As a teen I practically idolized Louis "Thunder Thumbs" Johnson. Search for a RUclips video titled *Top 5 Louis Johnson Bass Lines | Michael Jackson, The Brothers Johnson, Quincy Jones | Thomann* and listen to it. The woman playing the bass does a fairly decent job copying Louis Johnson's technique. And her top 5 pretty much mirror mine.
Written by an English keyboard player who was in the band Heatwave ‘ Boogie Night’ has always been a favourite. Worked with Quincy Jones and wrote so many class tunes in the late 70’s and 80’s
Great song, but you really need to hear "Strawberry Letter 23" which has one of the greatest guitar solos in history. "I'll be good to You" is a classic ballad. "Get da Funk out ma Face" is another classic. Yes it's as funky as the name indicates. They also recorded "Tomorrow" an instrumental used as a graduation song in several elementary schools in urban Los Angeles. Words were later added to the song, and it became a hit for Quincy Jones with a very young Tevin Campbell singing lead vocals.
Great song! The first I heard of the Brothers Johnson was that song Strawberry Letter 23 back in 1976 I think!! It's such a cool, mellow ethereal type of song. I absolutely loved it.
Paul McCartney recorded another "Silly Love Songs" for the movie "Give my Regards to Broad Street". Louis was soooooooooooooo right for that song. You can view a music clip form the movie on youtube and the whole band is dressed as futuristic musicians. In that recording and clip, the guitarist and drummer are Steve Lukather and Jeff Porcaro from Toto.
I was a teenager in the 70's The music just kept coming and coming. Now the 70's are epic. So much Artistry and Music and Talent...I feel blessed to have grown up then. The talent then...will never be better then that time, so much music...we had it all!! Blessed to have been there and to so many concerts!!
Louis Johnson featured what's known as "Slap Bass" in the solo that your jaw dropped open on, you would really have to dig deep to find anyone that was more accomplished as a Bassist than him. dude is an absolute beast!
The funkiest Brothers Johnson track to me is “Get the Funk out my Face”. This song is funk parts but gives disco! That’s the world renown Lois Johnson. He worked with all the greats including MJ’s Off the Wall. I believe this album is a Quincy Jones’s production. If not this their Strawberry Letter 23 album is definitely a Quincy Jones productions. Great reaction as usual!!
With all due respect to Quincy, Shuggie Otis didn't want him touching his song, "Strawberry Letter 23". The story was, one of the brothers Johnson was dating Shuggie's relative, and they found their way into his room, and stumbled upon the song. Shuggie had done everything, on his own, in his version. It's a testament to his genius, not only in playing, but also arrangement. His father was the great, Johnny Otis, who definitely showed him a lot, about music, and how to approach, every aspect of putting a song together. The song was written, as a response to one, in a series of love letters, Strawberry Letter 22, that Otis received, hence, this song being "Strawberry Letter 23".
Englishman Rod Temperton was better known as the keyboardist from the band Heatwave, but he also wrote all the hit songs for that band. When he left that band, he wrote this song as well as writing (or co-writing, depending on who you ask) "Thriller", "Off the Wall", and "Rock With You" for Michael Jackson. He wrote hits for George Benson, including "Give Me the Night" and "Love X Love", Patti Austin and James Ingram's "Baby, Come to Me", Michael McDonald's "Sweet Freedom", and Michael McDonald's duet with James Ingram "Yah Mo B There". A lot of people say that many '80s songs sound just alike, but there's a good reason for that. He's an underappreciated musical genius.
Rod Temperton's "Star of a Story" is one of the most beautiful songs ever, in my humble opinion, regardless of the artist that covers the song. I do enjoy George Benson's cover a bit more than the others, but I love it regardless!
That pre-chorus with the female backing vocals was giving me "Give Me the Night" vibes - I guess there was a reason for that. Great song, both that one and this one.
Oh Amber! You are spot on when you said you just imagined people just going out and having the best time and just getting into the music and letting loose. This song brings back such great memories and is impossible for me to listen to without smiling and moving. I don’t think the Brothers Johnson gets enough recognition in particular for how they were able to cross musical genres with ease and credibility. Not to sound like a broken record by echoing other commenters, but, you should check out “Strawberry Letter 23” which is such a gorgeous track.
Yes.....discos everywhere, and dancing with anyone, and it could lead to free love or not. At the same time, Country was making a big comeback with Mickey Gilly and his John Travolta dancing and the BeeGees. 😄
George (lighting Licks) and Louis (Thunder Thumbs) Johnson are two of the best musicians of the era. They were Quincy Jones' go to musicians for a lot of songs. See Strawberry Letter and Michael Jackson's Get on the Floor (from the Off the Wall Album) for more of Louis' bass playing. Louis is known as one of the best funk bassists of all time.
Louis Johnson, playing the bass, slap-bass style. He was amazing on the bass. He passed away in 2015 at the young age of 60. He left his mark. May he rest in peace.
