Song was written by a 17 yo kid about 22 love letters his girlfriend sent to him. Shuggie Otis is a musical genius. Brothers Johnson cover is fire. RIP Thunderthumbs.
@@Feanor026 I forgot to mention that’s why the song begins “hello my love, , I heard a kiss from you” it is another love letter. In the lyrics, strawberry letter 22 refers to her previous letter.
@@RosalindWhittakerIn those days it was the norm to see black Americans with thick natural hair, braids, plants and just the use of a straighten comb for curls but your generation want to call it a silk press but it truly was the works of black beauticians in their kitchen with their stoves lit up with straighten combs and hair grease not gel products to .make our hair to rock and shine like that with so a glow ,body and bounce !!
You won't believe this I used to race Motocross and have this in the back of my head going over the roughest terrain downhill at 60 what a great funk band
My most prized possession is a 12” single of SL23 in strawberry red transparent vinyl. I bought it used during the pandemic so I could play it over and over like I (also) did when I was a kid. Like I said, I bought it used, and on the cover, scrawled in magic marker, is the name, Cheryl. I don’t know Cheryl, but I am pretty certain that she used to do the same thing with this record - and when I close my eyes and listen to it over and over as a 58 year old, I will not only think about Cheryl, and me, but now also all of y’all - going on our magical, musical, mind trip together while scattered all across the country - with the Brothers Johnson.
The single 45 record of this song came with a strawberry scented sleeve. We were lined up at the record store for hours to buy that record. Good times!! 🍓🍓🍓
About 10 years ago I had the privilege to see them perform live at BB Kings blues club in time square. I was working there as a waitress while I was in college and was assigned to keep the dressing room stocked with beverages and what not. When George played that guitar solo in that song it sent me into a trance. I literally felt like I levitated off the floor. They were so amazing and gracious and Louis had the heart of an innocent Child. They were constantly bickering with each other (like blood brothers tend to do) It was so cute and weird to watch. I think the bickering and ego is what broke them up ultimately a long time ago. I got to hang with them the whole night I took them this late night joint on the upper West side for an early breakfast at 3 o'clock in the morning. The next day I got a call from their manager and they sent a car over to pick me up to bring me to their Brooklyn concert. They were total gentlemen. I was very very sad when I heard that Louis had passed. Such a sweet man
I used to work in that area, at the American Airlines Theater, two doors or so down from BB Kings. so, I know the lifestyle of working in that area well. i can't say i miss the smell of exhaust, burning meat and sugary nuts, but i can always visit if i have a craving. I was there 2002 / 2003. Great story & thanks for sharing.
Doggone right! Nobody has musical or lyrical skill like this anymore.most folks lives are lives on FB, Instagram, X, and Tik Tok. The major 4. It’s sad to say the least. The musical instrumental talent is off the charts! I was a child around 9-10 when this music was hitting and I loved it then and still do.
Shuggie's version of this is on TH-cam... Check it out.. it's alot more raw and not as polished as this.. Quincy Jones polished this one nicely, but the raw version is beautiful in its emotion.
My wife got me listening to this genre of music. It's amazing. I'm kind of an 80s punk rock guy. 70s rock guy. We love to dance together..my wife is the coolest chicken on the planet
Shuggie Otis Wrote/Composed /and Performed the original so it's easy to remake an original. Give the Brothers Johnson and Quincy some props but all of the credit goes to Shuggie Otis.
I remember listening to this song in the back of a taxi when my parents first arrived to this country on a hot July the 4th in NYC...always will remember the first song I ever heard in this country...the beautiful America
Shugie's lyrics to this tune are the most beautiful for describing that 'Heaven on Earth' feeling you only get when you are "In Love". Of course, George and Louis' rendition brought it to the masses. I just miss this stuff, cause their groove was infectious. I don't care who you are, if this don't move you...you're in the grave.
