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
City sparkle
Shuggie Otis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let me know, that I was in,
Go outside with a smile on my face,
Jump in my car and leave this place,
I heard, all the news,
There is no offer, that I wouldn't refuse,
Now come time, for me to run,
Sorry people, but I'm not the one,
I'm on the run for fun don't have to shout it,
Just like a ? on the Saturdays around it,
Try callin' when you think that you found it,
Enjoyin' all the sides throughout the ride,
Led my cheer be my guide,
I'm seventy in, I wanna ride up the city,
Some Cristall clain here and I swear it's a pity
City sparkle, flashin' twilight,
Just like a big daydream, in the middle of night,
Smooth jump and fun, as I heard of town,
Gone Sirk in the night
I said next time I take time to peace me to down,
Arrivin' at my destination,
Never know where is all frustrations,
Cool as I want, in a easy chair,
Happy just to know, that I'm gonna be there,
Yeah,
The lyrics of Shuggie Otis's song "City Sparkle" depict the singer waking up to a bright and sunny day and deciding to leave his current place of residence. He is intrigued by an offer but ultimately decides not to take it and instead sets off on a joyride through the city. He speaks of the city and its twinkling lights in the twilight, describing it like a surreal dream. He enjoys the ride and the cheer it brings, but also recognizes the need to take some time to find inner peace.
The song is all about the freedom of choice, and how the singer chooses to just go with the flow and enjoy the ride. The lyrics are open to interpretation, but it seems like the singer is facing some sort of dilemma or frustration, and he chooses to leave it all behind in search of joy and adventure.
Overall, the lyrics are very optimistic and upbeat, and the message is one of living life to the fullest and taking chances.
Line by Line Meaning
Sun is up and greets with a grin,
The day has just started, and it welcomes me with warmth and happiness.
Let me know, that I was in,
It confirms that I am alive and present in this moment.
Go outside with a smile on my face,
I step out with joy and positivity, ready to start my day.
Jump in my car and leave this place,
I am eager to hit the road and escape from where I am.
I heard, all the news,
I am aware of the current events and what's happening around me.
There is no offer, that I wouldn't refuse,
I am open-minded and willing to try new things and experiences.
Now come time, for me to run,
It's time for me to move on and not look back.
Sorry people, but I'm not the one,
I won't be held back by anyone or anything.
So I think I have to split a match and think about it,
I need to take a moment to reflect and decide my next move.
I'm on the run for fun don't have to shout it,
I am moving forward for my own enjoyment without needing to announce it to anyone else.
Just like a ? on the Saturdays around it,
I am living my life and enjoying my freedom like a wild animal roaming around on a weekend night.
Try callin' when you think that you found it,
If you think you have found me or figured me out, give me a call and we'll see.
Enjoyin' all the sides throughout the ride,
I am enjoying all aspects of my journey, whether good or bad.
Led my cheer be my guide,
I am letting my positive attitude and mindset lead my way.
I'm seventy in, I wanna ride up the city,
Despite my age, I still want to explore and experience all that the city has to offer.
Some Cristall clain here and I swear it's a pity
When I see the luxury and extravagance around me, I can't help but feel sad for those who can't experience it.
City sparkle, flashin' twilight,
The city shines and sparkles at night, creating a beautiful view.
Just like a big daydream, in the middle of night,
The city seems almost unreal, like a dream come true.
Smooth jump and fun, as I heard of town,
The city is exciting and full of surprises, keeping me entertained and having fun.
Gone Sirk in the night
I am lost in the excitement and energy of the city at night.
I said next time I take time to peace me to down,
Next time, I will make sure to take some time to relax and find inner peace.
Arrivin' at my destination,
I have reached my intended stop or goal.
Never know where is all frustrations,
I no longer feel any frustration or discomfort that I may have experienced earlier.
Cool as I want, in a easy chair,
I am now relaxed and comfortable, able to unwind and enjoy a moment of peace.
Happy just to know, that I'm gonna be there,
I am content knowing that I have arrived at my destination and accomplished what I set out to do.
Yeah,
An expression of affirmation or agreement.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: SHUGGIE OTIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind