🔘 Growin’ Up – Single: Apr. 1977

Alvin Stardust’s 1977 single “Growin’ Up” marked an unexpected detour into American heartland rock, with Stardust covering Bruce Springsteen’s 1973 track from *Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.* Released on April 8 1977, the single paired the Springsteen cover with the self‑penned B‑side “A Hobo’s Life.” Produced by Jonathan King and arranged by Johnny Arthey, the release showcased Stardust in a more narrative, singer‑songwriter mode than his earlier glam‑rock persona.

Although the single did not enter the UK charts, it remains a notable curiosity in Stardust’s catalogue—particularly due to the song’s history. “Growin’ Up” had also been recorded by David Bowie during the early *Diamond Dogs* sessions, featuring Ronnie Wood on guitar, further cementing the track’s cult status among collectors.

Label: Magnet

Catalogue Number: MAG 88

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

Released: April 8 1977 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — Magnet – MAG 88 — 1977

A. Growin’ Up — 3:06

Written by: Bruce Springsteen

Arranged by: Johnny Arthey

B. A Hobo’s Life — 2:10

Written by: Alvin Stardust

Arranged by: Alvin Stardust

Produced by: Jonathan King

Published by: James Osterberg Music

Recorded: 1977

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released April 8 1977

• A-side: Cover of Bruce Springsteen’s 1973 track

• B-side: Original composition by Alvin Stardust

• UK Chart: Did not chart

• Production: Jonathan King with arrangements by Johnny Arthey

• Historical note: Song also recorded by David Bowie during *Diamond Dogs* sessions

🔘 The Story

By 1977, Alvin Stardust was exploring new stylistic territory beyond his glam‑rock heyday. His cover of Springsteen’s “Growin’ Up” brought a British pop sensibility to the New Jersey‑born coming‑of‑age anthem. Jonathan King’s production and Johnny Arthey’s arrangement softened the song’s raw edges, giving it a polished, radio‑friendly sheen.

The B‑side, “A Hobo’s Life,” written and arranged by Stardust himself, offered a brief, narrative‑driven contrast, reflecting his interest in storytelling beyond the glam persona.

Although the single failed to chart, it stands as a fascinating intersection of British pop and American rock songwriting—made even more notable by the song’s parallel history with David Bowie, who recorded his own version during the early *Diamond Dogs* sessions.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Single — Magnet – MAG 88 — UK — 1977

• 7", 45 RPM, Promo (Stereo) — Magnet – MAG 88 — UK — 1977

🔘 Chart Performance

No UK chart entry recorded for this release.

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: Springsteen cover from *Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.*

• B-side: Original Stardust composition

• Production: Jonathan King’s polished pop approach

• Sleeve notes: Standard Magnet company sleeve

• Historical placement: Late‑70s transitional period for Stardust

• Related note: Bowie’s unreleased 1973 version later issued on reissues

🔘 Related Material

• “My Coo Ca Choo” (1973)

• “Jealous Mind” (1974)

• *Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.* (1973)

🔘 Discography

Pretend — 1976

Growin’ Up — 1977

Good Love Can Never Die — 1977

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ Early 1977 — Recorded for Magnet Records

✦ Apr 8 1977 — UK single released

✦ 1990–2004 — Bowie’s version appears on reissues

🔘 Glam Flashback

A glam icon meets the Boss—Alvin Stardust’s take on “Growin’ Up” is a forgotten gem bridging British pop polish and Springsteen’s street‑corner poetry.

#ReleaseChronicle #AlvinStardust #GrowinUp #1977 #MagnetRecords #BruceSpringsteen

🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: Magnet Records, Discogs, Springsteen archives, 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.