Shuggie Otis - Strawberry Letter 23 (OFFICIAL LIVE VIDEO)

Shuggie Otis - Live In Williamsburg
Get it Now on iTunes: geni.us/Shuggie...
Recorded April 19, 2013 at Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn NY
Directed by Wes Orshoski (Director & Writer of Lemmy documentary & The Damned)
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#ShuggieOtis #StrawberryLetter23 #OfficialVideo #LiveVideo #Live #MusicVideo #Lemmy #Album #LiveAlbum #CleopatraRecords #CleopatraEntertainment

[@elaineisabelle427]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written, loved it back then and still do in 2025. Thx Shuggie Otis and your father.

[@stevemeters3090]

About damn time he started to get the wider recognition he's always deserved.

[@Here4TheHeckOfIt]

He's a musician's musician. They are usually not widely popular, but deeply respected by musicians and will be influencial moving forward.

[@GaryTisdaleFungkSta1]

Always knew he was the composer from The Brothers Johnson album credits (We used ta read those back then😆) but never got to see him until KZbin and noticed The Brothers Johnson version (Gm) is a whole step down from the original (Am)

[@saddiqodariko5434]

Back when knowledge was everything

[@RobertAnthonyPitera]

After recording three critically acclaimed albums before he was 21, this guy turned down offers to join Bowie, the Stones, Blood Sweat & Tears and Quincy Jones because he wanted to make his own music. One of his first sessions at 15 was with Frank Zappa, and Zappa called him one of his heroes and personal influences. This guy's life was and is as amazing as his music and it's worth looking up his story. Glad to see him still sharp as ever.

[@sghutner]

I'm so glad that there seems to be a rediscovery of his work

[@Math_Pullen]

And BOB DYLAN

[@marysalisbury9270]

True that 😂

[@ElegantlyHealthyWithDoreet]

That's someone with a LOT of integrity!

[@feteboo]

That's why he is still alive👍...no sell out

[@patrickjaime3260]

I’m so glad to know that he is the originator , my exposure was through the Brothers Johnson version. thank you Shuggie, Otis 🙋🏻‍♂️🙆🏻‍♂️❤️🫡🖐✌️

[@akvalues]

They need to make a movie of his amazing life!! HE WAS LITERALLY A KID JAMMING WITH LEGENDS!!!

[@powderedtoastfacekillah734]

BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@my2cents361]

Much respect to the Originator Shuggie Otis👑🎸 The Brothers Johnson brought me here

[@tvar9672]

His son can’t keep up with old man on that solo lick. A shuggie signature that one.

[@Ublomor]

I am 60 and never heard of him before, cool music.

[@finster1968]

I only learned about him a few years ago. I was blown away to find out he was the creator of this masterpiece. I only knew the Brothers Johnson cover of the song.

[@interqward1]

Kids, this is music, this is beauty.

[@williamharris803]

No doubt Prince was influenced heavily by this great musician. I'm speechless on this man contribution to funk music.

[@keithbell9348]

You know that is a compelling point. I have devoured so much info about Prince that I cannot recall anything about him even hearing about Shuggie Otis. I am sure he was familiar with Strawberry Letter #23, the Brothers Johnson cover. Heck how could he not hear it? It was all over the place!. Of course just because I haven't come across any info about him and his interest in Otis the musician doesn't mean that he never heard about him or listend to his music. What is striking is how he and Otis were both self made musicians, poets and lyricists at such early ages, fully immersed in their art, and uncompromising in their objectives. Hence Shuggie turned down the offer to work under Quincy, Bowie and a laundry list of other musical heavyweights in the industry. Same as Prince did when he turned down the opportunity to work under Maurice White. They didnt want their music to become unduly convoluted under the direction of anyone else. Artists in the truest sense!

[@marctronixx]

@@keithbell9348 the synth player has early 2000s prince vibes with that hat and eyeliner..

[@dbrown9971]

@@keithbell9348Prince is the personification of timeless funk. He often said that “I am 🎶 music 🎵 💜✨🕊️

[@dbrown9971]

@@keithbell9348💜✨💜✨🕊️✨

[@84sp84]

Some folks on here criticizing Shuggie doing his OWN song, frankly they’re clueless, trolls or perhaps both. Also I happen to enjoy the Brothers Johnson’s version as well, both are beyond pleasurable.

