Catchy and easy to dance to, “Louie Louie” is one of the most recorded rock songs of all time. First written by Richard Berry in 1956, “Louie Louie” was an immediate hit in the Pacific Northwest on its first tour. The song was re-recorded by Northwest bands such as The Wailers, Paul Revere and the Raiders, and most notably The Kingsmen, whose 1963 version was investigated by the FBI on accusations of obscene hidden lyrics.

In 1985, KING TV’s sketch comedy show “Almost Live” host Ross Shafer launched a campaign to change the current state song “Washington, My Home” to “Louie Louie.” Louie Louie-lovers from all corners of the state joined the legislative effort, and on April 12th, 1985 LOUIE LOUIE DAY was declared in Washington by State Senate Resolution 1985-37. The rally turned out more than five thousand people and debuted a Washington-specific parody of the song, performed by local bands. While the campaign was ultimately unsuccessful, “Louie Louie” remains a beloved unofficial anthem in Washington—especially for fans of the Seattle Mariners.