The King Bees

Formation and early ambitions

The King Bees were formed in early 1964 as part of the booming London R&B scene, inspired by American blues artists such as Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. David Bowie joined the group as lead vocalist after responding to an advertisement seeking a singer with strong stage presence.

“Liza Jane” – Bowie’s first single

The band’s only official release, the single “Liza Jane”, was issued in June 1964 on the Decca subsidiary label Vocalion Pop. The song, written by Bowie under the pseudonym Davie Jones, showcased a raw R&B vocal style heavily influenced by American blues traditions.

The B-side, “Louie, Louie Go Home”, was a cover that aligned the group with the popular R&B repertoire of the time. Despite energetic promotion, the single failed to chart.

Promotion and media exposure

In an early display of self-promotion, Bowie wrote letters to music publications and record labels, famously declaring his ambition to become a star. These efforts resulted in modest press attention and demonstrate Bowie’s early understanding of image, narrative and publicity.

Breakup and aftermath

The King Bees disbanded later in 1964 following internal disagreements and the lack of commercial success. Bowie quickly moved on, forming The Manish Boys and continuing his rapid artistic evolution.

Legacy

Although their lifespan was brief, The King Bees occupy a foundational place in David Bowie’s career. The group represents the moment Bowie crossed the threshold from aspiring performer to recorded artist — a small but decisive step on the path toward one of the most influential careers in modern music.