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
Sparkle City
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 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 to Shuggie Otis's song "Sparkle City" paint a picture of a carefree adventure in the city. The singer wakes up to a sunny day and feels like leaving his current location behind. He's heard of something exciting in the city and sets off to check it out. Along the way, he enjoys the journey, led by his own cheer and the promise of some good times ahead.
As he arrives in the city, he's met with a sparkling atmosphere and a sense of glamour that the night brings. He indulges in some fine things, like Cristal champagne, but still feels a bit down about something. The sense of fun and excitement of the night, make up for it though, and he finds himself swept away by the city's charm. Still, he knows that he eventually has to return back to reality and take a break to find some peace and quiet.
Overall, the song is an ode to enjoying the journey, the good times, and the escape that a city can provide. It celebrates the energy and excitement of the night, while also recognizing the need to step back and find balance in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Sun is up and greets with a grin,
The morning has dawned and the sun's rays bring me happiness
Let me know, that I was in,
I am aware that I am alive and present
Go outside with a smile on my face,
I am joyful and content, reflecting my inner emotion on my face
Jump in my car and leave this place,
I am leaving my current location without a particular destination in mind
I heard, all the news,
I am aware of what is happening around me
There is no offer, that I wouldn't refuse,
I am open and ready to try new experiences
Now come time, for me to run,
It is time for me to leave in search of adventure
Sorry people, but I'm not the one,
I am not the kind of person who stays put for very long
So I think I have to split a match and think about it,
I need to take time to contemplate what I want to do next
I'm on the run for fun don't have to shout it,
My pursuit of fun and exciting experiences is not something I need to boast about
Just like a ? on the Saturdays around it,
I am like a mystery to those around me, and they wonder what I am up to
Try callin' when you think that you found it,
If you think you know where I am or what I am doing, feel free to reach out
Enjoyin' all the sides throughout the ride,
I am taking pleasure in all aspects of my journey
Led my cheer be my guide,
I am following the path that brings me the most happiness and excitement
I'm seventy in, I wanna ride up the city,
I am feeling energized and ready to explore the city with enthusiasm
Some Cristall clain here and I swear it's a pity
Even though I have champagne and I am enjoying myself, I still have some regrets
City sparkle, flashin' twilight,
The city is shining brightly in the twilight, with a magical quality
Just like a big daydream, in the middle of night,
The city feels like a surreal dream, despite the late hour
Smooth jump and fun, as I heard of town,
The city feels like an adventure waiting to be had
Gone Sirk in the night
I am fully immersed in the excitement of the night and everything it brings
I said next time I take time to peace me to down,
In the future, I will take time to relax and recover after an exciting adventure
Arrivin' at my destination,
I have reached my desired location
Never know where is all frustrations,
I have left behind all of my frustrations and worries
Cool as I want, in a easy chair,
I can relax and feel as comfortable as I desire
Happy just to know, that I'm gonna be there,
I am entirely satisfied with having reached my destination
Yeah,
An expression of satisfaction and joy
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: SHUGGIE OTIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind