Jack Ely dead: Louie Louie singer passed away

Ely was investigated by the FBI after the hit came out

Jack Ely was happy being a one-hit wonder with Louie Louie (Associated Press)

Jack Ely, best known for his hit single 'Louie Louie' with the Kingsmen, has died aged 71.

He passed away on Monday morning at his home in Redmond, Oregon, according to his son, Sean Ely.

The Kingsmen released the song 'Louie Louie' in 1966, but it didn't even chart.

The song was originally recorded in 1957 by Richard Berry, but the Kingsmen's version has gone on to become the classic.

Due to his incoherent vocal style on the track, Ely was investigated by the FBI. The bureau wanted to find out whether the song was obscene and launched a lengthy investigation into it. They reported it was “unintelligible at any speed” in a 455-page dossier.

Ely fell out with the Kingsmen soon after the song was released and traded music for training horses in Oregon.