Tyrannosaurus Rex (April 19, 1968) “Deborah” / “Child Star” – Single 7" UK

In the spring of 1968, Tyrannosaurus Rex released their debut single “Deborah” / “Child Star,” marking the official arrival of Marc Bolan’s new acoustic duo project with Steve Peregrin Took. This ethereal, folk-tinged 7" single on Regal Zonophone introduced the world to Bolan’s unique blend of mystical poetry, bongo-driven rhythms, and whimsical wordplay — a sound far removed from the beat-group era but already hinting at the magic that would later fuel T. Rex’s glam explosion. Though it only reached No.34 on the UK chart, it laid the foundation for the band’s cult following.

RELEASE DETAILS

• Artist: Tyrannosaurus Rex

• Label: Regal Zonophone

• Date: April 19, 1968

• Catalogue: RZ 3008

• Format: 7" Vinyl Single

• Country: UK

• A-Side: “Deborah”

• B-Side: “Child Star”

  • Written by: Marc Bolan

  • Produced by: Tony Visconti

UK 7" Commercial Single (RZ 3008)

A. Deborah

B. Child Star

Note: Promos came in a picture sleeve.

Available in both 4-prong push-out centre and solid centre pressings.

UK Variants

• 4-prong push-out centre

• Solid centre

• Promo (picture sleeve)

PERSONNEL

• Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar

• Steve Peregrin Took — bongos, vocals

• Tony Visconti — producer

Chart Performance (UK OCC):

• Entered: May 14, 1968

• Peak: 34 (May 28, 1968)

• Weeks on chart: 7

• Top 40: 4 weeks

The single showcases Tyrannosaurus Rex’s early acoustic folk-rock sound — delicate, poetic, and richly atmospheric.

B-Sides The UK 7" carried one non-album B-side.

“Child Star”

• Recorded: 1968

• Gentle, introspective folk track with Bolan’s signature poetic delivery

• Highlight of the duo’s early whimsical and intimate style

THE STORY “Deborah” / “Child Star” was Tyrannosaurus Rex’s debut single, released on April 19, 1968. It introduced Marc Bolan and Steve Peregrin Took’s unique mystical folk sound to the public. Although modest in commercial success, the release was a crucial stepping stone, building the underground following that would eventually lead to the band’s breakthrough and Bolan’s transformation into a glam rock superstar.

INTERNATIONAL VARIANTS

France

• Deborah / Child Star — 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono — Stateside – FSS 571 — France · 1968

Germany

• Debora / Child Star — 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono — Polydor – 59 207 — Germany · 1968

Ireland

• Deborah — 7", 45 RPM, Single — Regal Zonophone — Ireland · 1968

Japan

• Debora — 7", 45 RPM, Single — Polydor – DP-1598 — Japan · 1968

Netherlands

• Debora — 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo — Stateside – HSS 1276 — Netherlands · 1968

South Africa

• Debora — 7", 45 RPM, Single — Continental Records – PD.9355 — South Africa · 1968

USA

• Deborah — 7", Promo — A&M Records – 955 — US · 1968

Related Material

• Marc Bolan – “The Wizard” (Single) UK 1965

• Marc Bolan – “Hippy Gumbo” (Single) UK 1966

• Tyrannosaurus Rex – “One Inch Rock” (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.