Russ Ballard in Hamburg

Russ Ballard is an English singer, songwriter and guitarist, born in 1945, who fronted Argent before establishing a solo career in melodic rock and pop rock. He wrote and sang Argent’s “God Gave Rock and Roll to You,” while his songs “Since You Been Gone” and “I Surrender” became hits for Rainbow. His catalogue also includes “New York Groove,” recorded by Hello and Ace Frehley, America’s “You Can Do Magic,” and his solo track “Voices.” Russ Ballard spent the early 1970s onstage as Argent’s lead singer and guitarist, touring the band’s rock repertoire in Britain and the United States. He later rejoined the original lineup in 2010 for a reunion performance at High Voltage Festival in London’s Victoria Park.