[@bobbyfischer6149]

He wrote it true but the brothers Johnson version is more intense

[@84sp84]

Bobby Fischer both versions are great in my opinion, Shuggie’s is more raw, less polished and slick than the Brothers Johnson. It gives it an edge that’s enjoyable.

[@joshuabloodsworth9495]

Shuggie, all day long...

[@gusostby4554]

the shuggie version is by far better

[@terrypussypower]

@@bobbyfischer6149 The Brothers Johnson version is obviously great, but I prefer Shuggie’s original.

[@itwasntmeboningbivvy181]

He and his father Johnny Otis are national treasures!

[@emjdedios]

Shuggie's playing his music with a new generation of musicians! That's one step closer to immortality. And he's having so much fun haha

[@kylebourne6839]

THE original "Prince"....👆🏾

[@1onal]

No...

[@dsam6990]

Seen so many articles over the years on underrated musicians, but man when you look up underrated musician in a dictionary you should see this man's face!

[@GoldenLady1007]

I knew he wrote this. I never heard this or knew anything about him. Of course, this feels like the cover song to me, having listened to and loved The Brothers Johnson's version for almost 50 years. ✨️😲💛

[@jonmerson7651]

Ended up here from pretty lights - rainbows and waterfalls…. Wow. What a legend

[@dsharris123]

Amazing performance, did he ever perform with Brothers Johnson?

[@Blue-Lotus888]

I much prefer Shuggie, the originator’s version. Brothers Johnson I actually never heard before today, which is insane, as I’ve been exposed to every genre of music conceivable since I was born. Brothers Johnson version was a bit too “disco flavored”, as opposed to funk for my liking, but I get it, it was the time, & being under Quincy Jones, it was all about making trending music that would make big money. That’s my feeling for that flavor. Still respect them as artists. But their cover can’t touch Shuggie’s original sound, nor the thoughts, feelings, & vibe when he wrote this absolutely beautiful song.

[@The1baddman]

Rest in Peace Mr Quincy Jones, who produced the remake for The Brothers Johnson, Rest In Peace Mr Louis Johnson 🕊️🕊️

[@valeriefullilove5198]

Amazing!

[@charliecarpenter-o3p]

42 years later to know he is the original composer...!!

[@HeartWorX.Creations]

charlie carpenter:: just found it out on Wikipedia! WOOT! it’s sounding good, but I’m just used to the cover by The Brothers Johnson...which is a bit more upbeat. Badass song either way!!! 👍❤️🙏🌞❗️❗️

[@CaptainIrvitron]

I had the original recording. Strawberry Letter 23 was a song on Shuggie Otis’ album entitled, “Freedom Flight”. The songs from it were repackaged years later and given a different album name.

[@jeffreywashington1278]

I knew it

[@musicman4635]

Shuggie's voice has a similar timbre to Johnny Otis. I guess they are half-brothers? Both are Otis' and have played together a lot. I first heard Johnny Otis on TV in about 1956 when I was 10. I loved him.

[@williamvitkovitch8591]

Johnny is Shuggies father

[@JohnWilliams-sq7cj]

THE GREAT Johnny Otis was Shuggies dad.

[@MS-wg7mc]

One of the greatest and advanced guitar solos.

[@geraberl]

Totally agree

[@colorcomplex]

So cool to see him and his son playing those guitar parts!

[@barbieken1262]

@@colorcomplex That's his son? Wow that makes it even more amazing. How cool!

[@Lorkoification]

True !!!!

[@jody1music]

that solo always get me.

[@broshawnwest]

He did the original back in 1971, he was 18 yrs old when he wrote it!!!!

[@teresaholmes4393]

He wrote thiz 🎉 when he was 18. Wow, I just learned about him today.. I wish I could call my brother and ask him about Shuggie😢

[@MrTommySullivan]

Shuggie has the best smile in the world.

[@Shah_creates]

What a voice! And at 61.

