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Inspired by the repertoire he hears from Rick Rillera he writes 'Louie Louie' (alledgedly on a napkin) and records it a year later with The Pharaohs. 'Louie Louie' is released by Flip Records on a 45 single as B-side to 'You Are My Sunshine'. When 'Louie Louie' attracts more attention than its A-side the single is rereleased with 'Louie Louie' on A- and 'Rock Rock Rock' as new B-side. These singles becomes a minor local hit in the LA-area.

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Two bands from Portland, Oregon record 'Louie Louie' within a week independently from each other. Paul Revere And The Raiders (originally from Boise, Idaho) have a bit more success with it than the other band, The Kingsmen. The latter recorded their version as a demo under difficult technical circumstances (they consider the recording a failure and are very dissatisfied that they have to pay $50 for the recording) which results in a rather chaotic and unintelligible rendition of the song. Later that year their 'Louie Louie' suddenly gets airplay in Boston. Due to Jack Ely's unintelligible lyrics rumour has it over there, that there might be serious obcenities involved. This rumour spreads quick over the whole nation and hence The Kingsmen's 'Louie Louie' becomes a national hit and reaches a Billboard #2 position on December 7th, 1963. A Belgian singing nun prevents it from becoming #1. The state of Indiana bans radio airplay of Louie Louie and as a consequence of worried parents' letters concerning the spiritual health of their children the FBI starts an investigation after the alledgedly obscenity of the 'Louie Louie' lyrics. This quest will continue until the end of 1965 when they decide that the lyrics are unintelligible at any speed and no further investigation is to be conducted in this way. Richard Berry's comment to the whole rumble: "If I told you the words, you wouldn't believe them anyway".