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
Purple
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,So I think I have to split a match and think about it,
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 pitty
City sparkle, flashin' twilight,
Just like a big daydream, in the middle of night,
Smooth jump and fun, as I heared 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 song "Purple" by Shuggie Otis seems to depict a carefree, liberating experience of the singer as he takes off in his car, leaving everything behind. The opening lines describe how the sun seems to greet him with a smile, indicating that he is in the right frame of mind to escape and experience some fun. The lyrics emphasize that nothing is holding him back and that he can go anywhere he wants. He is feeling energized and excited about the possibilities that await him.
As the song progresses, the lyrics suggest that the singer is indulging in the pleasures of life's journey as he drives through the city. He is enjoying the sights and sounds of the city and fully immersing himself in the experience. The lyrics also suggest that he is not interested in settling down or making any serious commitments at the moment. He seems to be relishing the freedom of the open road and living in the present moment.
Overall, the song "Purple" is an upbeat and optimistic song about the joys of living in the moment and exploring life's many pleasures. It is an ode to freedom and the pleasures of the open road.
Line by Line Meaning
Sun is up and greets with a grin,
The morning sun rises cheerfully, reminding me that I am alive.
Let me know, that I was in,
The presence of the sun makes me aware that I am a part of this world.
Go outside with a smile on my face,
I step outside with joy and a positive attitude.
Jump in my car and leave this place,
I get into my car and depart from wherever I am at that moment.
I heard, all the news,
I am aware of everything that is going on around me.
There is no offer, that I wouldn't refuse,
I am so content with my life that no one can offer me something better.
Now come time, for me to run,
The moment has come when I need to escape and explore.
Sorry people, but i'm not the one,
I may disappoint others, but I will always choose my own path.
So I think I have to split a match and think about it,
I may need to light a match and contemplate my next move.
I'm on the run for fun don't have to shout it,
I am traveling for pleasure, and I don't need to boast about it.
Just like a? on the saturdays around it,
Similar to the vibe of a party on Saturdays in this area.
Try callin' when you think that you found it,
When you believe you have found what you are searching for, give me a call.
Enjoyin' all the sides throughout the ride,
I am experiencing all facets of life during my journey.
Led my cheer be my guide,
Happiness is my compass, leading me towards my destination.
I'm seventy in, i wanna ride up the city,
I may be older, but I still want to experience the excitement of the city.
Some cristall clain here and I swear it's a pitty
Although the city can be beautiful, the high-class lifestyle it offers is not for me.
City sparkle, flashin' twilight,
The city is shining during the twilight hours.
Just like a big daydream, in the middle of night,
The city can seem like a surreal experience, like a dream during the night.
Smooth jump and fun, as I heared of town,
I am enjoying the smooth ride and fun atmosphere of the town.
Gone sirk in the night
I am lost in the excitement and thrill of the night.
I said next time I take time to peace me to down,
Next time, I will take a moment to calm down and find inner peace.
Arrivin' at my destination,
I have finally arrived at my intended endpoint.
Never know where is all frustrations,
I find relief from all of my previous frustrations.
Cool as I want, in a easy chair,
I am as calm and relaxed as I desire to be, resting in a comfortable seat.
Happy just to know, that I'm gonna be there,
I am content in the knowledge that I have arrived at my intended destination.
Yeah
An exclamation of agreement or affirmation.
Writer(s): S Otis
Contributed by Jasmine M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.