ABOUT
Argent was an English progressive/hard rock band founded by veteran singer, songwriter, musician, and producer Rod Argent that became famous during the early 1970s. They are best known in the U.S. for the rousing 1972 smash, "Hold Your Head Up."
Formed in 1969 in London, the original lineup consisted of Russ Ballard (guitar, vocals), Bob Henrit (drums), bassist/vocalist Jim Rodford (July 7, 1941 - January 20, 2018), and keyboardist/vocalist Rod Argent (formerly of The Zombies) who also served as the band's main songwriter. Lead vocals were shared between Argent, Ballard, and Rodford. Ballard left in 1974 and was replaced by John Verity (guitar, lead vocals) and John Grimaldi (guitar).
Argent debuted in 1971 with the bluesy "Sweet Mary" (not to be confused with the same-named 1970 hit by Wadsworth Mansion). Their fame took off the following year with the Rod Argent/Chris White-penned "Hold Your Head Up" (1972), which became a Top 5 hit in both the U.K. and the U.S. and soon after went gold. The band had two other hits with "Tragedy" (1972) and "God Gave Rock And Roll To You" (1973).
After disbanding in 1976, Argent went solo, Ballard became a hit songwriter for other artists, and Rodford and Henrit joined The Kinks. The original Argent quartet reunited briefly in 2010 and 2012 for concert tours in the U.K. and gave one final show in 2013 at a benefit concert along with The Zombies and members of Marillion.
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LINKS
- For more info about Rod Argent, visit rodargent.com.
- Rolling Stone remembers bassist Jim Rodford of Argent, The Zombies, and The Kinks.
MERCHANDISE
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- Argent - CDs, vinyl, & more - Amazon.com
- Argent - Digital music - Amazon.com
- Argent - Rare vinyl, CDs, & more - MusicStack.com
- Argent - Sheet Music - SheetMusicPlus.com
SONGS
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Argent
- Hold Your Head Up 1972
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