RIP Quincy Jones…
Quincy Jones, a titan of American entertainment who worked with stars from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson and Will Smith, died this week at the age of 91. He was an incredible Musician, Producer and Writer – you can find out much about him online, but I wanted to share on specific story that I love, and a song that showcases his incredible talent…
The Secrets Of “Strawberry Letter #23!”
Meet the Brothers Johnson: George and Lewis. They had a incredible music career, and one song specifically stood out, not only for it’s great groove, but the mystery surrounding it – and the song was produced for the brothers by Quincy Jones!
What Are The Secrets Of “Strawberry Letter #23?”
I will let you hear this amazing song in a moment, but first, what’s this song about?
They are some of music’s most unique lyrics:
“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”
Time to remember The Brothers Johnson, and share the secrets of “Strawberry Letter 23!”
“The Brothers Johnson” were musicians and brothers George (“Lightnin’ Licks”) and Louis E. Johnson (“Thunder Thumbs”). They had a string of great funky R’n’B hits in the 70’s and 80’s, including this mysterious classic:
“Strawberry Letter 23”!
It has one of the most unusual song titles of all time, and it’s a funky, hypnotic gem!
If you haven’t heard the song, it’s a soulful ballad that has unusual lyrics and song structure…take a listen:
The Secrets Of “Strawberry Letter 23!”
Here’s the story behind “Strawberry Letter 23″…first, it was originally written by Shuggie Otis, who recorded it for his 1971 album “Freedom Flight”.
According to wikipedia:
“George Johnson, of the Brothers Johnson, was dating one of Otis’s cousins when he came across the album. The group recorded “Strawberry Letter 23” for their 1977 album “Right on Time”, which was produced by Quincy Jones, and the album went platinum. They recorded the song in a funkier, more dance-oriented vein than the original Otis version. Their rendition hit the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number five and reached number one on the Soul Singles chart in 1977!”
This “Strawberry” Smells Great!
So the brothers took a song from a friend and turned it into a worldwide smash hit! Of course, the 12″ single was pressed on red strawberry-scented vinyl!
And The Producer Was The Legendary Quincy Jones!
Quincy Jones produced the song, and you can get a real sense of his studio mastery on the entire album. For example, I love how “Strawberry” begins.
The first thirteen seconds of the song are a soft hint of the chorus of the song, floating out there briefly before it kicks in with a strong funky groove…and as for those lyrics:
“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”
According to the great website “Songfests.com”:
Guitar prodigy Shuggie Otis wrote it for his girlfriend, describing the feelings evoked by “Strawberry Letter 22,” a scented love letter she wrote to him, and the song’s title expresses his eagerness for the next letter!
“Strawberry Letter 23” Is Not A Letter But A Song!
Songfests revealed what the letter really is – and what it wasn’t – scented!
“It is commonly believed that she wrote to him on strawberry-scented paper but Otis told Spinner in a 2013 interview that the song has nothing to do with the smell of strawberries. “What I pictured when I was writing that song, was a girl handing a guy a pink envelope,” he explained. “A love letter. The guy and the girl had written each other 22 letters so far. And the 23rd one he writes is a song. But no scents.”
So there you go, mystery solved!
As for Quincy Jones, he was one of the all-time greats in the music business, and he was also known as a quirky fellow as well:
A few years ago, Jones at down for an interview, which quickly went off the rails and became a media sensation!
Click here to see what he said and about who:
RIP to the legendary Quincy Jones…
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Categories: 70's Music, Art, Memoirs, Music, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities
johnrieber 
What a great backstory! It makes perfect sense. He was a legend who will be missed.
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Hi John, I did not know these brothers. The song is wonderful 🍓
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They had a run when I was very young but this song was hypnotic to me!
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A long and incredibly successful life in many different genres of music, and a legacy that will live on into the future. Nobody could ask for more than that.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Beautifully put, Pete…he was a unique artist indeed!
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a music legend who will be missed. I love the name of that song and it’s origin story
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Thank you for the comment it is much appreciated!
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A great musical genius.
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Yes, and people who spent time with him said he was gracious, funny and quirky in the best way! He lived a long, full life and bravo for all of the art that he left us…
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