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
Willie and the Hand Jive
Shuggie Otis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He got a cool little chick named Rockin' Billie
Do you walk and stroll with Susie Q
And do that crazy hand jive too?
Papa told Willie "you'll ruin my home
You and that hand jive has got to go"
Willie said "papa, don't put me down
Hand jive, hand jive
Hand jive, doin' that crazy hand jive
Mama, mama, look at uncle Joe, look at him
He's doin' that hand jive with sister Flo
Even gave baby sister a dime, hey, hey
Said "do that hand jive one more time"
Well, a doctor and a lawyer and a indian chief
They all dig that crazy beat
Way-Out Willie gave them all a treat, yeah
When he did the hand jive with his feet
Hand jive, hand jive
Hand jive, doin' that crazy hand jive, hey, hey
Come on, sugar, yeah!
Well, Willie and Billie got married last fall
They had a little Willie Junior and that ain't all
You know that baby got greatness and it's plain to see, hey, hey
Doin' that hand jive on T.V., come on
Hand jive, hand jive
(Why don't you) hand jive, doin' that crazy hand jive
Hey, hey, well
Yeah, yeah
The song 'Willie and the Hand Jive' is a classic rock and roll number that asks if the listener is familiar with the hand jive dance, which was popular in the 1950s. The song introduces a cat named Way-Out Willie and his cool chick named Rockin' Billie. The lyrics explain that they both partake in the popular dance called the hand jive, which consists of hand movements and footwork. However, Willie's father disapproves of the dance and believes it is ruining their home. Willie begs his father not to discriminate him, saying he's been doing it all over town.
The following verses of the song describe how others, such as uncle Joe and sister Flo, are also participating in the hand jive, much to the pleasure of others. The final verse tells us that Willie and Billie got married and that their child, Willie Junior, inherited the greatness of the dance. The song closes with a rousing chorus of 'Hand jive, hand jive, hand jive, doin' that crazy hand jive.'
Line by Line Meaning
I know a cat named Way-Out Willie
I am acquainted with a person named Way-Out Willie
He got a cool little chick named Rockin' Billie
He has a cool girlfriend named Rockin' Billie
Do you walk and stroll with Susie Q
Do you enjoy dancing with Susie Q?
And do that crazy hand jive too?
Do you also enjoy doing the crazy hand jive?
Papa told Willie "you'll ruin my home
Willie's father told him that he would ruin the family by doing the hand jive
You and that hand jive has got to go"
The hand jive must stop immediately
Willie said "papa, don't put me down
Willie responded to his father's criticism by saying not to be so harsh
Been doin' that hand jive all over town"
He has been doing the hand jive all around town
Hand jive, hand jive
Repeating the phrase 'hand jive'
Hand jive, doin' that crazy hand jive
Repeating the phrase 'hand jive' with a comment of admiration
Mama, mama, look at uncle Joe, look at him
Mother, observe Uncle Joe performing the hand jive
He's doin' that hand jive with sister Flo
Uncle Joe is performing the hand jive with Sister Flo
Even gave baby sister a dime, hey, hey
He even gave his baby sister ten cents
Said "do that hand jive one more time"
Asking someone to perform the hand jive once again
Well, a doctor and a lawyer and a indian chief
A physician, an attorney, and a Native American leader
They all dig that crazy beat
They all appreciate the distinct rhythm
Way-Out Willie gave them all a treat, yeah
Willie provided a great performance, to everyone's delight
When he did the hand jive with his feet
He performed the hand jive in an impressive fashion
Come on, sugar, yeah!
Encouraging someone to participate and enjoy
Well, Willie and Billie got married last fall
Willie and Billie got married last autumn
They had a little Willie Junior and that ain't all
They also had a son named Willie Junior
You know that baby got greatness and it's plain to see, hey, hey
The baby is clearly extraordinary
Doin' that hand jive on T.V., come on
Performing the hand jive on television
(Why don't you) hand jive, doin' that crazy hand jive
Encouraging someone to participate in the crazy hand jive
Hey, hey, well
An exclamation of excitement
Yeah, yeah
An expression of enthusiasm
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@23tbob
I was 16 when this came out, and it was the first rock 'n roll song that "blew me away". And it's still in the TOP 5 of my all time favorite songs, and I'll be 80 in July 2022.
@johntittensor6488
Yo 23tBob! Same timing, I was 15 in Australia, found myself doing the song with cover bands in France decades later. Happy Birthday! John T
@23tbob
@John Tittensor Thanks for the birthday wishes (Friday the 22nd). Hard to believe I'll be 80, and my health is still pretty good. I'm watching the British Open right now -- I follow the Norwegian "kid" Viktor Hovland (he's 24). He's ranked about 8th or 9th in the world golf rankings.
@chrisb5278
Hey there! I'm of almost the same birthday but in 88. I love this music! Happy to read that you're in good health! 😁👍
@r0ckstar666
When I heard bad brains fearless vampire killers in 1984 that blew me away
@harleypointer5984
Keep rocking kings!
@pennycarroll9006
Oh we all used to do this at the dances we had way back then. It sure was fun. I heard this on radio today and started singing it while I was driving. Remembered the words too! I am a young 77! Music is my secret!!!
@andrewkappler5503
Tommy Williams came to Shawshank in 1965 on a two-year stretch for B&E. That's breaking & entering to you. Cops caught him sneaking TV sets out the back door of a JC Penney. Young punk. Mr. Rock and Roll. Cocky as hell. We liked him immediately.
@Yevkasem1417
:) Perfect
@mr.pastor5681
”Come on Old Boys!!!”