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
One Scotch One Bourbon One Beer
Shuggie Otis Lyrics
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One scotch, one bourbon, one beer
Please mister bartender, listen here
I ain't here for trouble, so have no fear
One scotch, one bourbon, one beer
I don't want soda nor bubble gum
You got what I want, just serve me some
I'm on this kick and I can't get off
One scotch, one bourbon, one beer
One scotch, one bourbon, one beer
Please mister bartender, listen here
I ain't here for trouble, so have no fear
One scotch, one bourbon, one beer
My woman started me on this spree
I can't find her and she can't find me
She left this morning, said she wouldn't stay
She's been out all night and it's the break of day
One scotch, one bourbon, one beer
One scotch, one bourbon, one beer
Please mister bartender, listen here
I ain't here for trouble, so have no fear
One scotch, one bourbon, one beer
One more nip and make it strong
I got to find my baby and drive her home [if it takes all night long]
One scotch, one bourbon, one beer
One scotch, one bourbon, one beer
The lyrics of "One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer" by Shuggie Otis depict a man who has hit rock bottom due to a recent break-up with his woman. He seeks comfort in alcohol and is asking the bartender to serve him one scotch, one bourbon, and one beer. The repetition of the phrase reinforces his desire to drown his sorrows, as he begs the bartender to listen to him and assures him he is not looking for trouble. The singer is on a mission, as he feels lost and cannot stop drinking, and is determined to get back on track by finding his woman who is also missing.
The lyrics paint a bleak portrait of the man's life, where he is only interested in alcohol and reckless behavior as a result of his broken relationship. Shuggie Otis conveys the message of being consumed by a habit and the guilt felt after a recent toxic relationship. The song has become a blues standard, and it's easy to see why. The lyrics speak to so many people who have been in the same position, and the melody and rhythm of the song make it easy to get lost in the melancholic mood.
Line by Line Meaning
One scotch, one bourbon, one beer
I want one of each of these three drinks to ease my troubles and help me forget the pain of losing my lover.
Please mister bartender, listen here
I'm respectfully asking you to hear me out and serve me these drinks.
I ain't here for trouble, so have no fear
You don't have to worry about me starting any trouble. I just want to drink and forget my problems.
I don't want soda nor bubble gum
I don't want any soft drinks or sweet treats. I want the real deal - scotch, bourbon, and beer.
You got what I want, just serve me some
I know you have these drinks behind the bar. Just give me what I'm asking for.
Since my baby's been gone, everything is lost
Ever since my lover left me, life has been miserable and hopeless.
I'm on this kick and I can't get off
I've started a habit of drinking to forget my problems and now I'm hooked. I need another drink.
My woman started me on this spree
It was my lover who introduced me to this heavy drinking and now I can't stop.
I can't find her and she can't find me
We've lost touch and can't seem to reconnect, which is driving me even further to drink.
She left this morning, said she wouldn't stay
My lover left me earlier today and told me she wouldn't come back. I'm heartbroken and need a drink to cope.
She's been out all night and it's the break of day
My lover has been out all night and it's now morning. I don't know where she is and I'm worried sick.
One more nip and make it strong
I need another drink and I want it to be strong. I'm desperate to forget my sorrows.
I got to find my baby and drive her home [if it takes all night long]
I need to find my lover and bring her home, no matter how long it takes me. These drinks are just a temporary distraction from my ultimate goal.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RUDOLPH TOOMBS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind