PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Jack Ely, the Portland native and lead singer for The Kingsmen, died Tuesday, his son told KOIN 6 News. He was 71.
Most famous for the often-covered and never-understood “Louie Louie,” The Kingsmen cemented their place in rock and roll lore with their 1963 recording of the song.
In October 2013, Portland honored the band with “Louie Louie Day”, which included Mayor Charlie Hales dedicating a bronze plaque at the site where they recorded the song.
The recording studio at 411 SW 13th Avenue is now the home of Skylab Architecture.
Jack Ely, who later trained horses in central Oregon, died at his home in Redmond, his son Sean told KOIN 6 News.
A memorial fund has been set up in Ely’s honor.
