Russ Ballard Russ Ballard -1984 – Pop Rock (vinyl)

Russ Ballard Russ Ballard -1984 – Pop Rock (vinyl)

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Ballard was born inWaltham Cross,Hertfordshire, England.[1]

Ballard was initially a guitarist, joining Buster Meikle & The Day Breakers in 1961 together with his older brother Roy and their friend the drummerBob Henrit. After a stint withThe Roulettes, backingAdam Faith, he then went on to joinUnit 4 + 2in the early 1960s, before becoming the lead singer and guitarist ofArgent(along with Henrit, who joined as drummer), writing theirhit”God Gave Rock and Roll to You”,[1]which would later becoveredby bothPetraandKISS. Ballard is most well known as the vocalist on Argent’s smash”Hold Your Head Up”. In 1972, Ballard performed onColin Blunstone’s albumEnnismore, which was produced byChris White. Ballard also wrote the hit single, “I Don’t Believe in Miracles”, which featured on that album.

He left Argent in 1974 and pursued a solo and songwriting career. He wrote such hits asThree Dog Night’s “Liar”[1](originally recorded by Argent),Hot Chocolate’s 1977UK chart topper”So You Win Again”,[1][2]andRainbow’s 1979 hit “Since You Been Gone”.Head Easthad also recorded the song in 1978 for its self-titled album, and before that it was included in Ballard’s 1976 solo albumWinning. Ballard also wrote Rainbow’s 1981 No. 3 (UK) hit “I Surrender”.

Ballard also wrote and performed onRoger Daltrey’s first two solo albums,Daltrey(1973) andRide a Rock Horse(1975). Daltrey recorded some other Russ Ballard originals for hisMcVicarsoundtrack, and his albumsUnder a Raging MoonandCan’t Wait to See the Movie. Ballard undertook a tour with Roger Daltrey in 1985, playing guitar and singing one of his own songs.

British pop bandHellorecordedBallard’s “New York Groove” in 1975, reaching No. 7 in Germany and No. 9 in the UK.[3]”New York Groove” would also be recorded three years later byAce Frehley, who turned the tune into astatesidehit.

Ballard also wrote the No. 17, 1981 hit forSantana, called “Winning”, which appeared on their album entitledZebop!and had previously been released by Ballard himself on his second solo album. To promote theWinningalbum he toured Europe and the US in October and November 1976, working with the John Stanley Media Management Company and a four-piece band, performing at large theatre venues in Europe and medium-sized clubs such asThe Bottom Linein New York and theWhisky A Go Goin Los Angeles.

Ballard wrote and produced “You Can Do Magic” for the groupAmericaon its 1982 albumView from the Ground. The single climbed to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1982, and helped resurrect the band’s career. The following year, America brought in Ballard to produce their follow-up album,Your Move. One of its tracks, “The Border”, which was co-written by Ballard withDewey Bunnell, reached No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Ballard wroteABBAsingerAnni-Frid Lyngstad’s 1982 solo hit: “I Know There’s Something Going On” (which was produced byPhil Collins, and also featured Collins on drums). The track reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. He also penned “Can’t Shake Loose” for fellow ABBA former memberAgnetha Fltskog, which peaked at No. 29 in the same listings.

In 1991 the song he co-wrote withJohn Waiteand Jonathan Cain, “So This Is Eden”, appeared onBad English’s album,Backlash.

Ballard has also written and produced forElkie Brooks, and in 2005 acting as atalent scout, he “discovered”Lauren Harris

Sleeve Condition (Out of 10) ~ 9 slight wear / punch hole
Label Condition (Out of 10) ~ 10
Vinyl Condition ~ (Out of 10)
Side 1 – 10 / Side 2 – 10

BIN #81punch hole

Label:EMI America ST-17108Format:Vinyl, LP, AlbumCountry:CanadaReleased:1984Genre:Rock,PopStyle:Pop Rock

Tracklist