Richard Berry; Singer-Songwriter Wrote ‘Louie Louie’

Richard Berry, 61, the singer-songwriter who wrote the rock ‘n’ roll standard “Louie Louie.” A hit for the Kingsmen in 1963, “Louie Louie” was recorded by more than 300 artists. In the 1980s, Rhino Records released two albums that included 20 versions of the song by such diverse artists as Ike & Tina Turner, the Kinks and the Rice University Marching Owl Band. The Beach Boys, Frank Zappa, Iggy Pop and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were among the other acts who recorded what is one of the most easily recognizable rock songs of all time. Berry, who recorded the original version of the song in 1956, continued to perform during the last 40 years despite suffering from heart trouble. He was featured vocally in the ‘50s on such R&B; classics as the Robins’ “Riot in Cell Block No. 9” and Etta James’ “Roll with Me Henry (The Wallflower).” Found Thursday after dying in his sleep in South-Central Los Angeles.