On this edition of Vinyl Vibes, Jack Hodgins interviews Dick Peterson, the drummer of The Kingsmen, who joined the band in December 1963 during the peak of their success with “Louie, Louie.” Although he didn’t play on the original recording of the hit, he contributed to other popular tracks like “The Jolly Green Giant” and “Annie Fanny.”
The Kingsmen enjoyed success until the late 1960s but made a comeback after “Louie, Louie” was featured in the 1978 film Animal House. Dick is now the last original member still performing live with the band.
The conversation covers Dick’s musical beginnings, his journey to The Kingsmen, the impact of “Louie, Louie,” the FBI investigation surrounding the song, their tour with The Beach Boys, and his solo projects, including his 2005 autobiography, LOUIE LOUIE Me Gotta Go Now.