Holy moly it is absolutely great to be in the comment section that is full of information and knowledge and not crazy talk. Thank you, previous generations.
I’m 56 years old and Brothers Johnson’s version has been one of my all time favorite songs. How on God’s green earth have I never heard this original masterpiece?? 🤯
I just turned 54 and I can say the same thing. I must admit though, the bass line by Louis Johnson is playing in my head while I listen to this version. This is very nice, but it doesn't hit the same without the funky bass!
The song's chorus says "Strawberry Letter 22" instead of the actual title of the song. This is because the premise of the song is that a couple is exchanging love letters in musical form. ❤
It's 2023 I'm 61 years old and went through high school listening to The Brothers Johnson and never knew Strawberry 23 was a remake of this guy until 2 days ago.......Wow, amazing. His version original version sounds really good too, but I love the production of Brothers Johnson, so funky.
Same here. The lyrics and music on both take me to a different universe. Sorry if that sounds a bit hippy dippy but it does still. I was 17 years old when I heard The Bros Johnson and it did then and Shugie singing it takes me even more. A true classic.
I absolutely love both versions for their own uniqueness. Shuggie's gives that psychedelic feel and Brothers Johnson is the funk I need. I listen to both back to back
All you unknown artist out there who have wrote songs that have become iconic hits for more popular artists, I salute you. Without your contribution, there are a lot beautiful songs we wouldn't have.
After he walked away from Quincy the bootybandit . there was no way the masons were going to promote the more talented song writer Shugie , it was easier to copy the song and push Shugie to the side , but hopefully he got his royalties
I am 46 years and I have heard this song by the brothers Johnson a hundred times but this original I've heard for the first time tonite and it's magical man and I love it. Special stuff. 🌃
@@grahamsmith6210 I know, its amazing. This was a letter to his high school girlfriend, responding to her letter which he is referring to as Strawberry Letter 22 in the song. His response, this song, is Strawberry Letter 23 😇
How the F**k I spent my whole life without ever hearing this man's name? The more I find out, the more perplex I am with the Radios, Media in general and all others for not treating this guy like they do Clapton, Hendrix, etc... This dude is the one. Thank God I found him by accident!
I think maybe his record label did a poor job of promoting him. I always thought the Brothers Johnson were the first to record this song. I found out today by looking at a Facebook post that I was wrong.
shuggie was a friend of mine back in the day... i must have heard a hundred different versions of this song... he was always playing around with it.... btw he played every instrument on this album... shuggie was a genius that just wouldn't let the record companies dictate to him...
I've heard the Bros Johnson version so many times over my lifetime, I remember when it was new/current on the radio. Much later I learned it was a Shuggie Otis song. Today I listen to it and think, Shuggie must have been born with music in his mind and heart. Musically it's a complex song and to put it together at 18, amazing really. I had HS friends who were good musicians but they weren't composing anything like this, not by many many miles. The Bros Johnson song is a great version, a great tribute that they make their own in small ways. A little better production, more range between the lows & highs and more prominent lows. It shows what a great song Shuggie Otis wrote at such a young age.
@@seanoneil277 as i said i must have heard a hundred versions of this song as shuggie played around with it... But despite my loyalty to shuggie... I must admit that the brothers johnson version is by far the best version of it... The funk transformed it...
I was wstching, "Our flag means death," and this song played over a scene, and I had to look up who was singing this version, I've never heard it before. Shuggie is great!
You live and you learn! I never heard of this man! I remember when The Brothers Johnson came out with this song and I fell in love with it! But I didn’t know someone else had written/sang it first🤷🏽♀️ And all of these years I thought it said “Hello my love… I (heard a kiss) from you“ 😆 I think it’s pretty cool when you hear someone else sing a song and understand lyrics that you got wrong all those years🤣💐
We are always students, at least the brightest people are 😁 however much we grow in years, if the heart is curious, we have so many new things to discover around the corner
I just learned that the Brothers Johnson version was a remake ( literally only a few minutes ago after watching a reaction video) not only was I shocked to learn that after YEARS of absolutely loving the song but I was also shocked by this version...the original. That breakdown actually brought tears to my eyes! Just incredible.
