Benton Harbor, Michigan, school officials prohibit a marching band from playing “Louie Louie”:
A pop culture controversy that has simmered for decades came to a head when a middle school marching band was told not to perform “Louie Louie.”
Benton Harbor Superintendent Paula Dawning cited the song’s allegedly raunchy lyrics in ordering the McCord Middle School band not to perform it in Saturday’s Grand Floral Parade, held as part of the Blossomtime Festival.
In a letter sent home with McCord students, Dawning said “Louie Louie” was not appropriate for Benton Harbor students to play while representing the district – even though the marching band wasn’t going to sing it.
That the lyrics aren’t really raunchy didn’t factor into the decision, apparently.