Amber you are right about everybody getting into it. Back then we didn’t have cell phones to distract us. We just enjoyed the moments and the music. Thanks for this trip down memory lane.
First heard this around 11 yo on a 45 LP & raved about it. 3 yrs later & school mates be like "Brothers Who?" DAMN RIGHT! TY for covering this. Most underrated funk band from the early 80's IMO.
Louis Johnson is one of the greatest bass players of all time. He is in my top three. This song and Strawberry Letter 23 are my two favorites from this group
Louis was the first bass player I ever saw do the "slap and pick" play style on bass and it blew my mind. It's been a minute but I believe he used to be called "Thunder Thumbs" back in the day.
Fun Fact: Strawberry Letter 23 is a hidden tract from the Pulp Fiction soundtrack. It was playing in the background when the actors walked by a room, but definitely loud and prominent.
They probably should react to every song from Pulp Fiction, just to be thorough. Love that soundtrack! Now I need to go hear Chuck Berry sing You Never Can Tell again X)
You Got Your Wish! The Bass Guy is the Late Louis Johnson, nicknamed "Thunder Thumbs" for His unique Bass-playing-style. Both of the Brothers Johnson were sought after Studio Musicians as well. You'd like their "Strawberry Letter # 23" & "I'll be Good to You."
This song was from their fourth album, "Light Up The Night" from 1980. It reached #1 on the R&B charts and #7 on the Billboard charts. Guitarist George Johnson was given the assignment by Quincey Jones to go home and write a song called "Stomp" He returned the next day with this hit tune. It was considered to be funk/disco. Great reaction. Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada ❤️ ❤️ 🇨🇦🇨🇦
THe Brothers were two of the best of session musicians. Quincy Jones brought them on and they became superstars. That BASS you hear is some of the best Bass you'll hear from that era. These guys were consummate masicians.
Fell in love with this song in the early days of 1980 while on active duty with the Marines in El Toro California. The barracks were rocking with sounds of so many styles and genres - it was a fun time. Thunder Thumbs was a great moniker for Louis Johnson....the man could really thump. Saw them in concert only once but what a show!
Quincy Jones produced the entire album for the Brothers Johnson. He actually did all of their albums. The bass player was Michael Jackson's studio bass player. He played the iconic bassline to Billie Jean and so many other iconic songs by MJ and many other artists.
@@derp8575 I don't think it's bad to have specialized knowledge on certain subjects that the masses aren't hip to. He is a master arranger, orchestrator, producer, and composer. Besides, he is a living heritage, no one can deny that.
Thanks so much for your friendly reactions and love all ABBA songs and recommend 'Rock Me', sung by Bjorn and the girls. Great rock vibe in denim. Thanks again Rob Squad!
One of the greatest disco numbers ever!!!!! The great Louis Johnson on slap bass! We all felt so cool, glamorous and joyous- what a time! Thankyou Brothers Johnson!!
All I gotta say is *Strawberry Letter 23,* man this groove is on point!!! Plus Jay and Amber you also need to check this band's other two big songs *Get Tha Funk Outta My Face and I'll Be Good To You.* So the two fronting the band is *George (Lighting Licks) Johnson -Guitar/Vocals and Louis (Thunder Thumbs) Johnson -Bass.* This is one of the great Funk Bands to go to when ya need your Funk fix! *Love ❤️ Peace ✌️ and Happiness 😃 Y'all !!*
I’m a 60 year old white guy from Alabama, and my Soul Playlist is well over sixty tracks; my favorite is “What Ya See (Is What You Get). These songs have awesome bass guitar rhythms, the O-Jays and Ray Parker, Jr. are some of the best.
I was born in the early 60s. My music genre is the 70s. I always tell people I’m stuck in the 70s when it comes to music. Brothers Johnson was one of my favorite bands out there. Strawberry Letter 23 is one of my favorites. I had it on vinyl. It actually smelled like strawberries when I first got it.
My parent's owned a roller skating rink from 1971 to 2009. We played music like this all the time. I started DJing there at age 12 (1981). I'm 53 now but this is the music of my youth and part of my DNA. And this song is always part of any playlist I make!!
Jay, you can't get any funkier bass than Louis 'Thunder Thumbs' Johnson. Not only was he a member of The Brothers Johnson, he was a highly sought after session musician. I was fortunate enough to have met both brothers and they were so cool! RIP Thunder Thumbs. Lead singer is Louis' brother, George.
Louis Johnson was a genius , bass player supreme but also a great songwriter , co-wrote many of Michael Jackson's biggest hits too. George Johnson was no slouch either.
I'm jealous you guys are listing to these songs for the first time!! lol I had a K-tel album with this song and wore it out! PS I just love your videos ❤
Truthfully, R&B and Funk are two horns on the same goat! Louis Johnson on bass (RIPgone too soon), George Johnson on guitar. Ain’t We Funkin’ Now, Het the Funk Out My Face, Strawberry Letter 23 (the LP was red and smelled like strawberries)
It’s fascinating/interesting how a newer generation or a younger generation is reacting to songs. I grew up with/which is part of who I am today/I was 14 when this song came out all these wonderful songs that you guys are reacting to our part of my early teen years ! The early 1980s lol
This is my era. Its my happy song, its just happy happy happy, makes you want to dance, can't beat it. Louis Johnson is legendary for his bass playing, its definitely all about the bass.
