Shuggie Otis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Shuggie Otis
Otis in 2013
Background information
Birth name	Johnny Alexander Veliotes Jr.
Born	(1953-11-30) November 30, 1953 (age 71) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	R&B psychedelic soul electric blues progressive soul
Instruments	Vocals guitar bass drums piano organ
Years active	1960s–present
Labels	Cleopatra and various labels

Johnny Shuggie Otis (born Johnny Alexander Veliotes Jr. on November 30, 1953) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. He is known for playing many instruments, including guitar, bass, drums, piano, and organ.

One of Otis's most famous songs is "Strawberry Letter 23". When The Brothers Johnson recorded it, their version became a huge hit in 1977. It reached the top of the R&B chart and was also very popular on the main Billboard chart. His 1974 song "Inspiration Information" also did well, reaching #56 on the R&B chart.

The Early Years of a Music Star

Shuggie Otis was born in Los Angeles, California. His father, Johnny Otis, was 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 performing professionally with his father's band. Sometimes, he even wore dark glasses and a fake mustache to play in clubs after hours!

Musical Influences and Talents

Shuggie is mostly known as an amazing guitarist. But he also sings and plays many other instruments. Growing up, he was surrounded by talented blues, jazz, and R&B musicians. Later, he was inspired by popular artists like Jimi Hendrix, Arthur Lee (from the band Love), and Sly Stone.

In 1969, when Shuggie was just fifteen, musician Al Kooper invited him to play on an album called Kooper Session. They recorded the whole album in just one weekend! After that, Shuggie also played on his father's album, Cold Shot, released in 1969.

First Solo Albums and Recognition

Later in 1969, Shuggie released his first solo album, Here Comes Shuggie Otis, on Epic Records. Other great musicians played on this album, including his father, Johnny Otis. This album helped him become even more famous. In 1970, the legendary guitarist B. B. King even called Shuggie his "favorite new guitarist."

During this time, Shuggie played and recorded with many other artists. These included Frank Zappa (he played bass on the song "Peaches en Regalia"), Etta James, and Bobby 'Blue' Bland.

Breakthrough with Freedom Flight

In 1971, Shuggie released his second album with Epic Records, called Freedom Flight. This album featured his hit song "Strawberry Letter 23". Both the album and the song became very popular.

Brothers Johnson guitarist George Johnson heard "Strawberry Letter 23" and loved it. He played it for producer Quincy Jones, and they decided to cover the song. Their version became a huge hit! Even though Shuggie played most of the instruments on his album, other talented musicians like George Duke and Aynsley Dunbar also contributed.

Inspiration Information and Later Career

In 1974, Shuggie released Inspiration Information, his third album for Epic Records. This album took almost three years to complete. Shuggie wrote and arranged all the songs himself. He also played almost every instrument on the album, except for some horns and strings.

The title track, "Inspiration Information," was the only single from the album to reach the Billboard Hot 100 chart. After this album, Shuggie was asked to join The Rolling Stones for their world tour, but he declined. He also turned down a chance to work with Quincy Jones. Because he often took his time and turned down offers, his record deal with Epic Records ended. For a while, Shuggie mostly worked as a session musician for his father's projects.

Renewed Interest and Recent Work

In the 1990s, Inspiration Information became very popular again, especially with fans of rare groove and acid jazz music. Famous musicians like Prince and Lenny Kravitz praised the album. Because of this new interest, the album was re-released in 2001 by David Byrne's label, Luaka Bop Records. This new version included bonus songs from his Freedom Flight album and new artwork.

In 2013, Shuggie Otis and Sony Music Entertainment released a special double CD. It was a re-release of Inspiration/Information with extra songs. It also included a new album called Wings of Love, which featured songs Shuggie had written from 1975 onwards, plus some live recordings.

Shuggie and his band, Shuggie Otis Rite, toured around the world in 2013 to support the new release. They performed in places like Australia, Japan, the U.S., Ireland, and the U.K., and critics loved their shows. In April 2018, Shuggie released a new album called Inter-Fusion, which is mostly instrumental.

Family Life

Shuggie Otis has two sons, Johnny III (known as Lucky Otis) and Eric. Both of his sons are also musicians, following in their father's and grandfather's footsteps. Eric has played and toured with his father's band. Lucky, who plays bass, started by playing with his grandfather, Johnny Otis. He then started his own group and has also led a large rhythm-and-blues orchestra, continuing his grandfather's musical legacy.

Discography

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 The Johnny Otis Show

• Cold Shot! (1968), Kent Records
• Cuttin' Up (1970), Epic Records
• The Johnny Otis Show Live at Monterey! (1970), Epic Records [2-LP]
• The New Johnny Otis Show with Shuggie Otis (1981), Alligator Records
• Into the Eighties (1984), Charly R&B [UK] Records
• Otisology (1986), Kent Records
• Good Lovin' Blues (1990), Ace [UK] Records

With Bo Diddley

• Where It All Began (1972), Chess Records

With Guitar Slim Green

• Stone Down Blues (1970), Kent Records

With Etta James and Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson

• Blues in the Night Volume One: The Early Show (1986), Fantasy Records
• The Late Show: Blues in the Night Volume 2 (1987), Fantasy Records

With Al Kooper

• Kooper Session (1969), Columbia Records

With Preston Love

• Preston Love's Omaha-Bar-B-Q (1969), Kent Records

With Gerald Wilson Orchestra

• Lomelin (1981) Discovery Records

With Frank Zappa

• "Peaches en Regalia" from the album Hot Rats (1969)

With Jimmy Vivino

• "Violet In Blue" from the album Novemberin' (2008)

With Mark Lotito

• "Novemberin'" from the album Novemberin' (2008)

Compilations

• Shuggie's Boogie: Shuggie Otis Plays The Blues (1994), Epic Records / Legacy Recordings
• World Psychedelic Classics 2: California Soul... Shuggie Otis - Inspiration Information (2001), Luaka Bop Records Reworking and reissue of Shuggie's 1974 album Inspiration Information.
• In Session: Great Rhythm & Blues (2002), Golden Lane Records
• Original Album Classics: Shuggie Otis (2013), Epic Records / Legacy Recordings [3-CD]
• Wings of Love (2013), Sony Records / Legacy Recordings