Russell Glyn “Russ” Ballard (born 31 October 1945, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, England[1]) is an English singer, songwriter and musician. Ballard (formerly of Rick Nicholl and the Rebels) was initially a guitarist (Hofner Club 60), appearing stage left, with Buster Meikle & The Day Breakers in 1961, together with Roy Ballard (Russ’s older brother) on piano playing behind him, Bernie Benson on bass to the right, and Bob Henrit on drums. After a stint with The Roulettes, backing Adam Faith, he then went on to join Unit 4 + 2 in the early 1960s, before becoming the lead singer and guitarist of Argent (along with Henrit, who joined as drummer), writing their hit “God Gave Rock and Roll to You“,[1] which would later be covered by both Petra and KISS. Ballard is most well known as the vocalist on Argent’s smash “Hold Your Head Up”. In 1972, Ballard performed on Colin Blunstone’s album Ennismore, which was produced by Chris White. Ballard also wrote the hit single, “I Don’t Believe in Miracles”, which featured on that album.