I miss my childhood . . . . Best music, best friends best everything . . . . times now are so . . . politically complicated. Watching y'all is like seeing those days all over again . . thank you.
Jay and Amber that is sooo cool to see the young generation likeing the music of the 70s and 80s my time❤️❤️real bands and singers. I'm 66 and my God I miss those days 😉👍🏽🇺🇸🇵🇷🌹🌹❤️❤️
Yup! Those were the days when you could go to a house party an no one was trying to start anything, no one was doing drugs, no one was getting drunk and stupid, and no one was packing or doing drive-bys. You could bring a friend and everyone was respectful and accommodating. The same people on their first four albums were the same ones who played on Michael Jackson's records.
This was such a great song to skate to. ALL of us on the roller rink would stomp our skate down hard at that STOMP part. It sounded so cool when you had about 150 teens stomping on skates to this. Oh those memories! 😁❣️
My 12 year old son LOVES this song! And it’s been his favorite 70s song since he was like 8. There’s LOTS of others, this this one just makes him wanna STOMP! 😂
Oh yes. One of the best from the time period! Never gets old! I grew up to be a metal head, but the music from my childhood is so good. Excellent choice. Is there a love button?
I was born in Dec 1958 and came of age during the music explosion of the 60s and 70s. I stumbled across one of your reaction videos the other day and my heart just soared. To see you beautiful young beings experiencing and immersing yourselves in the sounds and rhythms of the most precious days I can remember just filled me with joy. God bless you and yours! You two keep hope alive in folks like this old bird.
Although I've loved this song for years, "Strawberry Letter 23" is my favorite by them. I also love their incredible "I'll Be Good To You" as well as "Get The Funk Out Ma Face". Also it's time for you to do The Gap Band's "Outstanding", their funkiest cut. RIP to the great Louis Johnson, one of the pioneers for funky slap bass.
This why the 70’s were so great. Crazy feel good music and places to dance all over the place. Lived it and am so thankful I was part of it! The disco places had lit up floors. We danced every weekend and week nights. We had a blast!!! Music today is nasty and mean.
I’m so glad y’all did this song! I remember it from my teen years. It was so different from what I usually listened to and it had that funky, disco vibe that just grabbed me. I don’t hear it much now so thank you!
Amazing!!!!! I made the sure I had the DJ play this at my wedding and dedicated to my lil’ bro! He loves this amazing music!! How can you not love it???? 💃🏼🕺🏼
I love this song. How are you all not jumping out of your chairs? I'm 64, and here I go!!! :D You speak of how they were all into it, and dancing was how we always became a part of it.
You're going to love them as you dive deeper. These brothers define 70's funk!! Some of my favorites are "Running For Your Lovin'... "Aint We Funkin" Now" ... and "Right on Time" I think they are criminally underrated - especially the late great Louis Johnson (RIP).
Yes! Brothers Johnson with legendary Louis "Thunder Thumbs" Johnson on bass who played with so many artists throughout his amazing career. RIP Thunder Thumbs!
All I’m gonna say is Strawberry Letter 23 🔥 ♥️ My friend’s older brother had the original commercial release of the 12-inch dance version that came in red vinyl and the sleeves smelled like strawberries.. Funny the things you remember from your childhood
Grade reaction! So happy you guys are doing a funk track. You need to do more!! Funk was a huge part of music back then. Strawberry Letter 23 is a must:)
And the funk won't leave us alone are my favorite part if the lyrics. The two brothers on guitar, vocals and funk master on the bass are the Heart & Soul of the band. Funky, Soulful there the best
Stomp was another song that got everyone on the dance floor. People have already listed the best Brothers Johnson songs. The next Gap Band song should be Party Train.
AH, THANK YOU guys!!! I had forgotten how much I loved this band~ it took me right back to the dance floor in '73!!! This song of theirs in particular is quite complex~ just when you think you're in the pocket they switch it up and it pulls you even deeper. LOVE IT!!!
A great reaction, Jay and Amber. The lead singer and bass guitarist was Louis Johnson, and lead guitar was George Johnson. Other tracks to check out by The Brothers Johnson, "Get the Funk Out Ma Face", "Ain't We Funkin' Now", "Streetwave", "Ride-O-Rocket", "Light Up the Night", and probably one of their best known tracks, "Strawberry Letter 23", there are others but these are great ones to begin with.
One of my all time favorite 70s bands. Underrated as hell. When I heard you say the Gap Band was your model for 70s funk, then say you hoped you'd hear a decent bass line, I laughed out loud knowing what you were about to experience. Great reaction!