Now this is the most amazing song of all time! My name is Juliet Donnan and no other song will ever move me like this! Don't ask me why....I just love it 😍xx
I was only 10 when this came out. Still remember my father and his brothers crowding around the radio to listen to the awesome bass playing and guitar solo. Real talent with real musicians. RIP Louis Johnson.
dean roa I love it too. I turned 14 that summer of 1978 when this hit. My only disappointment was when I found out that guitar riff solo towards the end was not George playing. It was jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour in the studio. But all bass work was played buy Louis
I woke up from a 2 hr. nap today and was humming Strawberry letter 22. I had to google it and it all came flooding back. I was 15 yrs. old when this came out. Wonderful feel good tunes. Man, that was a good sleep I had. xoxo
i was six yrs old, twirling around to this song, watching my older sister get ready to go out on the weekends… still one of the best songs i’ve ever heard!
This songs brings such a warm and wonderful feeling to my soul. I share these songs with every younger person I know hoping they will share it with their friends it's the only way to keep it alive - God blessed the 70's 80's and 90's 😍 When the world was a kinder place and we made love not war♥️☮️🇺🇲
Had a date lined up for the after graduation party. He stood me up. He was my prom date. Glad he showed up for that. Anyhow went to the party alone. Had a ball.
Fantastic and never out of my mind. My birthdate tells me I'm not 20 anymore but my body disagrees. Fantastic era, unequalled still. Wish I could go back and stay there.
Love this song since the first time I heard it in1977 when I was 8 years old. So talented the Brothers Johnson. They should have gotten their props a long time ago.
One of the baddest "specials" in a song, I've ever heard.... You know what I'm talking about... For those of you who don't know what the special is, it's that part of the song, where you feel it in your heart, your soul and it gives you the chills.... And when you're on the dance floor, you already know, you're about to break it down, with them special moves. That's what we call the "special".
Thank you for this video and song I've been trying to track down this song for almost 30 years I have a lot of music in my head trying to track down thank you thank you very much😊
Since 79 I am listening to this. And I still do totally get the meaning of all the lyrics! Still, as fresh as it was back in the glorious days when FUNK was bass guitar! 😜
One of the most beautiful arrangements of all-time. Such a joy to hear this song any time! As a kid, i remember arguing with my cousins all the time whether he was saying "Letter 22" or "Letter 23"......i still say 22, isnt it clear?
Back in the day, I remember playing this song over and over as a teenager it was so smooth and hypnotic it just put me in a trance practically! A beautiful song and that Trippy guitar 🎸 solo. I was just was mesmerized by this great song. And now it still sounds good years later only now I know this isn’t the original version even! I just listened to the original version and it’s pretty good but I prefer the Brothers Johnson version the best! I’m glad it’s held up after all these years!
I’m old enough to remember hearing this song when it was released, and thinking, “Whoa! What is this and where can I find more?!” It’s on my daily playlist.
This is my favorite BJ tune. I got to see them live in the late 1970's at the Circle Star Theater in San Carlos, CA. That's one concert I'm glad I didn't miss !
Song was written by a 17 yo kid about 22 love letters his girlfriend sent to him. Shuggie Otis is a musical genius. Brothers Johnson cover is fire. RIP Thunderthumbs.
Not 23 ? :D I'm here thx to Six Feet Under (TV show)
Thanx
@@Feanor026 His letter in return (the song) was the 23rd letter.
@@ultramet oh I get it now :D thank you.
@@Feanor026 I forgot to mention that’s why the song begins “hello my love, , I heard a kiss from you” it is another love letter. In the lyrics, strawberry letter 22 refers to her previous letter.
RIP Quincy Jones. This song really hit a special spot in my youth.
Best roller disco tune ever!
What a legacy....
@@abinflpYes, with Rock, Bounce, Roll, Skate right behind.
This song spoke to the child that believed she was from Saturn... me. 😊
He produced the beat ?
Hearing this on giant Pioneer speakers in 1977 is something I can't get out of my head.