[@macstar2010]

Wow hearing it live makes it even better. Epic solo......

[@ray8304]

That guitar bridge is otherworldly! Truly creative piece of work , to hear it live is amazing as I’ve only heard the studio version by the Bro’s Johnson! Very cool 😎

[@donkeyshot8472]

shuggie`s own studio version of "strawberry letter 23" is out of this world good...as is the whole album "freedom flight"; his best!

[@KoxxMobilhome]

How beautiful,I only knew the Brothers Johnson's version,this makes it much better.

[@losobrown7344]

Mannn I wanted to know about a sample of Tupac "Lord knows" and ended up here 🤦 braaaa!!! Just the guitar alone, I'm just blown away by!!! WOW!!!! Awww yeah"85" baby here but I know good music when I hear it though!!! 💯🔥😎💪🏼

[@dfreeman120]

Great song

[@simmiewilliams5970]

These kids today no nothing about the original anything in music...but KZbin is taking them to school. Real artist on stage here.

[@bufflowsouljah2256]

loce that song...great

[@JTLaser1]

Without a doubt one of my all time favorite songs of ANY genre!

[@UNDERGROUNDskateco]

Wow.. easily one of the greatest guitarists of all time

[@dharjo7860]

Shuggie still going strong, Love this song Thank you 🍓🍓🍓❤️❤️❤️

[@mrmaxxx94]

One of the baddest talents ever and he was bringing the goods,respect

[@caelachyt]

Mr. Otis is a great blues guitar man.

[@LALakersNornIron]

This is cool. Just pure cool. The personification of Cool.

[@jfalconredskins]

Beautiful.

[@mauricerogerson5825]

Shuggie, you the best, man!

[@LambsyLamb]

Love this and the BJ version hell I like the song full stop! 😉

[@jamess9190]

just found you. what a joy.

[@kathrynashford6076]

Superb

[@williamjackson6705]

Great rendition of a great song & he looks so much like his dad. Both are legends.

[@barbarabee7166]

Shugie created this song -- the brothers johnson (and others) versions are remakes ;)

[@sporkfindus4777]

Ok, that was special I'd say. Thank you Shuggie!

[@AntonioCavicchioni]

Maybe my best influence in guitar playing... He is great!

[@bruceallen8651]

Shuggie one of the greatest ever. So was his daddy, the immortal Johnny Otis. We are all blessed to have lived in the times when these angelic musical geniuses gave us their gifts. But what I'd like to know is, who's that bass player? He's incredible!

[@rwwdzzm5608]

Heard his dad passed for black back in the day

[@bruceallen8651]

@@rwwdzzm5608 "Passed" for black? No, my friend, the great Johnny Otis was a Greek-American kid who grew up in a Black neighborhood, loved and absorbed Black culture, especially the music. And when it came time to take a side between his Black friends and neighbors and white supremacists, he chose the former. His HS principal told him he had to stop hanging with his Black friends or be expelled, so he quit school and became a great musician. And said after that event, ""As a kid I decided that if our society dictated that one had to be black or white, I would be black."

[@VelhaGuardaTricolor]

I Love Shuggie !

[@3rdeyeking174]

I so love this song it was created one year before I enter this world it was my traveling music as I entered into this world especially the guitar solo part pure dopeness 😁💪🏿✌🏿❤👑

[@johnschaefer2238]

Love his original nobody does it better than Shuggie. I’ve always wondered if another of my favorite guitarists Jon Butcher Axis was influenced by Shuggie?

[@LALakersNornIron]

An amazing song.

[@seanmahon8717]

So so beautiful❤

[@MamaRii73]

Mind. Blown. 🤯❤

[@WhizMitchell]

Awesome

[@Cypeadelic1]

Rock on Shuggie

[@SergioGarcia27]

Since minute 2:58 is heaven

[@barbieken1262]

Excellent. Come back to the US!

[@ryancusack1]

These guys are SG strong. One of the great guitars of all time.

[@tvar9672]

Other than the neck dive!

[@bryanwilkinson6859]

I heard the brothers johnson version when I was about 12. Proggy elements in this song for sure

[@skinnyraptor9111]

The og. Love the bros Johnson version too but this one right here mmm

[@Bluzian74]

Thank you Cleo!

