The day after its UK release, David Bowie’s first single, ‘Liza Jane’, was featured on the BBC television show Juke Box Jury.
The song was one of several being considered a future hit or miss by a panel, which included Diana Dors, Jessie Matthews, Bunny Lewis, and Charlie Drake.
Only Drake considered ‘Liza Jane’ a hit. Following the verdicts, Bowie was briefly shown reacting. This was his first appearance on television.
‘Liza Jane’ was released on Decca’s Vocalion Pop label, with ‘Louie, Louie Go Home’ on the b-side. It was credited to Davie Jones with The King Bees.
In line with the jury’s verdict, the single was not a commercial success, and Bowie left the King Bees shortly afterwards to front the Manish Boys.
Also on this day...
- 2000: Glastonbury 2000 diary – part five
- 1992: David Bowie and Iman’s wedding celebration in Florence, Italy
Want more? Visit the David Bowie history section.