Agreed! The ethereal sound back then was new and captivating, the bigger and louder the speaker the better , Pioneer RULED the 70’s.
Yes I miss those giant 601 Bose speakers that made music sound Crystal clear.
My hubby has a 77 tbird juiced up on 13s
I wanna go back!!
@johnjeffery6638 Oh me to! That was the best of times!
When music was fun and positive ! Still lovin' it in 2024 !
YES 😊😅🎉😂❤!
Yaaaaaaassssss!!
True. Have a listen to '110th street' by Bobby Womack. Also the song 'Remember Me' by The Trinikas. Pump up the volume too when you do.
Me too, I’ll take the 70s and 80s anytime!
Me too and 1960s Motown stuff as well.@@95KIPPIE
Probably the smoothest song ever made. Mama used to play this and just sing along.
Silky
your mom was great,lucky you
their afros are glorious works of art
YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT THE FROS OF THE SYLVERS. ALL OF THE BROTHER'S FRO'S ARE PERFECT ALSO.
fu*cked up afro!!
The most fitting and beautiful hairstyle for all African originated people all over the world. Its always looks good.
I’ll always love our Afros!
@@RosalindWhittakerIn those days it was the norm to see black Americans with thick natural hair, braids, plants and just the use of a straighten comb for curls but your generation want to call it a silk press but it truly was the works of black beauticians in their kitchen with their stoves lit up with straighten combs and hair grease not gel products to .make our hair to rock and shine like that with so a glow ,body and bounce !!
The young generation don't know nothing about this song a classic hit 👍🏽 🔥 🔥🔥🔥
Shugga Otis originally composed it his version awsome
@Ta81184,,, actually, my young niece and nephews, who are in their late teens, love this song and many others like it from the 70s and 80s.
Sooo...
Yes we do! I'm 34...Been listening to this since I was 8
@@davidrichter9164 go leafs
My all time fave song for the last 20 years, I’m now 30 😃🔥🔥🔥
You won't believe this I used to race Motocross and have this in the back of my head going over the roughest terrain downhill at 60 what a great funk band
I used to do BMX and I totally believe it!
Flying up & over a big mogul!
I used to listen to this song over and over in a loop as a teenager. I couldn’t get enough of it! It’s like it put me in a trance! 😊
It still does that to me!
SAME!!
I’m like that now.. i can’t stop listening to it!
My most prized possession is a 12” single of SL23 in strawberry red transparent vinyl. I bought it used during the pandemic so I could play it over and over like I (also) did when I was a kid. Like I said, I bought it used, and on the cover, scrawled in magic marker, is the name, Cheryl. I don’t know Cheryl, but I am pretty certain that she used to do the same thing with this record - and when I close my eyes and listen to it over and over as a 58 year old, I will not only think about Cheryl, and me, but now also all of y’all - going on our magical, musical, mind trip together while scattered all across the country - with the Brothers Johnson.
This is and always be an Excellent presentation of Some of the Natural Essence of these True Artists that were Really Devoted to their Craft😊😅🎉🎉❤!
my uncle ray brought me here. he used to listen to these guys. RIP Uncle ray..
Uncle Ray was a fine fella I'm sure
The single 45 record of this song came with a strawberry scented sleeve. We were lined up at the record store for hours to buy that record. Good times!! 🍓🍓🍓
Yes Sir! Who Is Listening to This Song in 2024? ME!
Same here. I love funk and anything pre 2000s. Todays music is garbage so I’ll continue listening to da funk
2024 and beyond.
✨✌✨
Me 👍💕💃💃
@@DBishop-bt1dq Moi
'Strawberry letter 23' and 'Stomp' are my favorites.
they had another one "Good To You"
Wow did the brothers do stomp?
Look at how far we've fallen from this GLORIOUS MASTERY!!!!!
But it’s still alive! Grooving to the right now. 👍
@@DoSomDiff 💯% true
It hidden away,
a heart apart 💔.
