Duluth, MN, USA / 95 KQDS
Apr 19, 2021 11:30 AM
L-R: Norm Sundholm, Lynn Easton, Dick Peterson, Mike Mitchell and Barry Curtis of The Kingsmen in 1964; Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Guitarist
Mike Mitchell, a founding member of the Portland, Oregon, garage-rock group
The Kingsmen, best known for their hit 1963 cover of the rock n roll party anthem Louie Louie, died Friday, April 16, according to a post on the band s official website.
Mitchell passed away on his 77th birthday. We are deeply saddened by Mike s passing. He was the kindest and most generous man on the planet, the message reads. Mike is irreplaceable and he will be greatly missed not only by us but the fans as well. Mike was a favorite for his kindness, comedic nature as well as his musicianship.
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Musician Mike Mitchell passed away on Friday on what was his 77th birthday
The news was shared on Monday by a publicist for his band the Kingsmen
Mitchell served as the lead guitarist for the successful band for over 60 years
The band was best known for the hit 1963 recording of Richard Berry s song Louie Louie
It tells the story of a sailor returning to Jamaica to see his lady love
The tune went on to be covered by the Beach Boys, the Grateful Dead and R.E.M.
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