The Kingsmen In Person


The Kingsmen in Person is the first album by the rock band The Kingsmen, released in 1963. The album featured "Louie Louie", the band's biggest success. Jack Ely, the singer of "Louie Louie", appeared on no other track on the album because he quit before it was recorded.

Release and reception

The Kingsmen recorded "Louie Louie" at Northwestern Inc. recording studio on April 6, 1963. After being reissued by Wand, "Louie Louie" debuted in the Billboard Hot 100 at #83 on November 9 and quickly began ascending the charts. Trying to capitalize on the success of the song, the Kingsmen decided to release an entire album, and gigs at the Chase nightclub were booked on November 15 and 16 to record what was to become "The Kingsmen in Person". Jack Ely, the singer of "Louie Louie", appeared on no other track on the album because he quit before it was recorded. Wand quickly released the album to make a dent in the Christmas purchasing season.
The album first appeared on the Billboard Top LPs on January 18, 1964, eventually peaking at #20 and remaining on the chart for over two years until 1966.
The January 18, 1964 issue of Cash Box magazine reviewed the album:
Jack Rabid of Allmusic awarded the album 3.5 stars and said: "From "Mojo Workout" to "Night Train" to "Money" to the instrumental "You Can't Sit Down," the keyboards swirl above the stomp of the rhythm section and guitars, and it still makes people want to get drunk and go nuts. The band is primitive, sure, but boy does the spirit feel like a hot time."
The LP was released in both mono and stereo versions. International releases included Canada, Germany, Mexico, and United Kingdom. In 1993 Sundazed and Bear Family reissued the album on CD with bonus tracks "Haunted Castle", "The Krunch", and " The Gamma Goochee". In 2016 the album was reissued in Japan by Old Days Records with bonus tracks "Little Latin Lupe Lu", "Death of an Angel", and "The Jolly Green Giant".

Track listing

  1. Louie, Louie - 2:44
  2. The Waiting - 3:08
  3. Mojo Workout - 2:28
  4. Fever - 3:07
  5. Money - 2:24
  6. Bent Scepter - 2:59
  7. Long Tall Texan - 2:44
  8. You Can't Sit Down - 2:59
  9. Twist & Shout - 4:55
  10. J.A.J. - 2:20
  11. Night Train - 2:18
  12. Mashed Potatoes - 2:33
  13. Haunted Castle† - 2:47
  14. The Krunch† - 2:18
  15. The Gamma Goochee† - 2:09
† CD bonus tracks

Chart positions

Musicians and production