"Louie, Louie"

Steve Propes has been a longtime supporter of the NAMM Oral History program and sat down with us to discuss his views on the development of R&B, doo wop and rock and roll. As a long time radio personality in Southern California and author, Steve has become a music historian with a focus on record collecting. His interesting career, which included teaching music appreciation at the local college, also gave him the opportunity to interview several of his musical heroes. For his radio program, Steve interviewed early music pioneers such as Big Joe Turner, Lowell Fulson and Richar

Norm Sundholm was playing bass for the rock band The Kingsmen when he had a few ideas to improve his amplifier. As the band rose to fame, thanks to the recording of “Louie Louie,” Norm and his brother, Conrad, formed Sunn Amplifiers. As the key product endorser while on tour, Norm learned firsthand the reaction of the amps and continued to design products throughout his run with the Kingsmen. Decades later, Norm became the manager of the Kingsmen’s musical rights and publishing.