Marc Bolan (November 25, 1966) “Hippy Gumbo” / “Misfit” – Single 7" UK
Updated: Jun 16
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. Backed with “Misfit,” this Parlophone 7" single 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.
RELEASE DETAILS
Artist: Marc Bolan
Label: Parlophone
Date: November 25, 1966
Catalogue: R 5539
Format: 7" Vinyl Single
Country: UK
A-Side: “Hippy Gumbo”
B-Side: “Misfit”
Written by: Marc Bolan
Produced by: Simon Napier-Bell
UK 7" Commercial Single (R 5539) A. Hippy Gumbo B. Misfit
Note: Bright green Parlophone demonstration labels with purple text were used for promo copies.
UK Variants
4-prong push-out centre
Solid centre
White-label / green demo promo
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar
Simon Napier-Bell — producer
THE STORY
“Hippy Gumbo” / “Misfit” was Marc Bolan’s third and final solo single on Parlophone before he teamed up with Steve Peregrin Took to form Tyrannosaurus Rex in 1967. Although it failed to chart, it remains a significant transitional release — the last solo recording before his move into the acoustic folk-rock sound that would eventually lead to T. Rex and global glam success.
The single captures Bolan at the end of his early beat/pop phase, already showing the playful and poetic songwriting that would define his later career.
B-Side
“Misfit”
Energetic beat-group track
Showcases Bolan’s early pop-rock style
Related Material
Marc Bolan – “The Wizard” (Single) UK 1965
Marc Bolan – “The Third Degree” (Single) UK 1966
Tyrannosaurus Rex – “Deborah” (Single) UK 1968
SOURCES
Discogs,
45cat,
Official Charts,
Wikipedia
This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. All rights to the music, artwork, and trademarks belong to their respective copyright holders.
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