🔘 Holy Holy – Single: Jan. 1971

In the early weeks of 1971, David Bowie was still searching for his breakthrough. Fresh from the modest success of *The Man Who Sold the World*, he released “Holy Holy,” a bold, rhythmic rocker that showcased his growing confidence and experimental edge.

Released on January 15, 1971, the single appeared on Mercury Records under catalogue number 6052 049. Backed with “Black Country Rock,” this 7-inch release was one of Bowie’s final singles for Mercury before moving to RCA Victor later that year.

Label: Mercury Records

Catalogue Number: 6052 049

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Push-Out/Solid Centre)

Released: January 15, 1971 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — Mercury – 6052 049 — 1971

A. Holy Holy

B. Black Country Rock

Written by: David Bowie (both tracks)

Produced by: Tony Visconti

Recorded: 1970

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released January 15, 1971

• One of David Bowie’s last singles on Mercury Records

• Up-tempo rocker with a strong rhythmic drive and gospel-tinged backing vocals

• Showcased Bowie’s evolving songwriting style

• Did not chart in the UK

🔘 The Story

“Holy Holy” was recorded during the sessions for *The Man Who Sold the World* but was held back as a standalone single. The track featured a driving rhythm, prominent backing vocals and a more straightforward rock approach than much of Bowie’s earlier work. Although it failed to make an impact on the charts at the time, it remains an interesting footnote in Bowie’s pre-Ziggy career.

The B-side “Black Country Rock” was a heavier, blues-influenced number that highlighted Bowie’s versatility. The single marked the end of Bowie’s association with Mercury Records and paved the way for his move to RCA, where he would soon achieve global stardom with the Ziggy Stardust persona.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — Mercury – 6052 049 — UK — 1971

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — Mercury – 6052 049 — UK — 1971

• Issued in standard Mercury company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Did not chart.

Total Weeks: 0

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “Holy Holy” – energetic rocker with gospel-style backing vocals and rhythmic drive.

• B-side: “Black Country Rock” – bluesy, heavy track providing strong contrast.

• Production: Tony Visconti – continuing his early collaboration with Bowie.

• Sleeve notes: Standard Mercury company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released during Bowie’s transitional period between his late 1960s folk-rock phase and the glam explosion of 1972.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Included on various Bowie rarities collections and reissues of *The Man Who Sold the World*.

🔘 Related Material

• The Man Who Sold the World (1970)

• Changes (1972)

• Starman (1972)

• Hunky Dory (1971)

🔘 Discography

Holy Holy – Single: 1971

Changes – Single: 1972

Starman – Single: 1972

John, I’m Only Dancing – Single: 1972

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1970 — Recorded during *The Man Who Sold the World* sessions

✦ January 15, 1971 — UK single released

✦ Did not enter UK Singles Chart

🔘 Glam Flashback

Before the glitter and lightning bolt of Ziggy, David Bowie tested the waters with “Holy Holy,” quietly preparing for the glam revolution that was just around the corner.

#ReleaseChronicle #DavidBowie #HolyHoly #1971 #MercuryRecords

🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: Mercury Records, Discogs, Official Charts Company, contemporary music-press documentation, archival references.