My friend Joe Rallos started a new petition to bring the Kingsmen’s version of LOUIE LOUIE to the 2024 National Recording Registry.
As he states on his petition:
“Louie Louie” is one of the most iconic and covered songs in Rock ‘n’ Roll. It’s been named one of the Songs of The Century by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) as well as being recognized by National Public Radio, Rolling Stone and The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The song is also arguably the only song to be given a special day (April 11 is International Louie Louie Day) and be the subject of an FBI investigation.
One award which is missing though is preservation in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry. Having this song be included would ensure not only official recognition but also permanent preservation.
Despite the many versions of this song, the one I am pushing to get included is The Kingsmen‘s classic 1963 version on the Jerden label.
The official website for the National Recording Preservation Board (NRPB) provides information about the National Recording Registry:
Each year, the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress chooses 25 recordings showcasing the range and diversity of American recorded sound heritage in order to increase preservation awareness. The diversity of nominations received highlights the richness of the nation’s audio legacy and underscores the importance of assuring the long-term preservation of that legacy for future generations. Currently, there are 600 works/titles on the National Recording Registry.
As the NRPB page states… everyone is welcome to submit nominations to the National Recording Registry.
Everyone is welcome to submit nominations to the National Recording Registry.
Individuals may submit up to fifty Registry nominations per year.
Nominations must meet the Recording Registry Selection Criteria.
Criteria
The following criteria for the selection of recordings into the National Recording Registry are intended to be read broadly, so that as many recordings as possible will be eligible.Recordings selected for the National Recording Registry are those that are culturally, historically or aesthetically important..
Recordings may be a single item or group of related items; published or unpublished; and may contain music, non-music, spoken word, or broadcast sound.
No recording is eligible for inclusion into the National Recording Registry until ten years after the recording’s creation.
You can learn more about the National Recording Preservation Board (NRPB), the Mission Statement, the National Recording Preservation Board, and the Recorded Sound Reference Center by visiting the main NRPB webpage.
REFERENCE LINKS:
Joe’s Kingsmen LOUIE LOUIE petition
NRPB – National Recording Registry definition
NRPB – National Recording Registry Nomination Process
NRPB – National Recording Preservation Board
NRPB – Recorded Sound Reference Center