The Brothers Johnson's version of his composition "Strawberry Letter 23" reached #1 in the Billboard rhythm and blues chart and #5 in the Billboard pop chart in 1977.
Shuggie's albums include: "Here Comes Shuggie Otis", "Freedom Flight" and "Inspiration Information".
In 2001 David Byrne rereleased the album "Inspiration Information" on Luaka Bop.
(2) Guitarist/singer/songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist Shuggie Otis may not be a household name, but his "Strawberry Letter 23" is in the record collections of millions of households. The Brothers Johnson's cover of "Strawberry Letter 23" has sold over a million copies, peaking at number one R&B and number five pop on Billboard's charts in summer 1977. It was on their LP Right on Time, which went platinum, selling over a million copies, holding the number one R&B spot for three weeks and making it to number 13 pop in spring 1977. Otis wrote "Strawberry Letter 23" for his girlfriend, who used strawberry scented paper for her letters to him. Another Otis favorite, "Inspiration Information," received substantial airplay in Chicago and other markets, charting #56 R&B in early 1975.
Born Johnny Otis, Jr. on November 30, 1953, in Los Angeles, CA, Otis' formidable musical talents appeared at an early age. He began his professional career around 1965. He played a guitar solo on his bandleader, father Johnny Otis' 1969 number 29 R&B hit, "Country Girl," issued by Kent Records. His guitar skills were so adept that during his teen years, he would have to wear dark glasses and strategically apply black ink between his nose and mouth to appear old enough to perform in clubs with his father.
Signing with CBS Records, Otis began recording virtuoso guitar-laced R&B/West Coast blues sides. His first LP was Al Kooper Introduces Shuggie Otis on CBS. Johnny Otis produced 1970's Here Comes Shuggie Otis, which was issued on the CBS imprint, Epic Records. Otis' Freedom Flight was issued September 1971 and included the original version of "Strawberry Letter 23," the heart-tugging "Someone's Always Singing," "Ice Cold Daydream," and the bluesy "Me and My Woman," co-written by Otis and Gene Barge (known best for his association with Chess Records, Chuck Willis, and Natalie Cole).
His LP Inspiration Information was issued in October 1974, with Otis playing all of the instruments on jazzy and Latin-tinged R&B numbers. The LP was one of the first releases to showcase the electronic rhythm box then found usually on organs. Besides "Inspiration Information," the LP included the sly "Sparkle City," the sweet ballad "Outtamihead," and the lush, strings-laden "Island Letter," which was the B-side of "Inspiration Information."
George Johnson of the Brothers Johnson was dating one of Otis' cousins who gave Johnson a copy of Freedom Flight. Immediately, he liked "Ice Cold Daydream" and "Strawberry Letter 23." The latter song was played at his brother Louis Johnson's wedding during the wedding march. Louis suggested the song to their producer Quincy Jones for an album track. The track's complex guitar solo was played by Lee Ritenour. The Brothers Johnson version is quite close to Otis' original version.
Later on in the '90s, Otis played with his own band around northern California and toured extensively. His son, Lucky Otis, played bass with Johnny Otis' band. Shuggie Otis is featured in the book Alligator Records Presents West Coast Blues, issued in August 1998 by Milwaukee, WI, publisher Hal Leonard. ~ Ed Hogan, Rovi
"Island Letter"
Shuggie Otis Lyrics
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Or just happened to hear my call?
'Cause I didn't get the chance to tell you
That I would want to see you again
Oh how I miss you
We talked about your beaches
And we laughed about your trip
And you're here without holding a past
Could you tell that this was going to last?
Oh I want you
The lyrics to Shuggie Otis's song "Island Letter" are about missing someone and wanting to see them again. The singer wonders if the person he's thinking of was also thinking of him, or if they just happened to hear his call. He expresses regret that he didn't get the chance to tell them that he wants to see them again, and how much he misses them. The song also touches on the idea that the person he's thinking of is living in the moment, without holding onto the past, and the wonderment if they too knew that their time together was going to last. It's a song that speaks to the feeling of yearning for someone you care about and the missed opportunities to express that care.
The lyrics of "Island Letter" are simple and straightforward, but they are delivered in a way that expresses deep longing and emotion. The melody and rhythm of the song convey a sense of urgency and the need to be with the person the singer is addressing. The use of the phrase "Island Letter" in the song's title adds a romantic and exotic touch to the lyrics, conjuring up images of tropical locales and lost love found.
Line by Line Meaning
How did you think about me at all?
Did you ever think about me or was it a coincidence that you heard my call?
Or just happened to hear my call?
Maybe you just happened to hear me, I wonder if you ever did think about me?
'Cause I didn't get the chance to tell you
I never had the opportunity to tell you
That I would want to see you again
I really want to see you again
Oh how I miss you
I really miss you a lot
We talked about your beaches
We conversed concerning the beaches you have in your place
And we laughed about your trip
We giggled regarding the trip you went on
To the States, what a gas
Your trip to the States sounded really fun and exciting
And you're here without holding a past
You're here now without any baggage from the past
Could you tell that this was going to last?
Did you predict that this would turn into something long-lasting?
Oh I want you
I really want to be with you
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: SHUGGIE OTIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind