15 Great Hits is the fifth album by the rock band The Kingsmen, released in 1966.
Release and reception
The Kingsmen's fifth album was an amalgam containing seven new songs, one previously released single, four alternate versions of previously released songs, and three tracks from earlier LPs. The album entered the Billboard LP chart on August 20, 1966, and remained for eight weeks, peaking at No. 87. The album's sales were supported by the continued popularity of "Louie Louie" (re-released in 1966 as "Louie Louie 64-65-66") and the Kingsmen's busy touring schedule.
Both mono (WDM 674) and stereo (WDS 674) versions were released. International releases included Canada (Wand 674), France (Disques Vogue CLVLXS 101 30), Taiwan (CSJ 519, orange vinyl), and United Kingdom (Pye International NPL 28085). The album has not been reissued on CD.
This was the group's fifth and final album chart appearance, and the last effort by the 1963-1966 line-up of Lynn Easton, Mike Mitchell, Barry Curtis, Dick Peterson, and Norm Sundholm. Later in 1966, Barry Curtis was drafted and Norm Sundholm left to develop Sunn amplifiers.
Track listing Twist & Shout – 2:58 (P. Medley-B. Russell)Alternate version of previously released song. Money – 2:13 (B. Gordy-J. Bradford) Jenny Take a Ride (C.C. Rider) – 3:14 (B. Crewe-E. Johnson-R. Penniman)LP label incorrectly has "R. Tenninan" Do You Love Me – 2:36 (Berry Gordy)Previously released on The Kingsmen Volume II (1964). Oo Poo Pah Doo – 3:01 (Jessie Hill) Shout – 2:22 (Isley Brothers)Previously released on The Kingsmen Volume 3 (1964). New Orleans – 2:53 (F. Guida-J. Royster) Fever – 3:14 (Eddie Cooley & Otis Blackwell)LP label incorrectly has "J. Davenport-E. Coley" Killer Joe – 2:15 (Russell-Elgin-Medley)Previously released as a single on Wand 1115. Good Lovin' – 2:17 (A. Resnick-R. Clark)LP label has additional text "Produced by: R.A.T Productions Arr. by: Tommy Kaye." Quarter to Three – 2:05 (F. Guida-G. Barge-J. Royster)LP label has "R. Guida-G. Barge-J. Royster-G. Anderson. Arranged by: Gene Paige." Poison Ivy – 2:09 (J. Leiber-M. Stoller) Searchin' – 3:22 (J. Leiber-M. Stoller) Hang On Sloopy – 2:42 (Russell-W. Farrell) Satisfaction – 3:32 (Jagger/Richards)
Charts +Weekly chart peaks for 15 Great Hits Chart (1966) Peak position US Billboard Top LPs87 US Cashbox Top 100 Albums 97 US Record World 100 Top LPs 77
Musicians and production Lynn Easton: vocals, saxophone Mike Mitchell: vocals, lead guitar Barry Curtis: organist Norm Sundholm: bass guitar Dick Peterson: drums Producer: A Jerden Production by Jerry Dennon Liner notes: Don Steele (KHJ) Cover design: Burt Goldblatt
Notes