Shuggie Otis

Reclusive and Brilliant Shuggie Otis Plays Rare Concert

It's hard to know what's more remarkable about legendary musician Shuggie Otis: That the Rolling Stones begged him to join the band (really) or that he turned them down (yep, really). The son of R&B bandleader Johnny Otis, Shuggie started as a musical prodigy. When he was only 21, he released "Inspiration Information", an album that became a cult favorite among fans and fellow musicians, including David Byrne who re-released it on his Luaka Bop label in 2001. Ironically, it was soon after a cover of his song "Strawberry Letter 23" went to No. 1 that Shuggie dropped out of the music business altogether. Except for some rare appearances, the elusive musician has kept a low profile while his legend grows. So don't miss your chance to see "one of the most enigmatic figures in the history of pop" ("The New York Times") when he plays the B.B. King Blues Club.