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
Inspiration Information
Shuggie Otis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm in a snake back situation
Here's a pencil pad
I'm gonna spread some information
You, making me happier
Now I am snappier, while I'm with you
I, got to be heavier
'Cause I am happier, when I make you
I get a dark blue ring
I get a snapback raincoat
I get a purple sting, ('cos he is in tune)
These are the whistlecat, (singing the hours)
Along the frosty roadside, (always in time)
I get a-nother ring, (making me happy)
That will take me for another ride, (up in the sky)
Oh, Heaven is in her
(That is why, she moves, the highs)
You, making me happier
Now I am snappier, while I'm with you
I, got to be heavier
'Cause I am happier, when I make you
Inside a dream stone, (dreaming's in and out of style)
I found an eighty park system(?)
(Dreaming for the other half, so I can get on down)
Out in the country fields smiling, (jumping, laughing, having fun)
I feel the love of a pretty sun, shining on me
Jumping, laughing, smiling, having fun
Jumping, laughing, smiling, having fun
Laughing, smiling, loving, get on down
Smiling, laughing, loving, get on down
The song "Inspiration Information" by Shuggie Otis is a love song full of poetic language and metaphors. The words describe the intense feelings of happiness and inspiration that the singer experiences when he is with the person he loves. The opening lines about a rainy day and a snake back situation suggest a feeling of discomfort or unease, but the singer quickly finds solace in the presence of his loved one. He uses creative language such as "snake back" and "spread some information" to describe the positive impact his loved one has on him.
The chorus of the song repeats the idea that being with the person he loves makes the singer happier and lighter. He feels like he can be himself and is inspired to be creative and expressive. The metaphor of the "dark blue ring" and "snapback raincoat" suggests that the singer feels protected and safe with his loved one, no matter what life throws his way.
The final verses describe the feeling of being in a dream, where everything is just perfect. The singer describes an idyllic scene of smiling, jumping, laughing, and having fun, all while feeling the warmth of the sun. The repetitive nature of the lines "Jumping, laughing, smiling, having fun" and "Laughing, smiling, loving, get on down" create a sense of joy and celebration, echoing the feeling of being in love.
Overall, "Inspiration Information" is a song about the happiness that comes from being with someone you love, and the way that love can inspire and uplift you.
Line by Line Meaning
We had a rainy day
The weather was not great
I'm in a snake back situation
I'm not in the best situation
Here's a pencil pad
I have a way to express myself
I'm gonna spread some information
I want to share knowledge with others
You, making me happier
Now I am snappier, while I'm with you
Being with you brings me joy and energy
I, got to be heavier
'Cause I am happier, when I make you
My happiness increases when I bring joy to you
Oh, my little should phone ya
I get a dark blue ring
I'm waiting for you to call me
I get a snapback raincoat
I get a purple sting, ('cos he is in tune)
I feel cool and empowered because I'm in control
These are the whistlecat, (singing the hours)
Along the frosty roadside, (always in time)
I get a-nother ring, (making me happy)
That will take me for another ride, (up in the sky)
I'm enjoying the small things in life and looking forward to new experiences
Oh, Heaven is in her
(That is why, she moves, the highs)
The person I care about is so wonderful that it feels heavenly
Inside a dream stone, (dreaming's in and out of style)
I found an eighty park system(?)
(Dreaming for the other half, so I can get on down)
Out in the country fields smiling, (jumping, laughing, having fun)
I feel the love of a pretty sun, shining on me
I'm exploring my imagination and enjoying nature, feeling its positive energy
Jumping, laughing, smiling, having fun
Jumping, laughing, smiling, having fun
Laughing, smiling, loving, get on down
Smiling, laughing, loving, get on down
I'm emphasizing the importance of having fun, being happy, and showing love
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: SHUGGIE OTIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
johnny zell
He had a rainy day
I'm in a snake-backed situation
Here's a pencil pack
I'm gonna spare some information
You, making me happier, while I am snappier
While I'm with you
I, got to be having you, 'cause I am happier
When I met you
You're my little symphonia
(Singing the weather)
I get a dogged blue ring
(Blue ooh ooh ooh)
I get a slapped back gecko
(Thought you were younger)
I get a purple string
('Cause it isn't in tune)
Beside the whistle cab
(Singing the hours)
Along a frosty roadside
(Always in time)
I get another ring
(Making me happy!)
That it'll turn me for another ride
(Up in the sky)
Woah, Oh you know, she knows, you're high
You, making me happier, while I am snappier
While I'm with you
I, got to be having you, 'cause I am happier
When I met you
Is that a dream-storm?
(Dreaming in and out of style)
I get an eight o'clock sit down
(Dreaming for the other half so I can get on down)
Out in the country fields
(Running, smiling, laughing, jumping, fun)
I feel the love of the pretty side
(Shinning on me!)
Just having fun
Jump, laugh and smile and having fun
Laugh, smile and love and get on down
Smile, love and burn and get on down
Jump, laugh and smile and having fun
Laugh, smile and love and get on down
Smile, love and burn and get on down
Jump, laugh and smile and having fun
Laugh, smile and love and get on down
Smile, love and burn and get on down
Edward Heynes
Just got this album on vinyl. It is a masterpiece. The music floats, vibrates, radiates from the LP groove. It takes me to a place that I never want to come back from.
wat isthiseven
well said
Kevin Malone
64
Tariq El Azim
Shuggie played all the instruments on this cut and the album really (except strings and horns). 4 years before Prince came on the scene in 78, this album had to hold us over for the one man band cats. What a natural...I still marvel at how I can hear every note so clearly. Just a great guitar player.
Frank Marsh
Todd Rundgren was playing most of the instruments on his albums in the early seventies. When Prince was a teenager he once tried to get back stage at a Rundgren concert to meet him.
Tariq El Azim
@Frank Marsh Hello it's Me...In the hall of everthing!
obvi•US
uh... just off the top of my head, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder played everything on their recordings even earlier...Mike Oldfield... sure there were others...
João
Masterpiece of an album. Innovative yet amazing. Never heard something similar ever since
SleepyheadzMusic
Reminds me of the golden age of rhythm and blues. Truly classy and catchy 👏 👌 🙌
Ninety
immediately one of my favourite songs ive ever heard