[@nickthurlow4456]

How cool is this band ,, good old KZbin , just came across this video

[@caracasboogie]

Sounds amazing

[@LALakersNornIron]

Love it especially the last minute

[@992he-z3]

I fucking love that solo its my favorite part of the song

[@marctronixx]

facts!

[@adrian_9951]

Love the climax

[@franklinboersma3276]

this is why i write songs on you tube

[@amandalively1]

Awesome song.

[@fernandoperdomomusic]

absolute chills all through my body.. this is pure magic.

[@BillyTaylor-j3i]

Shit sends chillz through me

[@bmuhamad]

And The Band is?....Baritone Saxophone, Flute, Piccolo Flute, Vocals - Michael Turre Bass - James Manning Drums - Nick Otis* Guitar - Eric Otis Guitar, Vocals - Shuggie Otis Keyboards, Vocals - Russ 'Swang' Stewart* Mixed By - Matt Cunliffe* Tenor Saxophone - Albert Wing Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Vocals - Larry Douglas (2). The best version, live and, or in the studio...Hands down. No Disrespect to Brothers Johnson.

[@tubehead357]

I didn’t know he made the original song!

[@MzJanuary]

He wrote it as a teenager

[@JumpmanLane]

I always liked Shuggie's cover best!

[@grasstoucher44]

Wait til you find out it’s the original 😁

[@rabbijacob007]

wow la claque tout le band est au top. merci pour le partage

[@puffdragtv4576]

WOW!!!! So Dope

[@aliyourbrother1]

Amazing

[@apointb2260]

Nice touch to add the Johnson slap lines in the original

[@MrGolyat1]

I have him on vinyl, I hear he had a lot of drug problems

[@themajicman745]

The Brothers Johnson made this song popular.

[@barbarabee7166]

the original creator of this song that the Brothers Johnson remade

[@BarbButler]

💕 💞 💓 💗 💖

[@Cypeadelic1]

And still, the hardest are Peggio to hit ever

[@patrickselden5747]

❤

[@BigDapPacino]

Raphael Saadiq and even Beyonce Know who is...so did the members of Ohio Players, Earth, Wind & Fire, Rick James, etc...he was doing what they call Punk funk ...at the same time and even before some famous names...the music industry tried to pigeonhole him into R&B ....he was beyond that..,you can also see that He influenced Prince!

[@robertramirez64]

Damn.

[@paradoxward2533]

@TIRA....... love the handle. very cool. (too afraid to join though)

[@HeavyJ713]

I had only heard of him because of Jdilla

[@randyeno]

Nice hearing the author playing his own song, but "Strawberry letter 23" will forever belong to The Brothers Johnson.

[@meloncholicbliss]

Shuggie > The Brother Jones

[@berk4012]

+Abhishek Prasad The Brothers Johnson*

[@meloncholicbliss]

+Erick Arias sorry haha

[@berk4012]

***** No problem.

[@Frapzoid]

I think that's his brother playing drums.

[@immyac6700]

damn sounds like that glockenspiel player's in a hurry for sure

[@karenhill3917]

Lol

[@saheebsdream]

I like this better than the Brothers Johnsons version...wow

[@ghettoman1238]

The bass player wants to be Louis Johnson so bad!!!

[@markbond7874]

The bass player does not have to be anybody but himself....Big Game James Manning is a MONSTER on that bass!!! You probably heard him every day on the theme song to "The Bernie Mac Show"...that's him on bass.

[@bobbyfischer6149]

@@markbond7874 nice

[@simmiewilliams5970]

....ahhh nope💭

[@AdrienCurry]

The keyboard player needs to sing in support to Shuggie NOT try to take the lead. Shuggie is having to chase this fool keyboard player instead of the keyboardist staying in his lane to support Shuggie. Geez!!!

[@annettnickol7090]

Man, you are right. That guy makes it hard to listen to it…

[@高山雄司-w2z]

サンタナみたいに成ってるぅ？

[@bdidit8834]

who are here after watching jayz motivation video

[@my2cents361]

Who is jayz