About 10 years ago I had the privilege to see them perform live at BB Kings blues club in time square. I was working there as a waitress while I was in college and was assigned to keep the dressing room stocked with beverages and what not. When George played that guitar solo in that song it sent me into a trance. I literally felt like I levitated off the floor. They were so amazing and gracious and Louis had the heart of an innocent Child. They were constantly bickering with each other (like blood brothers tend to do) It was so cute and weird to watch. I think the bickering and ego is what broke them up ultimately a long time ago. I got to hang with them the whole night I took them this late night joint on the upper West side for an early breakfast at 3 o'clock in the morning. The next day I got a call from their manager and they sent a car over to pick me up to bring me to their Brooklyn concert. They were total gentlemen. I was very very sad when I heard that Louis had passed. Such a sweet man
Wow! You are so lucky to have had that time with them. As you say, "total gentlemen".
what a wonderful memories ♡♡
I used to work in that area, at the American Airlines Theater, two doors or so down from BB Kings. so, I know the lifestyle of working in that area well. i can't say i miss the smell of exhaust, burning meat and sugary nuts, but i can always visit if i have a craving. I was there 2002 / 2003. Great story & thanks for sharing.
Cool story.
wow that is great story.
One of the smoothest songs I've ever heard, thanks Dad for sharing this era of music with me as a child!
Miss my Dad, he did it too
73 years young. I was there!!!!😁😁😁😁
@@biomedlib 67 here , a spring chicken
@jamesmaass8929 52 years young, and this was one my favorite song 🎵 as a little girl.
You're only as old as you feel. This music should make you move no matter how much pain it causes
That is still such a groove in 2024.
They don't make music like this anymore 🤦💔
Doggone right! Nobody has musical or lyrical skill like this anymore.most folks lives are lives on FB, Instagram, X, and Tik Tok. The major 4. It’s sad to say the least. The musical instrumental talent is off the charts! I was a child around 9-10 when this music was hitting and I loved it then and still do.
Back when artists actually played real instruments, like 5,6,7 member bands! + Dressed like fire🔥
💯👍💕💃💃
Such a rapturous, dreamlike song. Truly transportive. 💖✨🌠🎸🌠✨💖
This is when music was music. Miss the 70s ...
This song will never get old unlike today's music
The writer was seventeen when he wrote this. Wow!
😱🤯
Shuggie's version of this is on TH-cam...
Check it out.. it's alot more raw and not as polished as this..
Quincy Jones polished this one nicely, but the raw version is beautiful in its emotion.
its for the tv show@kevinflynn4519
Shuggie Otis, I love his original song as well.
There is nothing like 70ies and 80ies music. I was 12 when this came out. ❤
40 years later still sounds fantastic...
This song epitomized the late "70's. A great song that brings back fond memories of my teenage years. Timeless!
Right
Quincy Jones definitely had a golden touch. Now that is good music. And that was a great LP.
Timeless... the most underrated song I've ever heard😊
Be right back. About to go watch Jackie Brown 😭😭😭
Not if your ambition is to get high and watch TV…..😂
hahaha only some will get that reference! I can just hear the gunshots now, thinking about it. Love Quinten movies!
My wife got me listening to this genre of music. It's amazing. I'm kind of an 80s punk rock guy. 70s rock guy. We love to dance together..my wife is the coolest chicken on the planet
Your wife is very smart! Hold her close and enjoy the ride🙏🏾🫡
Your blessed now ,, ; ) Dance away .
Rainbows and waterfalls run through my mind
What a great song, sound, melody, vocals, lyrics, performance. I heard this song on the radio when I was little…great memories!
R.I.P Quincy Jones, Producer of this beauty and too many more to mention
This is an absolutely beautiful song. It’s easily one of the most underrated and overlooked songs of the 70’s!
I grew up on this classic!❤🎶🎧 My uncle LOVED The Brothers Johnson.
