🔘 The Jean Genie – Single: Nov. 1972

David Bowie
Nov 24, 1972
3 min read

In the electrifying late months of 1972, David Bowie stood at the absolute peak of his Ziggy Stardust fame. With his androgynous charisma and theatrical rock vision, he unleashed “The Jean Genie,” a raw, riff-driven stomper that blended bluesy swagger with glam attitude. The track paid sly homage to Jean Genet while capturing the sleazy, streetwise energy of New York and London’s underground scenes, all wrapped in Mick Ronson’s blistering guitar work.

Released on November 24, 1972, the single appeared on RCA Victor under catalogue number RCA 2302. Backed with the haunting “Ziggy Stardust” (live version), this 7-inch became one of Bowie’s most enduring and commercially successful glam anthems, perfectly bridging his Ziggy persona with the darker, edgier sound of the forthcoming *Aladdin Sane* album.

Label: RCA Victor

Catalogue Number: RCA 2302

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

Released: November 24, 1972 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — RCA Victor – RCA 2302 — 1972

A. The Jean Genie

B. Ziggy Stardust (Live)

Written by: David Bowie

Produced by: David Bowie and Ken Scott

Recorded: October 1972 at RCA Studios, New York

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released November 24, 1972

• Powerful glam-rock single with a hypnotic Bo Diddley-inspired riff

• Featured Mick Ronson’s fiery guitar and Bowie’s sneering vocal delivery

• Chart debut: December 2, 1972

• Peaked at No. 2 in the UK

🔘 The Story

Fresh from the phenomenal success of *The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars*, Bowie recorded “The Jean Genie” during a brief break in the US tour. Built around a driving, repetitive guitar riff, the song captured the gritty, hedonistic spirit of the era with references to New York’s Warhol scene and literary outlaw Jean Genet. Bowie’s cool, half-spoken verses contrasted with explosive choruses, creating one of his most instantly recognisable glam tracks.

The live B-side recording of “Ziggy Stardust” gave fans a taste of the explosive energy of the Spiders from Mars on stage. The single stormed the UK charts, narrowly missing the top spot, and became a cornerstone of Bowie’s glam legacy, helping pave the way for the more complex and darker tones of *Aladdin Sane*.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — RCA Victor – RCA 2302 — UK — 1972

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — RCA Victor – RCA 2302 — UK — 1972

• 7", 45 RPM, Demo — RCA Victor – RCA 2302 — UK — 1972

• Issued in standard RCA company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Entered the chart on December 2, 1972 and peaked at No. 2. It spent a total of 13 weeks on the chart.

Total Weeks: 13

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “The Jean Genie” – sleazy, riff-heavy glam rocker with blues roots and literary references.

• B-side: “Ziggy Stardust” (Live) – raw, high-energy live version showcasing the Spiders from Mars in full flight.

• Production: David Bowie and Ken Scott – delivering a tight, powerful sound that defined glam rock.

• Sleeve notes: Standard RCA company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released at the height of Ziggy-mania, capturing the peak of the British glam rock explosion alongside acts like T. Rex, Slade and The Sweet.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Features on almost every David Bowie greatest hits collection and multiple *Aladdin Sane* reissues.

🔘 Related Material

• Starman (1972)

• Drive-In Saturday (1973)

• Aladdin Sane (1973)

• Suffragette City (1972)

🔘 Discography

Starman – Single: 1972

The Jean Genie – Single: 1972

Drive-In Saturday – Single: 1973

The Prettiest Star – Single: 1973

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ October 1972 — Recorded at RCA Studios, New York

✦ November 24, 1972 — UK single released

✦ December 2, 1972 — Enters UK Singles Chart

✦ December 1972 — Peaks at No. 2

✦ Early March 1973 — Completes 13-week chart run

🔘 Glam Flashback

With a dirty blues riff, silver boots and a knowing smirk, David Bowie’s “The Jean Genie” slinked its way up the charts in late 1972, proving that glam could be both dangerous and irresistibly danceable.

#ReleaseChronicle #DavidBowie #TheJeanGenie #1972 #RCAVictor

🔘 Sources

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