I just found out about this version after checking to see if "Ms. Jackson" was using part of the Brothers Johnson song, only to discover that Outkast sampled THIS one, which the Brothers Johnson covered.
Hello my love, I heard a kiss from you Red magic satin playing near, too All through the morning rain I gaze, the sun doesn't shine Rainbows and waterfalls run through my mind In the garden, I see West purple shower bells and tea Orange birds and river cousins Dressed in green Pretty music, I hear So happy and loud Blue flowers echo From a cherry cloud Feel sunshine sparkle pink and blue Playgrounds will laugh If you try to ask "Is it cool?" If you arrive and don't see me I'm going to be with my baby I am free, flying in her arms Over the sea Stained window, yellow candy screen See speakers of kite With velvet roses diggin' Freedom flight A present from you Strawberry letter 22 The music plays I sit in for a few Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh A present from you Strawberry letter 22 The music plays I sit in for a few Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
I think that The Brothers Johnson really did justice to this song! Their version is what made it a hit! I had never heard of this guy before. I thank him for writing a classic song! Peace.
*_'A present, from you - Strawberry letter 22'_* one of the most beautiful poetic lines ever. I love how the title of the song is inferred from this line, but never used in the song
I was today years old when I learned that both versions of this song slap. I was introduced to the Brothers Johnson version at an early age, but wow, the original. Argue with yourself if you disagree, no time for that negativity
LMFAO! Came here to write the exact same thing. Usually when a cover version is a much bigger hit than the original, it's because the cover is a masterpiece and the original is trash. DEFINITELY not the case here. I still think the Brothers Johnson version is better but this is still surprisingly great.
alex higuera The Stones, who were beginning to suck at that point, wouldn’t have wanted to be upstaged. Their choice of Ron Wood, who blended lifelessly into their woodwork, confirms that.
Absolutely blown away by this and at 61 had never heard it before, this jam is way ahead of its time. Where the Brothers Johnson copied its brilliance directly is unmistakable and Shuggie should have gotten far more credit. Share this as much as possible!
I tend to agree. Even the Brothers Johnson's version (which had jazz artist Lee Ritenour playing that famous coda) isn't as amazing as this original version. Good call by U.S. Guitar Player! 🎸! 🐰
This version by Shuggie, predates Brother's Johnson by 3 years. Both, ai fantastic! This is why, the late 60's, and all of the 70's were the best music made in history. (The 80's also, but only to a certain point)
Shuggie, if you're reading this, please let me tell you what a blessing this song is. This is an amazing work of art! I was always blown away by the Brothers Johnston version but I was shocked when I first found out it was written, produced and performed by just one man. You're a miracle!
And the great Lee Ritenour plays your dual guitar solo note-for-note! Not to mention the chords during that outro are Heavenly! How in the world did you think of that?
This is the first time I have ever heard this song and I am in a very glorious and beautiful state of complete shock. What a moment! Right, reload......
There is something very enigmatic, ominous and magical about this song! It's something you can't find words for! He wrote a transcending and timeless classic! I dig both versions, The Brother's Johnson and his! Goodbye fellow??????? Until whenever!
Wow, I was listening to the Brother's Johnson version from 1976 when I was 19 and found out about this original version for the first time at almost 68 years old. This man sang this in 1971, 5 years ahead of the Brother's Johnson release! Same musical beat!
One of the greatest songs of the modern music era. Shuggie is so boss. The song really took flight when Quincy Jones & The Brothers Johnson reimagined the structure of the hit & turned a great song into gold.
they say he wrote this at 18, played all instruments too, what kind of life would humans have uninterrupted? without all of the unnecessary stress of this world? this place would be 100% better, but they're being hold back
This is what capitalism is doing to us, holding us back, we have reached a point in history in which we could satisfy every single person's needs, imagine the possibilities of that kind of world. . . Everyone would be making badassssssss songs and shit with the newfound freedom.