October 2024!!! This song is still fire! 🔥
Another Quincy Jones production. Love it! 🎉
Shuggie Otis Wrote/Composed /and Performed the original so it's easy to remake an original. Give the Brothers Johnson and Quincy some props but all of the credit goes to Shuggie Otis.
No brother, there's a difference between a record and a song.I Heard Sugies ,not the same.The production and the musician's made it a hit
I remember listening to this song in the back of a taxi when my parents first arrived to this country on a hot July the 4th in NYC...always will remember the first song I ever heard in this country...the beautiful America
Those were truly the days and when coming to America was the greatest blessing
That's a great message Gregory.
This song made me want the album. I bought it with my mom. My mom was the best!!!
This jam will always be a fave...soul, funk, smooth, what a fabulous combination.
TH-cam just randomly recommend this to me and my mind is blown. Speechless.
One of the best songs made I haven't listen to music in months and this my first song that I listened to since
Outfits are killer. What a song.
That guitar solo is brilliant.
That bass jumps grabs you and wraps you around like a blanket!
Incredible bass playing. Doesn't exist much, these days!
Shugie's lyrics to this tune are the most beautiful for describing that 'Heaven on Earth' feeling you only get when you are "In Love". Of course, George and Louis' rendition brought it to the masses. I just miss this stuff, cause their groove was infectious. I don't care who you are, if this don't move you...you're in the grave.
Now this is the most amazing song of all time! My name is Juliet Donnan and no other song will ever move me like this! Don't ask me why....I just love it 😍xx
This song came out on Senior Prom night 1977 It was in SF
Great song and group. Drove these dudes around when performing in Huntington WV in 72. What a blast
Beautiful, I was blown away in 1980.
I was 15 skating to this at the ring
I find my self going BACK in time for quality music. That guitar riff gets replayed each time I listen!! 🎉🎉
One of the few true and respected artists who could make it his own and be loved for it. Truly iconic.
Beautiful inspiring tune from my youth @1977 !
I was only 10 when this came out. Still remember my father and his brothers crowding around the radio to listen to the awesome bass playing and guitar solo. Real talent with real musicians. RIP Louis Johnson.
dean roa I love it too. I turned 14 that summer of 1978 when this hit. My only disappointment was when I found out that guitar riff solo towards the end was not George playing. It was jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour in the studio. But all bass work was played buy Louis
I ssssooo agree with you on this band. I slept with a transistor radio then. This group would wake me up and give me my soul back
Wooo, wooo, wooohh...is the refrain, how effing cool is that?
look at how happy these friggin guys are playing this tune ! AWESOME!
Takes me back to 1977 😂 my favorite year! I was 16 and listening to all the awesome songs such as this one 👍
I remember I was like 5 or 6 when this debuted, and we used to go to the automatic Car Wash with this blasting on the AM radio!
Classic song 🎶 produced by Quincy Jones RIP Quincy Jones aka Legend 🙏
This remake was produced by Quincy Jones. The original writer and producer was a 17 year old Shuggie Otis, the original Prince.
Strawberry 23 was one of the first songs that started my love of music- and Rick James!
I was 17!
Thanks guys for the the great tunes! R.I.P💐
One of the greatest pieces of music ever put together
I woke up from a 2 hr. nap today and was humming Strawberry letter 22. I had to google it and it all came flooding back. I was 15 yrs. old when this came out. Wonderful feel good tunes. Man, that was a good sleep I had. xoxo
awesome memory.
70s 80s best movies music sports. Golden era of society
i was six yrs old, twirling around to this song, watching my older sister get ready to go out on the weekends… still one of the best songs i’ve ever heard!
The Brothers Johnson Are Incredible ~
This songs brings such a warm and wonderful feeling to my soul. I share these songs with every younger person I know hoping they will share it with their friends it's the only way to keep it alive - God blessed the 70's 80's and 90's 😍
When the world was a kinder place and we made love not war♥️☮️🇺🇲
The year I graduated HS, love this song brings back some wonderful memories! Thank you ☺️
I know! Greatest song ever!
