First released in May 1963, the single was initially issued by the small Jerden label, before being picked up by the larger Wand Records and released by them in October 1963. It entered the top ten on the "Billboard" Hot 100 chart for December 7, and peaked at number two the following week, a spot which it held for six non-consecutive weeks; it would remain in the top 10 throughout December 1963 and January 1964 before dropping off in early February. In total, the Kingsmen's version spent 16 weeks on the Hot 100. Dominique by the Singing Nun and There! I've Said It Again by Bobby Vinton, prevented the single from reaching #1.) "Louie Louie" did reach number one on the "Cashbox" pop chart for two weeks, as well as number one on the "Cashbox" R&B chart. It was the last #1 on "Cashbox" before Beatlemania hit the United States with "I Want to Hold Your Hand". The version quickly became a standard at teen parties in the U.S. during the 1960s, even reappearing on the charts in 1966.