@@brandonmorel2658 it's not capitalism, that's what some entities want people to think, but no, it intellectually corrupt people at the highest levels stifling humans mental and spiritual growth
@@willie417 I would argue it's capitalism who emboldens the corrupt and the abusive. If our historic conditions were set solely by individuals, then it would be as easy to just take them out of the picture to fix the world, but it isn't like that. Our problems are systemic and the system that has been coerced upon us is capitalism, private property exploitation, wage slavery, &c. We also have to ask the question whom are the people who are holding us back as humans? It's not a community, race, nationality, organization, or anything close resembling an identity, it's an economic class; the rich!
@@brandonmorel2658 and what about those other countries, they're holding their people back too, and don't mind massacring a few of them either to stop any changes from happening, capitalism, socialism, communism and fascism same tree, just a different branch...oh! Totalitarianism😏
Full circle of an amazing song. First heard the Bros. Johnson in 1977 when I was ten and loved it so. Now, at 55 I learn about the creator of this song and , wow, Shuggie!
🎂Happy Birthday SHUGGIE OTIS! *November 30* Strawberry Letter 23 is an extremely Important work of art in the Universe. Thank You for Your Magical Musical Gifts. 🏆
This song is just so pretty 🥰 I love the lyrics so much, just incredible writing, poetry and story telling. I feel bad that I'm just now discovering the original version and I hope Shuggie Otis knows how loved his song is. 🥰
I’m sitting in Panera Bread right now and this came on the speakers. I’ve known about the Brothers Johnson version for years but I never heard this one. I looked it up and discovered this is the original. My mind has been blown. Great song.
the last twoish minutes of this song is my second favourite piece of music of all time. i just get lost in that swirly guitar riff and all those phasing effects on the ahhhhhh vocals. so trippy and pleasant. they'll bump this at a grocery store and i'll just be on pause for 100 seconds while looking at an avocado
Hes still alive as of March 2024.
Yayyyyyy
😮❤❤❤❤
Let’s give him his flowers
Hi Shuggie...I LOVE YOUR MUSIC! LOVE LOVE LOVE X
I really like his version the original but I think the brother's johnson done it best
Holy moly it is absolutely great to be in the comment section that is full of information and knowledge and not crazy talk. Thank you, previous generations.
Holy moly is right my friend.
😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉 we had GREAT music !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I make artisanal puma sausage gravy to wear as an outfit.
Quality over quantity
THE BEST PART OF MUSIC VIDEO COMMENTS IN MY OPINION❤❤
All this time I thought The Brothers Johnson originated this song! This brother is highly underrated
Me too...💯
They brought the Black to it.
So did I
Glad you learned something today ♥️
Same here - but the truth is , LSD or shrooms really created this song
I’m 56 years old and Brothers Johnson’s version has been one of my all time favorite songs. How on God’s green earth have I never heard this original masterpiece?? 🤯
I've only heard the Brothers Johnston's version too, which I absolutely love.
Netflix ("Sex Education") sent me today.
Same here and I'm almost 53
I just turned 54 and I can say the same thing. I must admit though, the bass line by Louis Johnson is playing in my head while I listen to this version. This is very nice, but it doesn't hit the same without the funky bass!
Right
After listening to both I Like this original version way better than the more popular remake.
1971.
Wrote the song.
Played all the instruments.
Produced it as well.
At 18.
*1971.*
Let that all sink in.
He was a real maestro. But I do think that though he has that nice, gentle touch, his voice can be a bit weak and lacking.
amazing. 5 years Later The Brothers Johnson would come along with this cut and dramatically shape who I am as a human. Mad love to Otis.
Mindblowing. What a talent
Sounds like he was prince before prince
He released this album in September and he was born In November so he was actually 17 when he made this!
When I saw "Otis" in his name, I just knew this would be golden.
❤
😂❤
Nioce!
How am I now just learning of Shuggie Otis and his being the original performer of this song? I am blown away!
So am I
Same here if it was not for reelblack I would have never knew.
It really is the year of truth...
This album was unreleased for 25 years if I remember correctly.
He played bass on Zappa's 'Peaches en Regalia'. Pretty cool dude!
