Shuggie Otis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shuggie Otis
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Otis in 2013
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Johnny Alexander Veliotes Jr. |
| Born | November 30, 1953 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1960s–present |
| Labels | Cleopatra and various labels |
Johnny Shuggie Otis (born Johnny Alexander Veliotes Jr.; November 30, 1953) is an American musician. He is a singer, songwriter, and plays many instruments. He is known for his unique style that mixes R&B, psychedelic soul, and electric blues.
His song "Strawberry Letter 23" became a big hit for The Brothers Johnson in 1977. His 1974 song "Inspiration Information" also did well on the R&B music charts.
Contents
About Shuggie Otis
Early Life and Music
Shuggie Otis was born in Los Angeles, California. His father was Johnny Otis, a famous rhythm and blues musician and bandleader. His mother, Phyllis Walker, gave him the nickname "Shuggie," which means "sugar."
Shuggie started playing guitar when he was only two years old! By age eleven, he was already playing professionally with his father's band. Sometimes, he would wear dark glasses and a fake mustache to play in nightclubs after hours.
Musical Influences
Growing up, Shuggie was surrounded by many great blues, jazz, and R&B musicians. He was also inspired by popular artists of his time, like Jimi Hendrix, Arthur Lee from the band Love, and Sly Stone.
Shuggie is mostly known for his amazing guitar playing. But he also sings and plays many other instruments, including bass, drums, piano, and organ. This makes him a true multi-instrumentalist.
First Albums and Success
In 1969, when Shuggie was just fifteen, a famous musician named Al Kooper asked him to play on an album called Kooper Session. They recorded the whole album in just one weekend!
Later that year, Shuggie released his first solo album, Here Comes Shuggie Otis. This album made his reputation even stronger. Even the legendary B. B. King said Shuggie was his "favorite new guitarist" in a magazine.
Shuggie also played with many other famous artists. He played electric bass on a song called "Peaches en Regalia" for Frank Zappa's album Hot Rats. He also played with Etta James, Eddie Vinson, and Bobby 'Blue' Bland.
Freedom Flight and Strawberry Letter 23
In 1971, Shuggie released his second album, Freedom Flight. This album featured his most famous song, "Strawberry Letter 23". Both the album and the song became popular on the music charts.
The song "Strawberry Letter 23" caught the attention of Brothers Johnson guitarist George Johnson. He played it for producer Quincy Jones, and they decided to cover the song. Their version became a huge hit!
Inspiration Information and Beyond
Shuggie's third album, Inspiration Information, came out in 1974. It took him almost three years to finish this album. Shuggie wrote and arranged all the songs himself. He also played almost every instrument on the album!
After Inspiration Information was released, Shuggie was asked to join The Rolling Stones for their world tour. He said no. He also turned down the chance to work with Quincy Jones on his next album. Because he often took his time and turned down offers, his record contract ended.
However, Inspiration Information later became very popular with a special group of fans. Musicians like Prince and Lenny Kravitz praised the album. Because of this new interest, the album was re-released in 2001. This new version included extra songs and photos.
In 2013, Shuggie Otis released a double CD. It was a re-release of Inspiration/Information with bonus tracks. It also included a new album called Wings of Love, which had songs he had written since 1975. Shuggie and his band, Shuggie Otis Rite, toured around the world to support this release.
In 2018, he released another album, mostly instrumental, called Inter-Fusion.
Shuggie's Family Life
Shuggie Otis has two sons, Lucky Otis and Eric Otis. Both of his sons are also musicians!
Lucky Otis, a bassist, started by playing with his grandfather, Johnny Otis. He then started his own music group. Eric Otis has also played and toured with his father's band. It's clear that musical talent runs in the family!
Shuggie Otis Albums
Studio Albums
- Here Comes Shuggie Otis (1970), Epic Records
- Freedom Flight (1971), Epic Records
- Inspiration Information (1974), Epic Records
- Inter-Fusion (2018), Cleopatra Records
Collaborations with Other Artists
Shuggie Otis has played with many other musicians throughout his career.
- With The Johnny Otis Show: Cold Shot! (1968), Snatch & The Poontangs (1969), Cuttin' Up (1970), The New Johnny Otis Show with Shuggie Otis (1981)
- With Bo Diddley: Where It All Began (1972)
- With Etta James and Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson: Blues in the Night Volume One: The Early Show (1986)
- With Al Kooper: Kooper Session (1969)
- With Frank Zappa: "Peaches en Regalia" from the album Hot Rats (1969)
Compilation Albums
- Shuggie's Boogie: Shuggie Otis Plays The Blues (1994)
- World Psychedelic Classics 2: California Soul... Shuggie Otis - Inspiration Information (2001)
- In Session: Great Rhythm & Blues (2002)
- Original Album Classics: Shuggie Otis (2013)
- Wings of Love (2013)
