After the US psychedelic band The Misunderstood, which had moved to London years earlier on the advice of John Peel, broke up after two unsuccessful singles, US guitarist Glenn Campbell decided to continue under a different name together with Brit Chris Mercer (sax, p, org). The band, newly formed in the autumn of 1969, consisted of experienced rock musicians from the London beat and rock scene, such as singer Ray Owen, guitarist Neil Hubbard, bassist Keith Ellis and Pete Dobson (dr, perc). The sextet called themselves Juicy Lucy after a character from the novel Virgin Soldiers by Leslie Thomas. Thanks to excellent references, they signed a record deal with Philips' progressive label Vertigo immediately after their formation and recorded their eponymous first LP at London's I.B.C. Studios. It was produced by Gerry Bron (Uriah Heep) and Nigel Thomas, who, together with Glenn Campbell, was also responsible for the striking cover design featuring burlesque dancer Zelda Plum lying on her back covered in fruit.

The debut album, released in late 1969, included a cover version of Bo Diddley's Who Do You Love?, which became a top 20 hit in England. They played a dynamic and largely authentic US blues rock sound, enriched with elements of hard rock, jazz, boogie, country and southern rock. Campbell's powerful steel guitar took centre stage, driven by an energetic rhythm section and accompanied by saxophone and guitars. Months later, the band was already undergoing radical change. The original UK vinyl on the coveted Vertigo label is now a highly desirable collector's item.