The song's chorus says "Strawberry Letter 22" instead of the actual title of the song. This is because the premise of the song is that a couple is exchanging love letters in musical form. ❤
This is one of my all time favorite songs. Going to play it at my wedding in a couple weeks
Which version? Congrats on your marriage.
u better play this version. this is wedding material fa reel.
Fook yea :-) congrats !!!
Congratulations to you both ❤
Spectacular Song 🥂
You can tell Quincy Jones and the Brothers Johnson really honored Shuggie's arrangement and really set out to do justice with their version of it
The fabulous Quincy and I loved The Bros Johnson when they were around in our charts.
RIP to Quincy!
It's Election Day 2024 and I am just learning that this brother wrote this song and I'm 56 goddamn years old. Wow.
lol… same
Not great. But better late than never. Peace and love.
57 here and exactly the same!
It's 2023 I'm 61 years old and went through high school listening to The Brothers Johnson and never knew Strawberry 23 was a remake of this guy until 2 days ago.......Wow, amazing. His version original version sounds really good too, but I love the production of Brothers Johnson, so funky.
Same here. The lyrics and music on both take me to a different universe. Sorry if that sounds a bit hippy dippy but it does still. I was 17 years old when I heard The Bros Johnson and it did then and Shugie singing it takes me even more. A true classic.
Same here... exactly same age too... I still have the 45..
I absolutely love both versions for their own uniqueness. Shuggie's gives that psychedelic feel and Brothers Johnson is the funk I need. I listen to both back to back
Check neil Francis has a pretty damn good live version of this
Im 55 and NEVER heard of this guy..you live and you learn!
All you unknown artist out there who have wrote songs that have become iconic hits for more popular artists, I salute you. Without your contribution, there are a lot beautiful songs we wouldn't have.
Fleetwood Mac made “black magic woman” not Santana
@@YinkThePinkInkDrinker Didn't know that!!!🤔
Real Spill 💯
After he walked away from Quincy the bootybandit . there was no way the masons were going to promote the more talented song writer Shugie , it was easier to copy the song and push Shugie to the side , but hopefully he got his royalties
quite true !
Prince before Prince.....Classic!!!
😅❤ True
🤔 interesting...good to know about
Hell no
@1stthink236 Same thing I thought 😊
prince sucks ass
I am 46 years and I have heard this song by the brothers Johnson a hundred times but this original I've heard for the first time tonite and it's magical man and I love it. Special stuff. 🌃
My mom played the brothers Johnson version growing up a lot and I still enjoy that song as an adult now but am just discovering this gem as well!
This is an interesting listen, but I do prefer the Brothers Johnson version, the backing harmony vocals in particular just give me chills.
Really ???
Q
Try Simon and Garfunkel
This man deserves a huge applause for writing a great song, definitely one of my favorites, thank you Shuggie 👍🏼👍🏼
I also love the cover by the Brothers Johnson they did back in '77
I'm glad he got rich from it. Earned.
I'm surprised at how closely the Brothers Johnson followed Shuggie Otis on their rendition of his song. I love both versions.
Im 59 years old and im learning this today. He and George Johnson should get together and re-record it.
57 - same here
Me too.
56 and the same
60 yes
Let’s not gloss over the fact that Shuggie Otis was only 18 years old when he wrote and recorded this.
did not know this. Two words - IMPRESSIVE
DiscoR53 Lol! This is the original version. Brothers Johnson version is the cover version.
Michael Brickley
Oh snap! I stand corrected. My bad.
DiscoR53 😊 It’s all good.
guys like Shuggie and Todd Rundren don't exist anymore
Shuggie is criminally underrated. This song is amazing and SO ahead of its time, unreal.
M, WE Blues lover know Shuggie was never underrated as a player & performer just like his famous dad.
Its definitely not "sexy" like the B.J.'s version is, but Thank God it exists!
He was also only 17 when this came out
@@grahamsmith6210 I know, its amazing. This was a letter to his high school girlfriend, responding to her letter which he is referring to as Strawberry Letter 22 in the song. His response, this song, is Strawberry Letter 23 😇
Brothers Johnson... 🕊️
I’ve known, about Shuggie, since I was 19, and I’m 68 , now. No one compares with ‘Him’. 🇲🇱
He is Him.
