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A Look At Shuggie Otis

The history of pop (and by ‘pop’ I mean popular, not top 40 pap) is overflowing with underrated artists, to the point the term has become overused and largely lost its meaning. However, in rare instances, there are those whose talents are impossible to overstate. The phenomenal Shuggie Otis is one such artist.

The son of legendary R&B performer and bandleader, Johnny Otis, it would almost be unnatural for Shuggie not to possess some innate talent. Fortunately, his father recognized his nascent gifts and installed his son in his band when he was a mere 12 years old. To hide his age while playing nightclubs, Shuggie would wear dark glasses and a false moustache. As well as being steeped in the musical traditions of jazz, blues, and R&B via his father’s band and musical compatriots, Shuggie (like all kids his age) was taken by the music of his generation.

Read more at Aquarium Drunkard.

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