Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, Eng

October 31, 1945

British singer/songwriter Russ Ballard, born in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, was the lead singer of Argent, for whom he wrote the hit "God Gave Rock and Roll to You." He has balanced a solo career with a songwriting career, the latter producing such hits as Three Dog Night's "Liar" and Hot Chocolate's "So You Win Again." His only U.S. singles chart entry under his own name is "On the Rebound," which hit number 58 in 1980. ~ William Ruhlmann