 On August 16 , during a band practice , Easton told Ely that he wanted to abandon the drums and become the frontman and singer . Ely would have to become the drummer , and since The Kingsmen was registered in Easton 's name only , he technically led the band . Ely was not happy with this turn of events , and he and Nordby left the band at once . At the time , the song had sold roughly 600 copies and it was thought that the Kingsmen would disband . When he found out " Louie Louie " was climbing up the Billboard charts , Ely attempted to rejoin the group , but was blocked by Easton who was intent on adding replacements . Undeterred , Ely went on to form his own " Kingsmen " group and also recorded " Love That Louie " in 1964 for RCA Records as Jack E. Lee and the Squires . A legal battle ensued , resulting in Ely ceasing to call his group the Kingsmen and Wand Records being required to credit Ely as lead vocalist on all future " Louie Louie " pressings . Ely received $ 6000 in royalties , and Easton had to stop lip @-@ synching the song in live performances . 