🧢
Jah!
Is he Latino?
@@daendiznighHe's Black
How the F**k I spent my whole life without ever hearing this man's name? The more I find out, the more perplex I am with the Radios, Media in general and all others for not treating this guy like they do Clapton, Hendrix, etc...
This dude is the one.
Thank God I found him by accident!
Same
It’s unbelievable isn’t??? 🤦🏾♀️😡
I think maybe his record label did a poor job of promoting him. I always thought the Brothers Johnson were the first to record this song. I found out today by looking at a Facebook post that I was wrong.
I second that..
Word. I came across dude when jay z mentioned him in an interview.
"All through the morning rain I gaze, the sun doesn't shine
Rainbows and waterfalls run through my mind" hits different.
No pro tools just pure talent and drive
Bday tomorrow I’ll be 27 I learned something new today😮
Me to my nigga
I hope you had a really Happy Birthday 🎂 make the most of every day.
That is a beautiful age 🎉
Shuggie’s father was Johnny Otis, a pioneer and legend in the R&B music genre.
The Brothers Johnson version is magnificent. Shuggie’s is transcendent.
shuggie was a friend of mine back in the day... i must have heard a hundred different versions of this song... he was always playing around with it.... btw he played every instrument on this album... shuggie was a genius that just wouldn't let the record companies dictate to him...
I've heard the Bros Johnson version so many times over my lifetime, I remember when it was new/current on the radio. Much later I learned it was a Shuggie Otis song. Today I listen to it and think, Shuggie must have been born with music in his mind and heart. Musically it's a complex song and to put it together at 18, amazing really. I had HS friends who were good musicians but they weren't composing anything like this, not by many many miles.
The Bros Johnson song is a great version, a great tribute that they make their own in small ways. A little better production, more range between the lows & highs and more prominent lows. It shows what a great song Shuggie Otis wrote at such a young age.
@@seanoneil277 as i said i must have heard a hundred versions of this song as shuggie played around with it... But despite my loyalty to shuggie... I must admit that the brothers johnson version is by far the best version of it... The funk transformed it...
Totally agree
@jaye501 absolutely wonderful
I was wstching, "Our flag means death," and this song played over a scene, and I had to look up who was singing this version, I've never heard it before. Shuggie is great!
Otis is one of the most underrated musicians of all time. Its criminal
Yo my name is Otis & I've never heard of this dude. So who did it 1st, him or the brothers Johnson?
@@nohatersallowd5709 Shuggie did it first
@@nohatersallowd5709, Shuggie wrote it too.
I agree but sadly his addictions derailed his career....
Buggar :(
Shuggie's original Strawberry Letter 23 makes the hair on my arms stand on end! 🔥❤️
Perfection in a song. This art is so perfect that it demands your attention. Plain and simple a perfect love song.
Sounds like a song Hendrix might do.
Every fk'n time bro ✌🏽
Made his hair stand up too!
He must have been high AF to write lyrics this beautiful.
Everyone was on acid in those days....
Right
Just the lyrics? No. The whole song.
You live and you learn! I never heard of this man! I remember when The Brothers Johnson came out with this song and I fell in love with it! But I didn’t know someone else had written/sang it first🤷🏽♀️ And all of these years I thought it said “Hello my love… I (heard a kiss) from you“ 😆 I think it’s pretty cool when you hear someone else sing a song and understand lyrics that you got wrong all those years🤣💐
Why am I 48 and just finding g out about this master of music?❤
We are always students, at least the brightest people are 😁 however much we grow in years, if the heart is curious, we have so many new things to discover around the corner
I’m 49 and I’m today’s years old in knowing this.
The guitar duo and bells towards the last third of the song sound like the soundtrack to the journey to heaven.
that is why i would love to play that piece at my funeral, truly love that song ❤
An indefatigable guitar player for sure.
