Comments on: Blues Bytes – “Me Gotta Go Now” 5.04.12

By: Monte Buhite

Monte Buhite — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:13:27 +0000

Hi Rev. Billy,
Love your articles – keep ‘em comin’.
I grew up a few blocks from the Chase teen club on McLoughlin Boulevard in Milwaukie, OR just south of Portland, where the Kingsman recorded ‘Louie, Louie’; and was in high school at the time. One local radio station played the Kingsmen version, another played another local group, the Raiders version (which I thought sounded much better). The Seattle’s Wailers version didn’t get much airtime in Portland, although the band was very popular here. I’d say the songs popularity boosted the fortunes of many garage bands, including my favorite, Gentleman Jim and the Horsemen (check out their ‘Sharon’.)

By: revbilly

revbilly — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:45:19 +0000

If you can, listen to the completely different chords in the Richard Berry version.
There is yet another version by the Sonics with completely different changes.
Thanks for writing.

By: revbilly

revbilly — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:40:12 +0000

Thanks Terence:
See above reply. Thanks for taking the time to contribute. You obviously know the music, i encourage any further inisghts you have in future columns.
Next week we will explore the mysteries of “Spo-Dee-O-Dee.”

By: revbilly

revbilly — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:35:13 +0000

As far as neo-doo wop (and Bob Porter is one of the few guys that would understand that term) you’re spot on, as usual. Also I found it interesting that Berry s the “answer” voice on “Wallflower,” by Etta James. What really fried my circuits was finding out that he sang the lead on “Riot in Cell Block #9.”
Great hearing from you, stay in touch, and please add comments and/or insights any time.

By: revbilly

revbilly — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:18:44 +0000

Hey Butch:
I am honored that you would take the time to write me.
Reading the history of the song, every account does mention your brother’s band.
The importance of the Rhythm Rockers to the story lies in the fact that indeed, as a result of working with them, Berry became interested in Latin rhythms. Listening to ‘El Loco..” It’s obvious where he got the riff from.
Apparently, the lyrics were a combination of “Havana Moon,” by Chuck Berry ( a guy sailing to an island to retrieve his girlfriend), and “One More For The Road,” the singer is talking to a bartender, in this case, a guy named Louie, instead of Joe.
I must say, it’s a bit of an honor to hear from someone only one step removed from the source. Thanks very much.

By: revbilly

revbilly — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:03:35 +0000

You’re correct on that one, although I read that Rollins did sing a version complete with improvised lyrics.
For those of you interested in reading the lyrics to the most commonly accepted “dirty version” apparently still sung by (big surprise) Iggy Pop, go to http://tdg.home.xs4all.nl/louie1.html.
I’ll warn you ahead of time, they’re extemely crude, about what you’d expect from 13-16 yr. old males.

….

By: revbilly

revbilly — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:49:44 +0000

The Ron Holden story checks out. Supposedly, he was the first one to start playing it, never recorded it.
Robin Roberts is credited with changing the feel of it, and the first one to add the immortal line:
“Allright, let’s give to ‘em right now!”

By: mark schlesinger

mark schlesinger — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:46:23 +0000

well you don’t notice the f-bombs in “Who Are You” either, till you’re reminded of it.Can’t believe every classic rock station has played that tune daily for thirty years–yet they’re still on the air! (who the f*** are you??)

By: Bob Ruscus

Bob Ruscus — Sun, 06 May 2012 20:38:13 +0000

I’ve heard so many versions of the “Louie Louie” story.Thanks for setting me straight Rev!!My band has been playing it out for a while.I have the Kingsmen version and will certainly listen for the “F” bomb.A lesson in rock-n-roll history indeed!!

By: Thomas Sperandeo

Thomas Sperandeo — Sun, 06 May 2012 02:47:52 +0000

Billy: Loved the story! I’m glad Berry finally collected!