I love this song! You cannot stay in your seat when this comes on! I love the funk era of the late seventies , early eighties too and the Brothers Johnson were great. Check out their hits, “Strawberry Letter 23”, “I’ll Be Good To You”, “Get The Funk Out Of My Face”, and many more!!!❤❤
Louis Johnson on bass. One of the greatest to ever play it.
YES!!!!!
As a teen I practically idolized Louis "Thunder Thumbs" Johnson. Search for a RUclips video titled *Top 5 Louis Johnson Bass Lines | Michael Jackson, The Brothers Johnson, Quincy Jones | Thomann* and listen to it. The woman playing the bass does a fairly decent job copying Louis Johnson's technique. And her top 5 pretty much mirror mine.
Louis “Thunder Tumbs” Johnson is one of the greatest bassist ever! Rest in Peace 🙏🏽
🔥🔥🔥
Jay & Amber, you'll love their "Strawberry Letter 23" and "I'll Be Good to You"!!
I can listen to this song over and over.
Totally agree!
Both great songs
Yeah. Listen to those two. Sooooo good.
Oh I forgot about strawberry letter 23..that's a great one. I'm adding it to my playlist now !!!
Written by an English keyboard player who was in the band Heatwave ‘ Boogie Night’ has always been a favourite. Worked with Quincy Jones and wrote so many class tunes in the late 70’s and 80’s
That would be the legendary Rod Temperton. He gave us so many soulful hits
Temper ton also worked on several Michael Jackson albums
Great song, but you really need to hear "Strawberry Letter 23" which has one of the greatest guitar solos in history. "I'll be good to You" is a classic ballad. "Get da Funk out ma Face" is another classic. Yes it's as funky as the name indicates. They also recorded "Tomorrow" an instrumental used as a graduation song in several elementary schools in urban Los Angeles. Words were later added to the song, and it became a hit for Quincy Jones with a very young Tevin Campbell singing lead vocals.
Totally agree, Troy!
Yeeeesssss!!! What HE said!
Yup!
@@kellyreiterman Thanks Kelly! Hopefully they get around to reacting to some of those.
Great song!
The first I heard of the Brothers Johnson was that song Strawberry Letter 23 back in 1976 I think!!
It's such a cool, mellow ethereal type of song. I absolutely loved it.
The Brothers Johnson...one of the most underrated bands of the era. Immense talent and vocals!
Totally agree. A great band.
They aren’t underrated in the musicians world.. highly respected band!!
Yasssssss. Let 'em know!
Do you really think they're underrated....duhh
As a bassist, Louis “Thunder Thumbs” Johnson is a legend.
RIP Sir Louis; sorely missed; arguably one of the best bassists that ever lived.
yasssss he could play anything
Paul McCartney recorded another "Silly Love Songs" for the movie "Give my Regards to Broad Street". Louis was soooooooooooooo right for that song. You can view a music clip form the movie on youtube and the whole band is dressed as futuristic musicians. In that recording and clip, the guitarist and drummer are Steve Lukather and Jeff Porcaro from Toto.
I was a teenager in the 70's The music just kept coming and coming. Now the 70's are epic. So much Artistry and Music and Talent...I feel blessed to have grown up then. The talent then...will never be better then that time, so much music...we had it all!! Blessed to have been there and to so many concerts!!
Yes, Indeed!!!!
Louis Johnson featured what's known as "Slap Bass" in the solo that your jaw dropped open on, you would really have to dig deep to find anyone that was more accomplished as a Bassist than him. dude is an absolute beast!
The funkiest Brothers Johnson track to me is “Get the Funk out my Face”. This song is funk parts but gives disco! That’s the world renown Lois Johnson. He worked with all the greats including MJ’s Off the Wall. I believe this album is a Quincy Jones’s production. If not this their Strawberry Letter 23 album is definitely a Quincy Jones productions. Great reaction as usual!!
Yes, and Ain't We Funkin Now.
With all due respect to Quincy, Shuggie Otis didn't want him touching his song, "Strawberry Letter 23".
The story was, one of the brothers Johnson was dating Shuggie's relative, and they found their way into his room, and stumbled upon the song. Shuggie had done everything, on his own, in his version. It's a testament to his genius, not only in playing, but also arrangement. His father was the great, Johnny Otis, who definitely showed him a lot, about music, and how to approach, every aspect of putting a song together.
The song was written, as a response to one, in a series of love letters, Strawberry Letter 22, that Otis received, hence, this song being "Strawberry Letter 23".
yes!!!!!!!!!! "Get the Funk out my Face" was the bomb!
An evergreen disco-funk classic. And Louis Johnson as god of bass.
Englishman Rod Temperton was better known as the keyboardist from the band Heatwave, but he also wrote all the hit songs for that band. When he left that band, he wrote this song as well as writing (or co-writing, depending on who you ask) "Thriller", "Off the Wall", and "Rock With You" for Michael Jackson. He wrote hits for George Benson, including "Give Me the Night" and "Love X Love", Patti Austin and James Ingram's "Baby, Come to Me", Michael McDonald's "Sweet Freedom", and Michael McDonald's duet with James Ingram "Yah Mo B There". A lot of people say that many '80s songs sound just alike, but there's a good reason for that. He's an underappreciated musical genius.