I just learned that the Brothers Johnson version was a remake ( literally only a few minutes ago after watching a reaction video) not only was I shocked to learn that after YEARS of absolutely loving the song but I was also shocked by this version...the original. That breakdown actually brought tears to my eyes! Just incredible.
Me too. I bought The Brothers Johnson album when it came out in 76 or 77 but I was only 11 or 12 and didnt check writing credits.
I just found out about this version after checking to see if "Ms. Jackson" was using part of the Brothers Johnson song, only to discover that Outkast sampled THIS one, which the Brothers Johnson covered.
You should hear the Cee Lo Green version when he plays Shuggi the Panda from the new Disney+ original “Proud Family: Louder & Prouder 🤩🤩🤩🥰🥳😍
I grew up on the brothers Johnson version. Didn't know it wasn't the original lol
Same!
Shuggie wrote this song at 17yrs old, Love this song, Thank you Shuggie 🍓🍓🍓❤️❤️❤️
Yes, but I only knew the Brothers Johnson version.
An I thought it was originally by The Brothers Johnson. I Love this one too.
I didn't learn until today that The Brothers Johnson didn't originally do this song . . .
wrong dick head,, shuggie wrote it ,,
@@tomwilson8607 Calm down there, big fella.
It was the other way around.
@@tomwilson8607 why so rude and insulting?
The bridge / outro of this song actually induces an out of body experience for me. Mind blowing.
Yeah, that's cooler than the Bros version by far.
Great Song 🎶🌟!
I heard Jay Z mention him in an interview. This is a lovely tune. Perfect.
Thats why im here
That’s what brought me here too!
Me too
Likewise
Yooooo!! I watched the same interview hahaha Jay’s hair look electrocuted in that interview lol
I love the original version. He is wonderful. I love the stripped down sound.
And Bros Johnson used all the original parts. There was no improving on it, just a bit more ornamentation and drive.
Hello my love, I heard a kiss from you
Red magic satin playing near, too
All through the morning rain I gaze, the sun doesn't shine
Rainbows and waterfalls run through my mind
In the garden, I see
West purple shower bells and tea
Orange birds and river cousins
Dressed in green
Pretty music, I hear
So happy and loud
Blue flowers echo
From a cherry cloud
Feel sunshine sparkle pink and blue
Playgrounds will laugh
If you try to ask
"Is it cool?"
If you arrive and don't see me
I'm going to be with my baby
I am free, flying in her arms
Over the sea
Stained window, yellow candy screen
See speakers of kite
With velvet roses diggin'
Freedom flight
A present from you
Strawberry letter 22
The music plays
I sit in for a few
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
A present from you
Strawberry letter 22
The music plays
I sit in for a few
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Thanks dude
Good prose
Man can you break down the meaning of this poetic fusion? These lyrics are unlike any I've ever seen.
Holy shite why isn't this pinned? Gj ABV
Those lyrics make this an all-time great song... and to think, I had always assumed the Brothers Johnson were the originator. Silly rabbit!
We need to start a campaign to get Shuggie to do a boutique tour of North America and please come to San Francisco
I AM HERE FOR THIS
I think that The Brothers Johnson really did justice to this song! Their version is what made it a hit! I had never heard of this guy before. I thank him for writing a classic song! Peace.
*_'A present, from you - Strawberry letter 22'_*
one of the most beautiful poetic lines ever. I love how the title of the song is inferred from this line, but never used in the song
This song is his response to that present, truly poetic
I love how that just randomly pops into my head from time to time
Fully Agree.Only it's used in Both S L 22 tracks!
What does strawberry letter 22 mean?
22 straberry scented letters (assumed to be with the womans perfume), 23 is the reply from him back - continuing the title even without the perfume.
Nice🙏🏿👊🏿🙏🏿 Praying That He Received Royalties
Whew!
I was today years old when I learned that both versions of this song slap. I was introduced to the Brothers Johnson version at an early age, but wow, the original.
Argue with yourself if you disagree, no time for that negativity
This song just does something to me.
