Richard Berry

Richard Berry (April 11, 1935–January 23, 1997) was an American singer and songwriter.

He was born in Extension, Louisiana, and is best known as the composer and original performer of the rock standard "

Richard Berry (April 11, 1935–January 23, 1997) was an American singer and songwriter.

He was born in Extension, Louisiana, and is best known as the composer and original performer of the rock standard "Louie Louie". The song, which was inspired by René Touzet's "El Loco Cha Cha" and by Chuck Berry's "Havana Moon", was a regional hit when released on the American West Coast in 1956, and The Kingsmen's more raucous version became a national hit in 1963.