Rod Temperton's "Star of a Story" is one of the most beautiful songs ever, in my humble opinion, regardless of the artist that covers the song. I do enjoy George Benson's cover a bit more than the others, but I love it regardless!
Temperton was and always have been a genius.
That pre-chorus with the female backing vocals was giving me "Give Me the Night" vibes - I guess there was a reason for that. Great song, both that one and this one.
Rod Temperton is the unsung hero of late 70s early 80s r&b/funk/disco top 40 hits. Thanks for mentioning him.
My favorite songwriter of that era. A genius!
Oh Amber! You are spot on when you said you just imagined people just going out and having the best time and just getting into the music and letting loose. This song brings back such great memories and is impossible for me to listen to without smiling and moving. I don’t think the Brothers Johnson gets enough recognition in particular for how they were able to cross musical genres with ease and credibility. Not to sound like a broken record by echoing other commenters, but, you should check out “Strawberry Letter 23” which is such a gorgeous track.
Agreed, was only listening to this track a couple of nights ago to go to sleep, I definitely didn't sleep
I agree,How I miss those days,we had the best music,clubs and live bands 😀❤️
Yes.....discos everywhere, and dancing with anyone, and it could lead to free love or not. At the same time, Country was making a big comeback with Mickey Gilly and his John Travolta dancing and the BeeGees. 😄
SOOOOUUUUULLLL TTRAAAAAAAIN!
I grew up in that time. I miss it so much. These kids growing up now don’t know how good things were.
I knew they'd like that one, everytime I hear this song I just get a happy feeling
George (lighting Licks) and Louis (Thunder Thumbs) Johnson are two of the best musicians of the era. They were Quincy Jones' go to musicians for a lot of songs. See Strawberry Letter and Michael Jackson's Get on the Floor (from the Off the Wall Album) for more of Louis' bass playing. Louis is known as one of the best funk bassists of all time.
the song titled "Thunder Thumbs and Lightning licks" is awesome too ruclips.net/video/i0ye2EC4pVA/видео.html
Not to mention that bass line for Don't Stop Til You Get Enough also from Off The Wall!
RIP 💙 🙏🏾 🤍 to Louis
Louis Johnson, playing the bass, slap-bass style. He was amazing on the bass. He passed away in 2015 at the young age of 60. He left his mark. May he rest in peace.
Yes he is the same guy that wrote Rock With You by Michael Jackson.This man was great producer and great song writer...RIP Mr Temperton.
THIS sounds so 70s
Amber you are right about everybody getting into it. Back then we didn’t have cell phones to distract us. We just enjoyed the moments and the music. Thanks for this trip down memory lane.
I second this comment. It did go down just like this, Amber, back in the day. San Francisco, and down Hwy 280 in San Mateo. Brings back memories.
The strings 😭✨🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 This song went off in the era and still hits hard today.💜
Louis Johnson & his slap bass. I love this song
Loved the music and proud that I was part of it back in the day ❤️❤️🎶🎶
Can’t beat that Louis Johnson bass!!This song never gets old.
Did you know Louis Johnson played the legendary bass line on Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” from Thriller Album
First heard this around 11 yo on a 45 LP & raved about it. 3 yrs later & school mates be like "Brothers Who?" DAMN RIGHT! TY for covering this. Most underrated funk band from the early 80's IMO.
Louis Johnson is one of the greatest bass players of all time. He is in my top three. This song and Strawberry Letter 23 are my two favorites from this group
Louis was the first bass player I ever saw do the "slap and pick" play style on bass and it blew my mind. It's been a minute but I believe he used to be called "Thunder Thumbs" back in the day.
Bootsy Collins
Leland Sklar
The only other bass player in Louis Johnson's class is Mark King.
Amber you are so right I'm 60 now was in my late teens early 20's when this was out and we had SO MUCH FUN!!
Guys this era brought people together no violence no guns to name calling just good music! Thanks for bringing it back!
Fun Fact: Strawberry Letter 23 is a hidden tract from the Pulp Fiction soundtrack. It was playing in the background when the actors walked by a room, but definitely loud and prominent.
They probably should react to every song from Pulp Fiction, just to be thorough. Love that soundtrack! Now I need to go hear Chuck Berry sing You Never Can Tell again X)
Very observant of you shogunn.. cool !
Actually, when Samuel Jackson puts Chris Tucker in the trunk in Jackie Brown... So sinister that scene!
It's definitely on another Tarantino flick "Jackie Brown" where Samuel Jackson's character kills Beaumont.
Top soundtrack
You Got Your Wish! The Bass Guy is the Late Louis Johnson, nicknamed "Thunder Thumbs" for His unique Bass-playing-style. Both of the Brothers Johnson were sought after Studio Musicians as well. You'd like their "Strawberry Letter # 23" & "I'll be Good to You."
