Shuggie Otis vs. The Brothers Johnson | Head 2 Head 🗣️

On the 17th edition of Head 2 Head, Shuggie Otis & The Brothers Johnson ‘duke it out’ over their respective takes on “Strawberry Letter 23.”

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians singing the same song together, comparing and contrasting their performances.  Then, after much deliberation, we deliver a verdict of which performance was the best, or at least, subjectively, which performance moved us more.  For our 17^th head-to-head, 🎙 Shuggie Otis and 🎙 The Brothers Johnson ‘duke it out,’ going head-to-head over respective takes on the soul classic, 🎵 “Strawberry Letter 23.” So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Shuggie Otis, “Strawberry Letter 23”

💿 Freedom Flight • 🏷 Sony BMG Music Entertainment • 📅 1971

“A present from you / Strawberry letter twenty-two / The music plays, I sit in for a few.” Let’s make one thing crystal clear.  Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist 🎙 Shuggie Otis wrote and originally recorded “Strawberry Letter 23.” When it comes to this record, often, our second act (below) are wrongly attributed as the originators.  Instead, this masterpiece arrived in 1971 when Otis was a mere teenager – 17-years-old!  Listen to the ORIGINAL “Strawberry Letter 23” and tell me, honestly, if you believe it sounds like an ordinary kid who composed this!

“Strawberry Letter 23” is a highlight from 💿 Freedom Flight, and impressive album from top to bottom.  Of course, also worth noting, Freedom Flight wasn’t Otis’ debut album!  That said, let’s refocus. The original “Strawberry Letter 23” predates the The Bros. Johnson’s version by six years.  What makes it so special? Great production (keys, rhythm guitar), soulful, nuanced vocals, and perhaps most of all, terrific songwriting.  What I’m saying is, the original is R-A-D.

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2. The Brothers Johnson, “Strawberry Letter 23”

💿 Right On Time • 🏷 A&M • 📅 1977

I tried to make it crystal clear that “Strawberry Letter 23” was written and originally performed by a 17-year-old named Shuggie Otis.  However, often, this R&B classic is attributed to the funk/soul group, 🎙 The Brothers Johnson.  Why? Sometimes, when it comes to covers, they just arrive at the right place at the right time.  Honestly, it’s much like the title of their 1977 album – 💿 Right On Time.  The biggest hit from that album, as well as The Brother Johnson’s career is *drum roll please* “STRAWBERRY LETTER 23”!

Shuggie Otis ‘put in work’ on the original in 1971, but you could say it took an iconic producer (🎛 Quincy Jones) and another soul act to make the record a hit. Naturally, there are differences between both versions; they’re distinct despite being the same song, which is cool.  In the case of The Brothers Johnson take, it runs longer, by one minute. Furthermore, it features more robust bass, and generally, more polished, sleeker sounds.  Compared to the original, you can hear the advancements in production, even in six short years.  Then again, keep in mind WHO is behind the boards – a L-E-G-E-N-D.  As for the vocals, they are buttery smooth, idiomatic of the late 70s soul sound.  Smoother than Shuggie? Yes, but that doesn’t necessarily dictate a better-rounded performance – just an observation.

Also appears on 🔽:

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🔗 🎧 10 Flavorful Strawberry 🍓 Songs

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️ 

Shuggie Otis or The Brothers Johnson? Tough considering both versions create a rewarding listening experience.  That said, if I had to give a nod, let’s go with version that was the hit.  The Brothers Johnson gets the edge primarily because of Quincy Jones, period.  If you’re unfamiliar with Jones’ resume, well, you should totally check it out.  Anyways, that’s reason enough to go with the bros as the production and sound is an upgrade from the original.

Shuggie Otis vs. The Brothers Johnson: Head 2 Head 🗣️ No. 17 [📷: A&M, Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Valentin Tikhonov from Pixabay]