LMFAO! Came here to write the exact same thing. Usually when a cover version is a much bigger hit than the original, it's because the cover is a masterpiece and the original is trash. DEFINITELY not the case here. I still think the Brothers Johnson version is better but this is still surprisingly great.
He was Prince before Prince was Prince!
And remember boys and girls: Shuggie was the one person who said NO to playing with the rolling stones.
Fuck man. Thw Stones would've went to a whole nother eclipse had he joined forces. Wow.
Wow
alex higuera The Stones, who were beginning to suck at that point, wouldn’t have wanted to be upstaged. Their choice of Ron Wood, who blended lifelessly into their woodwork, confirms that.
And remember, that on the Brothers Johnson version of this song, that arpeggio laden solo (with a capo placed at fret #2) was played by Lee Ritenour.
Really?
I was today years old when I found out about this version always enjoyed the brilliant lyrics ❤
Just discovered this hidden gem today.
The last 20 seconds is what joy sounds like🔥
that's the part i wish i could edit out haha
Who knew?' I didn't.
I learned something today August 2024..I'm here for this the Original Strawberry Letter 23 ❤❤❤❤❤
I'm high on Shuggie Otis. especially the bridge outro. mind blown
This version should've been playing profusely on the r&b charts back in th day.
This song forever gives me a certain feeling that is so beautiful. I don’t think it will ever get old.
Absolutely blown away by this and at 61 had never heard it before, this jam is way ahead of its time.
Where the Brothers Johnson copied its brilliance directly is unmistakable and Shuggie should have gotten far more credit. Share this as much as possible!
US Guitar Player elected this solo one of the 100 best guitar solos in history
Wow!!
I tend to agree. Even the Brothers Johnson's version (which had jazz artist Lee Ritenour playing that famous coda) isn't as amazing as this original version. Good call by U.S. Guitar Player! 🎸!
🐰
I definitely agree
I can see why
It's mesmerising isn't it??
Thanks Shuggie for a masterpiece of a song.❤
I loved catching Shuggie live in Oak Cliff, Texas a few years back. He still had that mojo working and had a great band backing him. Legend!
Two Gold Records from one song!!!! A fucking genius. Mr Otis produced a prodigy! There was a reason the Stones wanted to recruit him.
I didn't think that ethereal guitar part near the end would be as good in this version, but WOW. This version KILLS it.
Wow never knew about him or this version to think this brother was only 18 atbthe time is really mind blowing such abgift and talent from GOD🙏🏽🔥
Just listened to this reading the lyrics. This man was higher than a kite when he wrote this.
This version by Shuggie, predates Brother's Johnson by 3 years. Both, ai fantastic! This is why, the late 60's, and all of the 70's were the best music made in history. (The 80's also, but only to a certain point)
Shuggie, if you're reading this, please let me tell you what a blessing this song is. This is an amazing work of art! I was always blown away by the Brothers Johnston version but I was shocked when I first found out it was written, produced and performed by just one man. You're a miracle!
And the great Lee Ritenour plays your dual guitar solo note-for-note! Not to mention the chords during that outro are Heavenly! How in the world did you think of that?
This song is a fantasyland alternative universe love letter. A phenomenal writer.
This is the first time I have ever heard this song and I am in a very glorious and beautiful state of complete shock. What a moment! Right, reload......
I know exactly what you mean!
Me too!
I had know idea
Never heard of Shuggie before but l have to give him his props.
There is something very enigmatic, ominous and magical about this song! It's something you can't find words for! He wrote a transcending and timeless classic! I dig both versions, The Brother's Johnson and his! Goodbye fellow??????? Until whenever!
I'm 96 years old and I have heard this song way long before. This song is wonderful❤
I can’t stop hitting repeat.
Wow, I was listening to the Brother's Johnson version from 1976 when I was 19 and found out about this original version for the first time at almost 68 years old. This man sang this in 1971, 5 years ahead of the Brother's Johnson release! Same musical beat!
One of the greatest songs of the modern music era. Shuggie is so boss. The song really took flight when Quincy Jones & The Brothers Johnson reimagined the structure of the hit & turned a great song into gold.
