus -

• Mike Mitchell - lead guitar
• Dick Peterson - drums
  
• Barry Curtis -
• Marc Willett -

• Mike Mitchell - lead guitar
• Dick Peterson - drums
  
• Barry Curtis -
• Marc Willett -
• Steve Peterson -

• Mike Mitchell - lead guitar
• Dick Peterson - drums
  
• Barry Curtis -
• Steve Peterson -
• Todd McPherson -

1. "15 Great Hits" (1966)
2. "Best of the Kingsmen" (1985)
3. "Live and Unreleased" (1994)
4. "Greatest Hits" (1998)

• The Kingsmen - Official Web Site