Formed by former Zombies keyboardist Rod Argent, the British band Argent brought a unique blend of classic rock, progressive flair, and melodic songwriting to the 1970s music scene. Though they only charted once in the U.S., their legacy includes one of the decade’s most enduring anthems: “Hold Your Head Up.”
With a lineup that included multi-talented musicians and former Zombies collaborator Chris White behind the scenes, Argent produced a mix of ambitious concept albums, hard-rocking singles, and thoughtful ballads. Their influence continues today through cover versions, film soundtracks, and classic rock radio.
Who is Rod Argent?
View this post on Instagram
Rod Argent was born on June 14, 1945, in St. Albans, England. He fell in love with rock and roll at age 11, after hearing his cousin’s Elvis Presley records. Although he studied piano for a couple of years, most of his skill came from teaching himself.
In the 1960s, Argent rose to fame as the keyboardist and songwriter for The Zombies, known for timeless hits like “She’s Not There,” “Tell Her No,” and “Time of the Season.” When The Zombies disbanded in 1967, Argent wasn’t finished with music. He had a vision for a new band—one that would mix rock with deeper musical exploration.
Formation of Argent
Argent was officially formed in 1969. The original lineup included:
-
Rod Argent – keyboards, vocals, songwriting
-
Russ Ballard – guitar, lead vocals, songwriting
-
Jim Rodford – bass, vocals (formerly of The Mike Cotton Sound)
-
Bob Henrit – drums
Former Zombies member Chris White served as co-writer and producer, though he didn’t perform with the band.
They released their self-titled debut album in 1970, followed by Ring of Hands in 1971. These early records showed strong musicianship but didn’t chart. However, they laid the groundwork for the band’s future success.
Breakthrough with All Together Now
In 1972, Argent released their third studio album, All Together Now. It featured what would become their signature hit: “Hold Your Head Up.” The song reached #5 on both the U.S. and UK charts, sold over a million copies, and earned a Gold Disc.
An extended version of the song, featuring Argent’s keyboard work, became a staple on classic rock stations. The single was co-written by Rod Argent and Chris White.
Though “Hold Your Head Up” was their only major U.S. hit, it cemented the band’s reputation and gave them a wider international audience.
Other Notable Songs and UK Hits
Argent’s debut single “Liar” didn’t chart for the band, but a 1971 cover by Three Dog Night hit #7 in the U.S., giving Argent some songwriting success behind the scenes.
The band also charted in the UK with:
-
“Tragedy” – reached #34
-
“God Gave Rock and Roll to You” – peaked at #18
“God Gave Rock and Roll to You” was written by Russ Ballard and later became a major hit for Kiss in 1991. The Christian rock band Petra also covered it twice, making it an anthem in the Contemporary Christian music scene.
Lineup Changes and Later Albums
In 1974, Russ Ballard left the band. He was replaced by:
-
John Verity – guitar, vocals
-
John Grimaldi – guitar
With the new lineup, Argent recorded two albums: Nexus and Circus. While these albums showed continued musical creativity, they didn’t match earlier commercial success.
Their final studio album, Counterpoints, was released in 1975 under United Artists Records. The band disbanded the following year.
Selected Song Highlights
Though best known for their biggest single, Argent’s discography includes a wide variety of tracks showcasing their range:
-
Schoolgirl
-
Sweet Mary
-
Celebration
-
It’s Only Money, Part 1 & 2
-
Thunder and Lightning
-
Rejoice
-
Candle on the River
-
The Coming of Kohoutek
-
Sleep Won’t Help Me
-
Circus
-
Keeper of the Flame
-
Rock ’N’ Roll Show
-
I Don’t Believe in Miracles
-
Dance in the Smoke
Many of these songs combine catchy melodies with progressive elements, reflecting the band’s blend of rock accessibility and musical ambition.
Reunion and Live Performances
After decades apart, Argent reunited for a performance at the High Voltage Festival in Victoria Park, London, on July 25, 2010. The band followed up with a brief five-date UK tour in December 2010, performing in cities like Frome, Southampton, and London.
These shows reminded fans of the band’s enduring musicality and gave a new generation a chance to experience their work live.
Final Thoughts
Argent’s time in the spotlight may have been brief, but their legacy is lasting. With just one U.S. hit, they might be remembered as a one-hit wonder by some—but fans know they were much more.
From Rod Argent’s rich keyboard work to Russ Ballard’s songwriting and the group’s fearless embrace of progressive rock, Argent brought something unique to the 1970s music scene. Their influence is heard in covers, tributes, and the continued popularity of “Hold Your Head Up.”
Argent was a band ahead of its time—smart, soulful, and unafraid to experiment. They may not have dominated the charts, but they earned their place in rock history.