Known as a master of blending genres and a musical influence more than 40 years following his first release, it’s not surprising that guitarist, singer and multi-instrumentalist Shuggie Otis was named the “teen blues king” in the 1960s, during the height of blues, rock and psychedelic funk. As the son of rhythm and blues musician (and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-r) Johnny Otis, Shuggie learned the guitar at age 11, when he began accompanying his father’s band at shows. His first album, 1969’s Here Comes Shuggie Otis, drew inspiration from the popular artists of his time, such as Sly Stone and Jimi Hendrix, and shot him to fame following its release, when he caught the attention of B.B. King. Shuggie went on to perform and record with the likes of Etta James, Frank Zappa, Richard Berry and more.
Heavy on raw electric guitar riffs, funky background instrumentals and an energy that’s hard to keep up with, we are thrilled to feature Shuggie Otis’ single, “Ice Cream Party” in our Vintage Collection as an example of his long-standing contribution to rock music.