This song was from their fourth album, "Light Up The Night" from 1980.
It reached #1 on the R&B charts and #7 on the Billboard charts.
Guitarist George Johnson was given the assignment by Quincey Jones to go home and write a song called "Stomp"
He returned the next day with this hit tune. It was considered to be funk/disco.
Great reaction. Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada ❤️ ❤️ 🇨🇦🇨🇦
I love these little facts you share! Thank you... :)
@@susanlab572 Thanks Susan. Sometimes I even get them right. Lol
😊👍✌️🎶🇨🇦
It was Rod Temperton who wrote Stomp.
@@gabriol110 Wikipedia lists, Louis Johnson, George "Happy" Johnson, Valerie Johnson, and Rod Temperton
as the writers. 👍✌️🎶🇨🇦
Are you sure Mary about 1980? I remember first hearing to Strawberry Letter 23 around 1976-77.
This song has a great rhythm. There's no way to sit still, just listen. We shake ourselves, even if we don't want to.
THe Brothers were two of the best of session musicians. Quincy Jones brought them on and they became superstars. That BASS you hear is some of the best Bass you'll hear from that era. These guys were consummate masicians.
No hay mejor música que las de finales de la década de los 70 y 80, 90 !!!!
Absolutely “Strawberry Letter 23” is the best track that the Brothers Johnson recorded. ❤ It is less disco that Stomp. You will love it!
Love their version but prefer Shuggie Otis !
Its 22 not 23!!! I still listen to it all the time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Produce by Quincy Jones and remixed a few years later..just sweet!!!!
Fell in love with this song in the early days of 1980 while on active duty with the Marines in El Toro California. The barracks were rocking with sounds of so many styles and genres - it was a fun time. Thunder Thumbs was a great moniker for Louis Johnson....the man could really thump. Saw them in concert only once but what a show!
Quincy Jones produced the entire album for the Brothers Johnson. He actually did all of their albums. The bass player was Michael Jackson's studio bass player. He played the iconic bassline to Billie Jean and so many other iconic songs by MJ and many other artists.
Quincy got that Masonic esoteric knowledge.
@@derp8575 Absolutely. A one of a kind being.
@@gautamdevgun333 That wasn't a compliment.
@@derp8575 I don't think it's bad to have specialized knowledge on certain subjects that the masses aren't hip to. He is a master arranger, orchestrator, producer, and composer. Besides, he is a living heritage, no one can deny that.
And the song was written by the guy who wrote Thriller, Rock With You and Off The Wall.
Thanks so much for your friendly reactions and love all ABBA songs and recommend 'Rock Me', sung by Bjorn and the girls. Great rock vibe in denim. Thanks again Rob Squad!
One of the greatest disco numbers ever!!!!! The great Louis Johnson on slap bass! We all felt so cool, glamorous and joyous- what a time! Thankyou Brothers Johnson!!
This song was mild funk and not disco!
@@themajicman745 call it whatever you want but it was a major favorite in discos. And that stomp 4/4 beat is totally disco!
Here's the thing....we did not overthink everything. We just let loose and let the music take our bodies over. I really miss dance parties!!!!
All I gotta say is *Strawberry Letter 23,* man this groove is on point!!! Plus Jay and Amber you also need to check this band's other two big songs *Get Tha Funk Outta My Face and I'll Be Good To You.* So the two fronting the band is *George (Lighting Licks) Johnson -Guitar/Vocals and Louis (Thunder Thumbs) Johnson -Bass.* This is one of the great Funk Bands to go to when ya need your Funk fix! *Love ❤️ Peace ✌️ and Happiness 😃 Y'all !!*
I loved both of their reactions to this song. The bass is incredible and I loved Amber’s reaction to my favorite part of the song
I’m a 60 year old white guy from Alabama, and my Soul Playlist is well over sixty tracks; my favorite is “What Ya See (Is What You Get).
These songs have awesome bass guitar rhythms, the O-Jays and Ray Parker, Jr. are some of the best.
I was born in the early 60s. My music genre is the 70s. I always tell people I’m stuck in the 70s when it comes to music. Brothers Johnson was one of my favorite bands out there. Strawberry Letter 23 is one of my favorites. I had it on vinyl. It actually smelled like strawberries when I first got it.
Haha awesome. Me too Willow. Dyno decade, totally tubular and far out!
I hear you. I'm 61 soon and have never let the 70s go
This is when there were actual bands, great music.
I am also an early 60's baby. Man aren't we lucky!! 🎶🎶
@@eviekelpie1
I actually turn the year I was born 61. I don’t know if that means something.
My parent's owned a roller skating rink from 1971 to 2009. We played music like this all the time. I started DJing there at age 12 (1981). I'm 53 now but this is the music of my youth and part of my DNA.
And this song is always part of any playlist I make!!
This track reminds me of the roller disco.
Jay, you can't get any funkier bass than Louis 'Thunder Thumbs' Johnson. Not only was he a member of The Brothers Johnson, he was a highly sought after session musician. I was fortunate enough to have met both brothers and they were so cool! RIP Thunder Thumbs. Lead singer is Louis' brother, George.
YES WE PARTIED HARDY!!!!! WE WERE JAMMIN Just Continuous dancing and Grooving!!! You MUST hear "STRAWBERRY LETTER 23 by them as well!!
Louis Johnson was a genius , bass player supreme but also a great songwriter , co-wrote many of Michael Jackson's biggest hits too. George Johnson was no slouch either.
Louis Johnson played on a lot of songs. He was a session musician around the same time as the Toto band.
I'm jealous you guys are listing to these songs for the first time!! lol
I had a K-tel album with this song and wore it out!
PS I just love your videos ❤
Truthfully, R&B and Funk are two horns on the same goat! Louis Johnson on bass (RIPgone too soon), George Johnson on guitar. Ain’t We Funkin’ Now, Het the Funk Out My Face, Strawberry Letter 23 (the LP was red and smelled like strawberries)
It’s fascinating/interesting how a newer generation or a younger generation is reacting to songs. I grew up with/which is part of who I am today/I was 14 when this song came out all these wonderful songs that you guys are reacting to our part of my early teen years ! The early 1980s lol
Strawberry Letter 23 is a must! I'll Be Good to You is another great one!
I love the background vocals in this funk, it's like the whole world is singing.
This one got us out on the dance floor back in the day! 💃
This is my era. Its my happy song, its just happy happy happy, makes you want to dance, can't beat it. Louis Johnson is legendary for his bass playing, its definitely all about the bass.
I miss my childhood . . . . Best music, best friends best everything . . . . times now are so . . . politically complicated. Watching y'all is like seeing those days all over again . . thank you.
Louis "Thunder Thumb" Johnson layin' down the groove on bass. RIP. And yes... as a Class of 1980, we partied to amazing dance music.
P.S: Stomp makes the case for why we Generation X folks will not get down with the music today ❤
Well said!
AMEN!
That's right!!!
Damn Straight!
Truer words were never spoken!!
As one who grew up in that time, I can tell you we definitely weren’t trying to cause problems, we just wanted to have fun!
This is one of my favorite songs, but I say that all the time. You always remind me that I grew up on such great music!!
Jay and Amber that is sooo cool to see the young generation likeing the music of the 70s and 80s my time❤️❤️real bands and singers. I'm 66 and my God I miss those days 😉👍🏽🇺🇸🇵🇷🌹🌹❤️❤️
Yup! Those were the days when you could go to a house party an no one was trying to start anything, no one was doing drugs, no one was getting drunk and stupid, and no one was packing or doing drive-bys. You could bring a friend and everyone was respectful and accommodating.
The same people on their first four albums were the same ones who played on Michael Jackson's records.
It was pretty debauched at 54 and similar discos. Cocaine was everywhere.
@@TheDivayenta Sure, but the smaller places and house parties were clean. People did get drunk, but they were nice drunks.
So cool that young people appreciate music from my era..You should hear the long version
"I'll be good to you" is a favorite, too!
Oh, yeah 🥰
They are two actual brothers! Lived down tbe street from my in laws before they became famous!
This is a super funky song and I simply love it. One of my super favorites. 💯👍😊
This was such a great song to skate to. ALL of us on the roller rink would stomp our skate down hard at that STOMP part. It sounded so cool when you had about 150 teens stomping on skates to this. Oh those memories! 😁❣️
"EVERBODY-TAKE-IT-TO-THE-TOP...we're gonna stomp all night" always give me goosebumps!! Top 100 song list of all time for me!!
haha not a twerk in sight...love it
My 12 year old son LOVES this song! And it’s been his favorite 70s song since he was like 8. There’s LOTS of others, this this one just makes him wanna STOMP! 😂
Oh yes. One of the best from the time period! Never gets old! I grew up to be a metal head, but the music from my childhood is so good. Excellent choice. Is there a love button?
I was born in Dec 1958 and came of age during the music explosion of the 60s and 70s. I stumbled across one of your reaction videos the other day and my heart just soared. To see you beautiful young beings experiencing and immersing yourselves in the sounds and rhythms of the most precious days I can remember just filled me with joy.
God bless you and yours! You two keep hope alive in folks like this old bird.
Lead singer/guitarist George "LIghtnin' Licks" Johnson and bassist Louis "Thunder Thumbs" Johnson. Such a vibe.
Rob, understand we love you and your lovely wife. Stay strong. Know you can get through anything. Great big hugs to you
Although I've loved this song for years, "Strawberry Letter 23" is my favorite by them. I also love their incredible "I'll Be Good To You" as well as "Get The Funk Out Ma Face". Also it's time for you to do The Gap Band's "Outstanding", their funkiest cut. RIP to the great Louis Johnson, one of the pioneers for funky slap bass.
This why the 70’s were so great. Crazy feel good music and places to dance all over the place. Lived it and am so thankful I was part of it! The disco places had lit up floors. We danced every weekend and week nights. We had a blast!!! Music today is nasty and mean.
