First "Louie Louie," then the British Invasion and the re-emergence of rock & roll in the '60s. The song was a huge hit despite being banned (or, aided by the ban, as always happens) and lead directly to the garage band boom.
Great article. I did not know he had to lean up to reach the mike, or that he was wearing braces!
The article did not mention his famous little goof where he begin to sing before the instrumental break ended - and which only adds to the raw appeal of the recording. Also, there was the use of the song in Animal House, which brought back its popularity, though the Kingsmen version was not used.