Had a date lined up for the after graduation party. He stood me up. He was my prom date. Glad he showed up for that. Anyhow went to the party alone. Had a ball.
Right on girl !
My dads good taste in music brought me here
BOOOM coOkieS Same here my parents were young newlyweds and raised me an my two brothers on this music.
:)
el cucuy brought me here
amen!
Everybody Hates Chris brought me here
i loved this song back in 70's and like that old Gibson, song sounds righteous
November 2024 .. This song is STILL A GREAT GEM!!!
Fantastic and never out of my mind. My birthdate tells me I'm not 20 anymore but my body disagrees. Fantastic era, unequalled still. Wish I could go back and stay there.
Semper Fi to you semperfidelis2970
Epic is only one word to describe this beauty .... Timeless .
Great song and a great time to be alive
1977 was a good year .
16 and just just got my license on long island 67 Mustang with a bangin system.
@@yanni2112 20 and taking broadcasting classes at a local college on my way to my alleged radio career
Love this song since the first time I heard it in1977 when I was 8 years old. So talented the Brothers Johnson. They should have gotten their props a long time ago.
One of the baddest "specials" in a song, I've ever heard.... You know what I'm talking about... For those of you who don't know what the special is, it's that part of the song, where you feel it in your heart, your soul and it gives you the chills.... And when you're on the dance floor, you already know, you're about to break it down, with them special moves. That's what we call the "special".
My 8-year-old loves this tune 😂😂😂
O wow never forget this 🍓 🥰
This is a song that you can't wait to get stuck in your head.
Thank you for this video and song I've been trying to track down this song for almost 30 years I have a lot of music in my head trying to track down thank you thank you very much😊
otherworldly and haunting
cool in a way words can't remotely describe
I love this song
Those guitar chords in the middle of the song and bass line are epic!
This is High Performance Groove 👌
Effortlessly perfect. Such a great song.
oh dear....the groovey 1970's ! the memories! Heavenly bygone era!
Since 79 I am listening to this. And I still do totally get the meaning of all the lyrics! Still, as fresh as it was back in the glorious days when FUNK was bass guitar! 😜
One of the most beautiful arrangements of all-time. Such a joy to hear this song any time!
As a kid, i remember arguing with my cousins all the time whether he was saying "Letter 22" or "Letter 23"......i still say 22, isnt it clear?
Beautiful people, beautiful music.x
RIP Louis Johnson.Boy can they sing and play the guitar. My favorite song of their's especially the long version. Music from the 70's still the best.
Spirits lifted every time those chimes start at the beginning. Get ready for the funky goodness that follows. Love it!
Bruthas could sing and play instruments as well. What an era to be a parr of!!!!! Blessed i was.
Back in the day, I remember playing this song over and over as a teenager it was so smooth and hypnotic it just put me in a trance practically! A beautiful song and that Trippy guitar 🎸 solo. I was just was mesmerized by this great song. And now it still sounds good years later only now I know this isn’t the original version even! I just listened to the original version and it’s pretty good but I prefer the Brothers Johnson version the best! I’m glad it’s held up after all these years!
Have always loved this song and it sounds as good now all these years as it did when I was younger... this is music for sure.....
Yes, same.
Ever checkout mother's finest song baby love I believe you'll like it
Turnaround Threadz I love it I call it psychedelic Motown yeah baby I
One of those songs that linger in your mind, with no idea how to find it, and one day you do, and all is good in the world!
I’m old enough to remember hearing this song when it was released, and thinking, “Whoa! What is this and where can I find more?!” It’s on my daily playlist.
RIP Louis. Your bass was magical!!!
This is my favorite BJ tune. I got to see them live in the late 1970's at the Circle Star Theater in San Carlos, CA. That's one concert I'm glad I didn't miss !
Late Show host David Letterman used to always play this song before going to commercial haha
Letterman was just cool!!!!😎
Whoo wheeee.....my god.....see this is music from the divine.....only real musicians understand what I'm getting at