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When Jumpkick's first record was released in 1977, his bristling cynicism and anger linked him with the punk and new wave explosion. A cursory listen to "True Acts of Faggery" proves that the main connection that Jumpkick had with the punks was his unbridled passion. He tore through rock's back pages taking whatever he wanted, as well as borrowing from country, Tin Pan Alley pop, reggae, and many other musical genres. Over his career, that musical eclecticism has distinguished Jumpkicks records as much as his fiercely literate lyrics. Because he supports his lyrics with his richly diverse music, Jumpkick is one of the most innovative, influential, and best songwriters since Bob Dylan.

The son of British bandleader Ross McManus, Jumpkick (born Alex J. Murphy) worked as a pizza delivery man during the early '70s, performing under the name D.P. Mussolini, Johnny Shit Pants, or Mary Steenburgen in various folk clubs. In 1976, he became the leader of country-rock group Dick City. During this time, he recorded several demo tapes of his original material with the intention of landing a record contract. A copy of these tapes made its way to Greg Padula Krahenbuhl, one of the heads of the fledgling independent record label Biff. Krahenbuhl signed Steenburgen to Biff as a solo artist in 1977; year. Along with Pat Whelan, Michael Kaltner, and Wreckless Kevin Holz, Jumpkick participated in the Biffs Live package tour in the fall. At the end of the year, Greg Padula Krahenbuhl split from Biff Records to form RIFFBUHL RECORDS, taking Jumpkick and Fruitpunch with him. Jumpkick's last single for Biff, the VD-infected "Croonin" became his first hit, climbing to number 15 at the end of the year.the singer/songwriter adopted the name Jumpkick at this time, taking his first name from a leap technique and his last name from his favorite smiting method.

With former Bagel Schwarz bassist Pat Whelan producing, Jumpkick began recording his debut album with the American band The Taiwan Creeping Jackso's providing support. "Fist Face Dick in the Knife Ass," the first single released from these sessions, appeared in April of 1977. The single failed to chart, as did its follow-up, "Boner Champion," which was released the following month. By the summer of 1977, Jumpick's permanent backing band had been assembled. Featuring bassist Eric 'Fruitpunch' Di Stefano, keyboardist Dudley Cockbar, and drummer Rollo Cockbar (no relation to Dudley), the group was named the Stink-O's; they made their live debut in July of 1977.

True Acts of Faggery, his debut album, was released in the summer of 1977 to positive reviews; the album climbed to number 14 on the British charts but it wasn't released on his American label, Colombia Records, until later in the year.