Richard Berry was an American singer, songwriter, and musician active in the mid-20th century, best known for composing the rock standard "Louie Louie". His style was rooted in doo-wop and rhythm and blues, but his influence reached far beyond these genres, impacting the development of rock 'n' roll. Berry's work is characterized by his distinctive baritone voice and catchy, simple melodies. Despite his relatively brief career, his impact is significant, as "Louie Louie" became a defining song of the 1960s, covered by countless artists including the Kingsmen, whose version is the most recognized today.