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. Ballard played on a slew of singles from Unit 4+2 (with Bob Henrit), starting with “Concrete and Clay,” but later became part of that group The Roulettes. Ballard joined The Roulettes in March ’63 and stayed until the group disbanded in the fall of ’67. 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”,[ which would later be covered by both Petra and KISS. See for more.