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
Ain't Got No
Shuggie Otis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If it ain't got that swing
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
It don't mean a thing
All you got to do is sing
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
If it's sweet or hot
Just give that rhythm
Ev'rything you got
Oh, it don't mean a thing
If it ain't got that swing
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
The lyrics of Shuggie Otis's song "Ain't Got No" emphasize the importance of having swing in music and how it makes a significant impact on the overall feel and enjoyment of a song. The phrase "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing" suggests that regardless of how well something is executed or how good it may sound, it lacks substance without the element of swing.
The repetition of "doo wah" in the song adds a playful and rhythmic quality, enhancing the swing feel. It serves as both a vocalization and a rhythmic pattern that helps to reinforce the concept being conveyed.
The next line, "All you got to do is sing," suggests that anyone can contribute to the essence of a song by participating in the act of singing. This could be interpreted as a call to engage in the joy and spirit of music-making.
The following lines, "It makes no difference if it's sweet or hot / Just give that rhythm everything you got," highlight the fact that swing is not limited to a specific genre or style of music. Whether the music is mellow and sweet or energetic and lively, what truly matters is the dedication and commitment to capturing the rhythm and essence of swing.
Overall, the lyrics in "Ain't Got No" emphasize the fundamental importance of swing in music, encouraging both performers and listeners to embrace the infectious rhythm and spirit that it brings. It conveys the idea that without swing, music may lack the vital ingredient that makes it truly captivating and engaging.
Line by Line Meaning
It don't mean a thing
The subject being discussed has no significance or importance
If it ain't got that swing
Unless it possesses a lively and rhythmic quality
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Non-lexical vocables used to represent the sound and feel of the swing
All you got to do is sing
Just vocalize and express yourself
It makes no diff'rence
There is no distinction or preference
If it's sweet or hot
Whether it is sentimental or passionate
Just give that rhythm
Simply provide the beat or flow
Ev'rything you got
Give it all your energy and effort
Oh, it don't mean a thing
Once again emphasizing the lack of significance
If it ain't got that swing
Unless it possesses a lively and rhythmic quality
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Non-lexical vocables used to represent the sound and feel of the swing
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lauraiordache6669
Aht uh mi hed, it's glowing
Aht uh mi hed, it's glowing
Aht uh mi hed 'cause I heard
Something said in a word
From your voice did I hear
Only choice, dear?
Aht uh mi hed, je taime
From shots that shot above
Aht uh mi hed things are different
Aht uh mi hed all the time
In the bed for a rhyme
Flashing back to your air
And the good there
There magic too
When the spread is on you
Won't you read me a trip
From your whip here? Who
It's about time for something new
You got to grow, got to grow
Aht uh mi hed
Aht uh mi hed
Said, hed, hed, hed, glowing
Oh, I wanna tell you
Hed, aht uh mi hed
Aht uh mi hed, aht uh mi hed
Aht uh mi hed, you got the glowing
@DerekFromBK
I came across a fm radio station because I couldn't get the Bluetooth to work in my rental car and the radio program was playing some really good soul music so I kept listening. They played a tune that commanded all of my attention... I assumed someone had done a really good cover to The Brothers Johnson Strawberry Letter 23. At the end of a few songs the DJ told the listeners the title and artists of the previous songs. He said that it was Shuggie Otis... Strawberry Letter 23... And that he was the original singer/songwriter and not the Brothers Johnson. Well, my head exploded in the car and I immediately had to get Shuggie Otis in my music collection. The beautiful thing about the art of music is that it is new to someone in perpetuity. Discovering Shuggie today was a great experience!
@HamptonGuitars
He's got a cool personal story, too. Check out his dad's biggest hit, Willie and the Hand Jive by Johnny Otis.
@c.sangrantes3968
Uno Por Ellas 🍻 Aunque Mal Paguen Ya Tu Sabe ❤👀
@snayplay6251
En efecto mi estimado 🍻
@isabella_tf_
Exactamente. ✨💗
@_BLESSED_
asi es 🍻✨
@robbiekoon6244
Some of us poor souls grew up in the Wasteland of the 70s and while I knew about Johnny Otis, I didn't connect him to Shuggie until more than two decades after Strawberry Letter. So, sad to say, it was the 90s before I heard Shuggie at all and it was hard to find much during that time. Thank goodness for YouTube and channels like this!
@MrVeesworld
This guy was the original PRINCE. He is a mix of Sly Stone, and Foster Sylvers, but totally unique. Way ahead of the shit that was happening during 1973/74.
@thecapricorn11
the original prince!? he and prince and both amazing but different
@laddeveritt8933
Yes!