Don Partridge - Don Partridge (1968)

b. 1945, Bournemouth, Dorset, England. Self-styled ‘King of the Street Singers’, Partridge was discovered busking in London’s Berwick Street market by former Viscount Don Paul, who in turn became his manager. ‘Rosie’, the singer’s self-penned debut single, was reputedly recorded for the sum of £8, but became a surprise UK Top 5 hit in 1968. The artist’s unconventional lifestyle and penchant for straight-talking resulted in good copy, and engendered greater publicity than his novelty status might otherwise suggest. ‘Blue Eyes’, Partridge’s follow-up single, reached number 3, yet the song is less well recalled than its ebullient predecessor. The singer later supervised The Buskers, a various-artists compilation, and enjoyed one further chart entry with ‘Breakfast On Pluto’ in 1969. After this brief flirtation with fame, Partridge returned to busking roots and continued to perform into the 90s.