Argent

Argent formed in 1967 around keyboardist and songwriter Rod Argent, with guitarist Russ Ballard, bassist Jim Rodford, and drummer Bob Henrit. Their sound started with British rock influences but developed into something more expansive, leaning into progressive rock territory without losing a melodic core. The band's breakthrough came in 1971 with 'Hold Your Head Up,' a track whose organ riff and anthemic chorus gave them an international hit.

That song became their calling card, but Argent kept recording through the early 1970s. Albums like 'All Together Now' and 'In Deep' followed, featuring tracks such as 'God Gave Rock And Roll To You' and 'Be My Lover, Be My Friend.' Rod Argent's keyboard work and songwriting remained central, even as the band navigated the shifting rock landscape of the decade.

By the mid-1970s, internal tensions and changing tastes led to the group's dissolution. Rod Argent moved on to other projects, but the band's recordings, especially 'Hold Your Head Up,' have had a long shelf life. The song still turns up on classic rock radio and in film soundtracks, a reminder of that early-'70s moment when progressive rock could still produce a straightforward anthem.