ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times

DATE: Saturday, January 25, 1997             TAG: 9701270060
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: C-2  EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: LOS ANGELES
                                             TYPE: NEWS OBIT 

`LOUIE LOUIE' COMPOSER DIES

Richard Berry, the rhythm and blues pioneer whose song ``Louie Louie'' launched a generation of garage bands, livened up frat parties and provoked a federal obscenity probe, has died at age 61.

Berry died in his sleep Thursday at his home in South Central Los Angeles, possibly of complications from an aneurysm, said John Kim, who was working with Berry on a feature film biography.

While the lyrics were rumored to be obscene when the Kingsmen's version of the song was played slowly, federal investigators said, ``We found the record to be unintelligible at any speed we played it.'' Berry's original lyrics told of finding true love in Jamaica.

- Associated Press

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