Songs with Earlier Histories Than the Hit Version

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Tagged: Russ Ballard

1970s, Rock

Since You Been Gone

Written and first recorded by Russ Ballard (1976).
Hit versions by Clout (1978), Head East (US #46 1978), Rainbow (US #57/UK #6 1979), Cherie & Marie Currie (US #95 1980).

From the wiki: “‘Since You Been Gone’ is the title of a rock song written and recorded by the former Argent guitarist, Russ Ballard (‘Winning‘), and first released on his 1976 album, Winning. Rainbow’s 1979 cover version with the lead singer, Graham Bonnet, was a Top 10 single in the United Kingdom, and was named the 82nd best hard rock song of all time by VH1.

“Other, earlier cover versions include those by Head East (1978) and by Clout (1978), originally a five-piece, South African million-selling all-girl rock group formed in 1977 and best known for their song, ‘Substitute’. Cherie Currie (The Runaways) also recorded ‘Since You Been Gone’ as a duet with her twin, Marie Currie, on their Messin’ with the Boys album in 1980.

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1970s, Rock

Winning

Written and first recorded by Russ Ballard (1976).
Also recorded by Nona Hendryx (1977).
Hit version by Santana (US #17/#2 Rock/SA #12 1981).

From the wiki: “Russ Ballard came to prominence as the lead singer and guitarist for the band Argent (‘Hold Your Head Up’ 1972), but became better known by the late 1970s as a songwriter and producer. His compositions for other artists during the 1970s and 1980s included ‘Liar’ (Three Dog Night, 1971), ‘Since You Been Gone’ (Head East, 1978; Rainbow, 1979), ‘New York Groove’ (Ace Frehley, 1978), ‘You Can Do Magic’ (America, 1982), ‘God Gave Rock and Roll to You’ (Kiss, 1992), and ‘Winning’, a 1981 hit for Santana that Ballard first recorded in 1976 for his album Winning.

“Prior to Santana’s cover, former LaBelle singer, Nona Hendryx, covered ‘Winning’ in 1977 for her solo debut album.

“Santana promotional single, for the album Zebop!, peaked at #17 in 1981 on the Hot 100 but reached #2 on the Mainstream Rock Charts. Santana’s arrangement also reached #12 in South Africa.”

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