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🔘 Hippy Gumbo – Single: Nov. 1966

  • Writer: T.Rex
    T.Rex
  • Nov 25, 1966
  • 2 min read

In the late autumn of 1966, a young Marc Bolan released his third and final solo single before forming Tyrannosaurus Rex. “Hippy Gumbo” was a quirky, upbeat pop track with a strong beat-group feel and a touch of the whimsical, poetic style that would soon define his work with Tyrannosaurus Rex.


Released on November 25, 1966, the single appeared on Parlophone Records under catalogue number R 5539. Backed with “Misfit,” this 7-inch release marked the end of Bolan’s early solo period and the beginning of his journey into the acoustic folk-rock sound that would lead to glam stardom.


Label: Parlophone Records

Catalogue Number: R 5539

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

Released: November 25, 1966 (UK)


🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — Parlophone – R 5539 — 1966

A. Hippy Gumbo

B. Misfit


Written by: Marc Bolan (both tracks)

Produced by:

Recorded: 1966


🔘 Key Highlights

• Released November 25, 1966

• Marc Bolan’s third and final solo single before forming Tyrannosaurus Rex

• Upbeat, quirky pop track with early hints of his poetic style

• Did not chart in the UK


🔘 The Story

“Hippy Gumbo” was a lively, slightly eccentric pop song that reflected the mid-1960s beat and emerging hippie culture. It showcased Bolan’s growing confidence as a songwriter and his love for playful, rhythmic melodies. The B-side “Misfit” continued the same energetic, beat-group direction.


Although the single failed to make the charts, it remains a significant historical piece — the last solo recording Marc Bolan released before teaming up with Steve Peregrin Took to form Tyrannosaurus Rex in 1967.


🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — Parlophone – R 5539 — UK — 1966

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — Parlophone – R 5539 — UK — 1966

• Issued in standard Parlophone company sleeve


🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Did not chart.


Total Weeks: 0


🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “Hippy Gumbo” – upbeat, quirky pop track with early poetic elements.

• B-side: “Misfit” – energetic beat-group number.

• Production: Early Parlophone-era production typical of mid-1960s pop singles.

• Sleeve notes: Standard Parlophone company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released in the mid-1960s beat era, marking the end of Marc Bolan’s solo period before the formation of Tyrannosaurus Rex and the eventual birth of T. Rex.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Features on Marc Bolan early career rarities compilations and box sets.


🔘 Related Material

• The Wizard (1965)

• The Third Degree (1966)

• Deborah (1968, as Tyrannosaurus Rex)

• Ride a White Swan (1970)


🔘 Discography

The Wizard – Single: 1965

The Third Degree – Single: 1966

Hippy Gumbo – Single: 1966

Deborah – Single: 1968 (as Tyrannosaurus Rex)


🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1966 — Recorded as Marc Bolan’s final solo single

✦ November 25, 1966 — UK single released

✦ Did not enter UK Singles Chart


🔘 Glam Flashback

Before the acoustic mysticism of Tyrannosaurus Rex and the electric glam of T. Rex, a young Marc Bolan wrapped up his solo chapter in November 1966 with the playful “Hippy Gumbo” — the last note before the legend truly began.



🔘 Sources

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





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