The Kingsmen are an American rock and roll band most recognized for their 1963 hit "Louie Louie". Originating from Portland, Oregon, the band was formed in 1959 by Lynn Easton and Jack Ely, who contributed significantly to their distinct garage rock sound. The Kingsmen's version of "Louie Louie" is significant in music history due to its impact on the genre of rock and its influence on future bands, despite initial controversy over its indecipherable lyrics. Their music, characterized by a raw, unpolished style, helped lay the groundwork for the punk and garage rock movements of the late 1970s and 1980s.