3:24 - 4:02 1971! Flanging, Phasing, and this was before digital delays, even - he’s playing the riff in real time!
Thank you random TH-cam recommendations. I too did not know this was the original. Masterpiece
Just learned he created such a great song I've praising brothers Johnson for 30 years didn't know
If I remember correctly, he played all the instruments on this album as well. Amazing.
Growing up in the 70s! This was my jam.
Probably the more famous cover by the Brothers Johnson, though, right?
@@dantean of course.
A timeless classic..And probably the coolest name in music!
they say he wrote this at 18, played all instruments too, what kind of life would humans have uninterrupted? without all of the unnecessary stress of this world? this place would be 100% better, but they're being hold back
This is what capitalism is doing to us, holding us back, we have reached a point in history in which we could satisfy every single person's needs, imagine the possibilities of that kind of world. . . Everyone would be making badassssssss songs and shit with the newfound freedom.
@@brandonmorel2658 it's not capitalism, that's what some entities want people to think, but no, it intellectually corrupt people at the highest levels stifling humans mental and spiritual growth
@@willie417 I would argue it's capitalism who emboldens the corrupt and the abusive. If our historic conditions were set solely by individuals, then it would be as easy to just take them out of the picture to fix the world, but it isn't like that. Our problems are systemic and the system that has been coerced upon us is capitalism, private property exploitation, wage slavery, &c. We also have to ask the question whom are the people who are holding us back as humans? It's not a community, race, nationality, organization, or anything close resembling an identity, it's an economic class; the rich!
@@brandonmorel2658 and what about those other countries, they're holding their people back too, and don't mind massacring a few of them either to stop any changes from happening, capitalism, socialism, communism and fascism same tree, just a different branch...oh! Totalitarianism😏
...progressive soul music.
Yep. The outro sounds like a mix of Roundabout by Yes and Return of the Giant Hogweed by Genesis.
That was my exact thought
Yes 🔥❤️
If the pink cherry gelato had a sound this would be it . . This guy was way ahead of his time
Full circle of an amazing song. First heard the Bros. Johnson in 1977 when I was ten and loved it so. Now, at 55 I learn about the creator of this song and , wow, Shuggie!
Today years old snd now finding this out. Mind blown! Pure genius and he was only 17?! Incredible!
🎂Happy Birthday SHUGGIE OTIS! *November 30* Strawberry Letter 23 is an extremely Important work of art in the Universe. Thank You for Your Magical Musical Gifts. 🏆
Heard it on the radio the other day.. It is a breath of fresh air..
Sitting relaxing, drink in hand, close your eyes, play this. Takes you on a journey. Amazing song. Amazing guitar sequence at the end.
Well said ...
I first heard of him in 1981 in Germany! Love the Phase Shifter in this recording:)
My daughter gave me this song truly amazing and genius makes me cry all the time for some unknown reason. Its beautiful like her
This song is just so pretty 🥰 I love the lyrics so much, just incredible writing, poetry and story telling. I feel bad that I'm just now discovering the original version and I hope Shuggie Otis knows how loved his song is. 🥰
This song was also played on Sex Education. The main character is named Otis too :)
I’m sitting in Panera Bread right now and this came on the speakers. I’ve known about the Brothers Johnson version for years but I never heard this one. I looked it up and discovered this is the original. My mind has been blown. Great song.
Best version. The intro is worth its weight in gold alone
Man I’m glad Brothers Johnson remixed it!!!😂
Intro sounds like an acid trip 🤤
the last twoish minutes of this song is my second favourite piece of music of all time. i just get lost in that swirly guitar riff and all those phasing effects on the ahhhhhh vocals. so trippy and pleasant. they'll bump this at a grocery store and i'll just be on pause for 100 seconds while looking at an avocado
what`s your favorite piece?
@@forevertwentysix Thank you for asking, it’s the first 16 seconds of Sweet Jane by The Velvet Underground. I love that trippy lil intro.
This song is deep and not because of what it says but because of the way the beat and the song in general makes me feel beautiful 💗
Listen to him and this song for the first time, and I can say Im now a Shuggie fan 🙌🏾