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The Kingsmen facts for kids

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The Kingsmen
The Kingsmen 1966.jpg
The Kingsmen in 1966
Background information
Origin Portland, Oregon, United States
Genres Garage rock
Years active 1959–present
Labels Jerden, Wand, Sundazed
Members Mike Mitchell (1959-present)
Dick Peterson (1963-present)
Steve Peterson (1988-present)
Todd McPherson (1992-present)
Dennis Mitchell (2006-present)
Past members Lynn Easton (1959-1967)
Jack Ely (1959-1963)
Bob Nordby (1959-1963)
Don Gallucci (1962-1963)
Gary Abbott (1962-1963)
Norm Sundholm (1963-1967)
Barry Curtis (1963-2005)
Kerry Magness(1966-1967)
J.C. Reick (1966-1967)
Turley Richards (1967)
Pete Borg (1967)
Jeff Beals (1967-1968)
Steve Friedson (1967-1973)
Fred Dennis (1972-1984)
Andy Parypa (1982-1984)
Kim Nicklaus (1982-1984)
Marc Willett (1984-1992)
Keith Blake (1994-1999)

The Kingsmen were a very popular American band from the early 1960s. They are best known for their hit song "Louie, Louie". This song caused a lot of discussion because some people thought the lyrics were inappropriate.

Despite the debate, an American court decided the song was not offensive. In fact, all the talk about the song actually helped it become even more popular! The Kingsmen also had other successful songs, like "Jolly Green Giant." They even appeared in a movie called How to Stuff a Wild Bikini, performing with Annette Funicello.

The Kingsmen's Music Style

The Kingsmen played a type of music called Garage rock. This style of music was popular in the 1960s. It often featured simple, raw sounds and energetic performances. The band started making music in 1959 and has continued to perform over the years.

Their Famous Song: Louie, Louie

"Louie, Louie" became a huge hit for The Kingsmen. It was released in 1963. The song's simple, catchy tune and unique vocals made it stand out. It quickly became a favorite for many young people.

The "Louie, Louie" Controversy

When "Louie, Louie" became popular, some people were worried about its lyrics. They believed the words might be hidden or not suitable for everyone. This led to a big discussion across the country. Some groups even tried to get the song banned from radio stations.

However, after a close look, a court decided that the song was not offensive. This decision helped the song become even more famous. The story of "Louie, Louie" shows how a song can become a part of cultural history.

Other Popular Songs and Appearances

Besides "Louie, Louie," The Kingsmen had other songs that did well. "Jolly Green Giant" was one of them. This song was a funny take on the famous mascot for Green Giant vegetables.

The band also appeared in the movie How to Stuff a Wild Bikini. This gave them a chance to perform their music on screen. It helped more people see and hear The Kingsmen.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: The Kingsmen para niños

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