ROCK Sex brings you another relay race, with one song branching off in new directions.
Today the route of "Strawberry Letter 23".
The son of famed R'n'B bandleader Johnny Otis, Shuggie Otis released a scarcely-heard album called FREEDOM FLIGHT (1971), a kind of hinge between Sly Stone and the forthcoming Prince.
It included this catchy ditty with almost incoherent psychedelic lyrics.
SHUGGIE OTIS -"Strawberry Letter 23" (1971)
With producer Quincy Jones, the Brothers Johnson stepped out from session backups to their own spotlight with their funkier take on the song. It was a massive hit, one that still makes me smile fondly every time that opening chime and funky groove kicks in.
BROTHERS JOHNSON -"Strawberry Letter 23" (1977)
Phil Upchurch, famed for his funkadelic guitar on late '60s Chess Records albums by Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf, ups the ante on the Funk with this response.
PHIL UPCHURCH -"Stawberry Letter 23" (1978)
The song has been covered again over the years by Tevin Campbell and Akon, and sampled by Dr. Dre, Beyonce, DJ Quik, and even avant-collage pranksters Negativland.
It's also the clear melodic blueprint for this song.
OUTKAST -"Ms. Jackson" (2000)
And for this one.
PRETTY LIGHTS -"Rainbows And Waterfalls" (2017)
West purple shower bells and tea
Orange birds and river cousins
Dressed in green"
© Tym Stevens
See Also:
• FUNK, The True History: 1970-1974, with 3 Music Players!
• "Soul Makossa" - Manu Dibango > Trovaioli > Michael Jackson
• "Good Times!" - Chic > SugarHill Gang > Queen > Defunkt > Ting Tings
• The Real History of Rock and Soul!: The Music Player Checklist
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