The Good Earth first came together in 1967. Featuring Ray Dorset along with drummer Ray Bowerman, keyboardist Colin Earl and bass player Dave Hutchins, the band made their recording debut with the release of the compilation LP Swinging London. Released by the small English [l410495] label, the compilation featured material from The Good Earth and The First Impression. Curiously, The First Impression ended up with eight tracks on the compilation, leaving The Good Earth with four selections, however Saga chose to sign The Good Earth to a recording contract. With the band expressing an Interest in pursuing a new musical direction that included blues and skiffle, Saga quickly dropped the band from its recording roster. Dorset and company subsequently started recording for Pye Records as Mungo Jerry.