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
Chicken Shack Boogie
Shuggie Otis Lyrics
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Looking for a place called the Chicken Shack
They only serve warm beer rice and beans
But it feels just like it's down in New Orleans
Brace yourself baby I'm here to attack
Down at the place called the Chicken Schack
The girls at that place are mighty fine
The moonlight shines through the holes in the wall
Everybody there is having a ball
They don't care that the place looks like a wreck
Down at the place called the Chicken Shack
I wanna rip it, rock it, really bop it
Flip it, flop it, David Crocket
Just like Roy Montrell every time he hears hat mellow saxophone
The good old rockin' days will never come back
Except down at the place called the Chicken Shack
The good old rockin' days will never come back
Except down at the place called the Chicken Shack
The song "Chicken Shack Boogie" by Shuggie Otis portrays a cat seeking out a place called the Chicken Shack. The Chicken Shack is known to serve warm beer, rice and beans, and for creating a feeling of being down in New Orleans. Shuggie Otis is on an attack mission, looking for a good time at the Chicken Shack. He warns others to stay off of his girl, Sadie Green, who he claims is mighty fine. Despite the state of the place, with moonlight shining through holes in the wall, everyone is having a great time.
The lyrics in "Chicken Shack Boogie" bring out a sense of nostalgia for the good old days of rock and roll. Shuggie Otis wants to experience the rockin' days again, just like Roy Montrell every time he hears a mellow saxophone. He believes that it's only down at the Chicken Shack that those good old days might come back. The song is likely inspired by the honky-tonk blues music that originated in the South in popular locales like New Orleans, where the Southern blues sound and flavor could be heard across the country.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello everybody this cat is back,
The singer is announcing his return to the place called the Chicken Shack.
Looking for a place called the Chicken Shack
The singer is looking for the Chicken Shack.
They only serve warm beer rice and beans
The Chicken Shack only serves warm beer, rice, and beans.
But it feels just like it's down in New Orleans
Despite the limited menu, being at the Chicken Shack feels like being in New Orleans.
Brace yourself baby I'm here to attack
The singer is preparing to enjoy himself at the Chicken Shack.
Down at the place called the Chicken Shack
The singer is emphasizing the name of the specific location he's referring to.
The girls at that place are mighty fine
The women at the Chicken Shack are attractive.
But stay off sadie green cause that girl is mine
The singer claims ownership of Sadie Green and warns others not to pursue her.
The moonlight shines through the holes in the wall
There are holes in the wall that allow the moonlight to shine through.
Everybody there is having a ball
Everyone at the Chicken Shack is enjoying themselves.
They don't care that the place looks like a wreck
People at the Chicken Shack are unconcerned with the run-down appearance of the building.
I wanna rip it, rock it, really bop it
The singer wants to dance and enjoy himself.
Flip it, flop it, David Crocket
The singer is using nonsense lyrics to express his excitement.
Just like Roy Montrell every time he hears that mellow saxophone
The singer compares his enthusiasm to that of Roy Montrell when he hears a mellow saxophone.
The good old rockin' days will never come back
The singer believes that the era of rock and roll he enjoys will never return.
Except down at the place called the Chicken Shack
The Chicken Shack is the only place where the singer can experience the type of music and atmosphere he enjoys.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: AMOS MILBURN, LOLA CULLUM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind