🎼 Deborah – Single: Apr. 1968

In early 1968, Tyrannosaurus Rex were forging a mystical, acoustic identity unlike anything else in the British underground. “Deborah” emerged as one of Marc Bolan’s earliest recorded spells — a fragile, poetic folk incantation carried by Steve Peregrin Took’s gentle percussion.

Issued in the UK on 19 April 1968, the single appeared on Regal Zonophone under catalogue number RZ 3008, backed with “Child Star.”

🔘 The Story

Recorded during the duo’s formative acoustic period, “Deborah” captures the intimate, dreamlike quality that defined early Tyrannosaurus Rex. Bolan’s lyrical imagery — whimsical, mythical, and deeply personal — is supported by Took’s understated percussion, creating a sound that felt both ancient and new.

The B‑side, “Child Star,” continued this delicate, poetic approach, reinforcing the duo’s emerging identity as psychedelic folk storytellers rather than conventional pop artists. Produced by Tony Visconti, the single marked the beginning of a long‑running creative partnership that would later carry Bolan into the glam rock era.

Upon release, “Deborah” stood out for its unusual structure and mystical tone. Despite its unconventional nature, the single entered the UK charts on 4 May 1968, eventually peaking at No. 34 and spending six weeks on the Official Singles Chart. It became the band’s first charting release — an early milestone in Bolan’s ascent.

Internationally, the single appeared in multiple territories with alternate spellings (“Debora”) and label variations, reflecting the growing interest in Bolan’s emerging sound.

🔘 Personnel

• Marc Bolan – songwriter, vocals, guitar

• Steve Peregrin Took – percussion

• Tony Visconti – producer

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released 19 April 1968

• Early acoustic Tyrannosaurus Rex single

• First UK chart entry for Marc Bolan

• Peaked at No. 34 on the Official Singles Chart

Label: Regal Zonophone

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

Released: 19 April 1968

Side A: Deborah

Side B: Child Star

🔘 UK Variants

• Regal Zonophone – RZ 3008 — Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Solid Centre — UK — 1968

• Regal Zonophone – RZ 3008 — Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, 4‑prong Push‑Out Centre — UK — 1968

• Regal Zonophone – RZ 3008 — Vinyl, 7", Promo, White Label, Four‑Prong Centre — UK — 1968

🔘 UK Chart Performance

First Chart Date: 4 May 1968

Total Weeks: 6

Peak Position: No. 34

🔘 International Variants (selective)

• France — Stateside – FSS 571 — 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono — 1968

• Germany — Polydor – 59 207 — 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono — 1968

• Germany — Polydor – 59 207 — 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo — 1968

• Japan — Polydor – DP‑1598 — 7", 45 RPM — 1968

• Netherlands — Stateside – HSS 1276 — 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo — 1968

• South Africa — Continental Records – PD.9355 — 7", 4‑prong Push‑Out Centre — 1968

• US — A&M Records – 955 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo

🔘 International Chart Performance

[No international chart data supplied]

🔘 Context & Notes

• A‑side: “Deborah” — acoustic folk‑rock with mystical, poetic lyrics

• B‑side: “Child Star” — introspective acoustic companion piece

• Produced by Tony Visconti — early collaboration that continued into the glam years

• Issued in standard Regal Zonophone company sleeve

• Historically significant as the first Tyrannosaurus Rex chart entry

• Later included on early T. Rex compilations and rarities collections

🔘 Discography

Deborah — 1968

Ride a White Swan — 1970

Hot Love — 1971

Get It On — 1971

🔘 Related Material

Additional material connected to this entry is listed in the tag index at the foot of the page.

• My People Were Fair and Had Sky in Their Hair... (1968)

• Prophets, Seers & Sages: The Angels of the Ages (1968)

• Ride a White Swan (1970)

• T. Rex (1970)

🔘 Glam Flashback

Before the glitter and the thunder, Bolan whispered “Deborah” into the world — a soft spell that foretold the glam storm to come.

#ReleaseChronicle #TyrannosaurusRex #Deborah #1968 #RegalZonophone

🔘 Sources

Regal Zonophone, Discogs, Official Charts Company, contemporary music‑press documentation, archival references.

🔘 Copyright Notice

All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.