Artist:Argent
Song:Hold Your Head Up
Album:All Together Now
Hold Your Head Up was the one really big hit by progressive rock group Argent in 1972. I guess it's still memorable in a rock anthem way. The group was led by keyboard player Rod Argent. He was born June 14, 1945 in St. Alban's England. He had already had success in the 60s with The Zombies. When they split up, he was looking to for a new lead singer to form a new band. Singer Songwriter Russ Ballard was born Oct. 31, 1945 in Waltham Cross, England. The other members were Jim Rodford on bass and Bob Henrit on drums. Zombies bass player Chris White wasn't a member of Argent but co-wrote and produced a lot of the music with Argent. The group signed with Epic Records in 1970. They were clearly aimed at an album oriented progressive rock audience so it was surprising when Hold Your Head Up was a top five pop hit in 1972. All Together Now was released on CD by Koch Records in 1997 with some bonus tracks. There doesn't seem to be a really good Argent comp but the song turns up on plenty of various artists comps. Just be sure to get the full six minute version. Russ Ballard left Argent to go solo in 1974 and the group wasn't as successful without him. Argent split up in 1976. Ballard has had some success as a writer producer but never broke through as a solo performer. Rod Argent has mostly played sessions and produced other artists like Tanita Tikram & Nanci Griffith. He reunited with Zombies lead singer Colin Blunstone in 2004 and they recorded and toured together and he also toured with Ringo Starr last year. I'm sure this performance of Hold Your Head Up from the Midnight Special in 1973 will evoke memories for a lot of you. It's still a pretty good song.
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