Meet Me In St. Louis, Louis

Meet me in St. Louis, Louis was written by Kerry Mills and Andrew B. Sterling circa 1904.  While popular at the turn of the century when it was written, it gained renewed popularity in 1944 when it was included in the soundtrack to the hit film "Meet me in St. Louis," staring Judy Garland, and was performed by Ms. Garland on radio programs through the late 40s - just a few years before Richard Berry composed Louie Louie. 

I have no evidence that this song is actually part of the Louie Louie story, other than the obvious similarity in the titles.  However, when sung, most performers pronounce "Louis" as "Louie," so this is the earliest known song in which the phrase "Louie Louie" can be heard.  Richard Berry acknowledged several songs as influences for Louie Louie -- including El Loco Cha Cha by Rene Touzet,  Havana Moon by Chuck Berry, and One For My Baby by Johnny Mercer -- and as far as I'm aware, he never mentioned Meet Me In St. Louis as an influence.   But I can't help but wonder if there may have been a conscious or subconscious influence in which this song may have lead Richard Berry to pick the name "Louie" as the name to be repeated in the chorus.  Obviously, this is nothing but speculation, and we'll never know for sure.