I’m so glad y’all did this song! I remember it from my teen years. It was so different from what I usually listened to and it had that funky, disco vibe that just grabbed me. I don’t hear it much now so thank you!
Amazing!!!!! I made the sure I had the DJ play this at my wedding and dedicated to my lil’ bro! He loves this amazing music!! How can you not love it???? 💃🏼🕺🏼
Yes! One of the first 12” albums I ever bought. Anyone remember those? Still jam to this on the regular!!!! Excellent skate song !!!!
I love this song. How are you all not jumping out of your chairs? I'm 64, and here I go!!! :D
You speak of how they were all into it, and dancing was how we always became a part of it.
You're going to love them as you dive deeper. These brothers define 70's funk!! Some of my favorites are "Running For Your Lovin'... "Aint We Funkin" Now" ... and "Right on Time" I think they are criminally underrated - especially the late great Louis Johnson (RIP).
“Let Your Love Flow” is a great song!! It’s not about romance…. Bellamy Brothers
Yes! Brothers Johnson with legendary Louis "Thunder Thumbs" Johnson on bass who played with so many artists throughout his amazing career. RIP Thunder Thumbs!
No 'fights' at our parties, everyone, just got 'drunk', drunk on alcohol, & drunk on the vibe... They were the best at slapping the bass...
Brothers Johnson were incredible...... Amazing writers and musicians!!!!!
Stomp
Still funky, after all these years
And I still play this Loud AF!
AMBER SAID IT...👍🏻
"NOBODY WAS ACTING UP"....WE were ALL just having FUN DANCING
GETTING ALONG...💕
🤲🏻✝️
Another great song from the summer of ‘80! Loved this in the car, especially. Their other hit is “Strawberry Letter 23," also a classic. ❤
WRITEN AND RECORDED IN 1978 79 RELEASED IN 1980 .but its totally 70s even sounds 70s
I hope that by now you heard the whole song where the bass man is jammin! and the strings are do it so well!
All I’m gonna say is Strawberry Letter 23 🔥 ♥️ My friend’s older brother had the original commercial release of the 12-inch dance version that came in red vinyl and the sleeves smelled like strawberries.. Funny the things you remember from your childhood
Fun fact, there are 11 background singers and two who are legends( Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones)
Grade reaction! So happy you guys are doing a funk track. You need to do more!! Funk was a huge part of music back then. Strawberry Letter 23 is a must:)
And the funk won't leave us alone are my favorite part if the lyrics. The two brothers on guitar, vocals and funk master on the bass are the Heart & Soul of the band. Funky, Soulful there the best
Stomp was another song that got everyone on the dance floor. People have already listed the best Brothers Johnson songs. The next Gap Band song should be Party Train.
Brothers Johnson filled the dance floor. It was a fun time.
Co-written by the legendary Rod Temperton! Amazing how so much soulful, funky music was written by such an unassuming, mild-mannered fellow
RIP Louis Johnson - the bass player.
❤😇
Lots of voices blending together into the Chorus! Don't recall this Group by Name, but This was Great! Thx for Reaction, Guys! :)
AH, THANK YOU guys!!! I had forgotten how much I loved this band~ it took me right back to the dance floor in '73!!! This song of theirs in particular is quite complex~ just when you think you're in the pocket they switch it up and it pulls you even deeper. LOVE IT!!!
A great reaction, Jay and Amber. The lead singer and bass guitarist was Louis Johnson, and lead guitar was George Johnson. Other tracks to check out by The Brothers Johnson, "Get the Funk Out Ma Face", "Ain't We Funkin' Now", "Streetwave", "Ride-O-Rocket", "Light Up the Night", and probably one of their best known tracks, "Strawberry Letter 23", there are others but these are great ones to begin with.
Oh my! How did I EVER forget to mention 'Ain't We Funkin Now!!!(uh huh...uh huh...ain't we funking like you like it, Suhgarrr! Lol)
@@carlataliaferro4326 it's a great track, I know that Jay in particular would like that one!
Lead singer was George. Louis was on bass.
@@akastarchild Yes, I said that Louis was on Bass, but I thought that he was the lead singer as well, I didn't realise that it was George.
One of my all time favorite 70s bands. Underrated as hell. When I heard you say the Gap Band was your model for 70s funk, then say you hoped you'd hear a decent bass line, I laughed out loud knowing what you were about to experience. Great reaction!
I love this song! You cannot stay in your seat when this comes on! I love the funk era of the late seventies , early eighties too and the Brothers Johnson were great. Check out their hits, “Strawberry Letter 23”, “I’ll Be Good To You”, “Get The Funk Out Of My Face”, and many more!!!❤❤
Love watching you guys listening to this. I got tomgrow up with this music and a very underrated band.
Check out their jam-Strawberry Letter 23.
You youngsters just don't know!! You all would find so much joy in my record collection. 70/80's Funk! Booty Shakin' Fun!