TRACK #198:

Born On Hallowe’en by Russ Ballard

We’re gonna slow things down a bit here, just before our run to Halloween, when things are bound to get all types of hairy.

In my research for an upcoming (and long overdue) addition to The Shindig, I came across not 1, but 2 different songs of the same title. Now you know what we say around here whenever that happens…

Pick ’em up!

From the 1976 album Winning from Russ Ballard comes Born On Hallowe’en.

Now, in case you were incredulous (I know I sure was) Russ Ballard was in fact born on Halloween in 1945, somewhere in Britain, if I recall correctly. Pretty spooky.

Unfortunately, this is the least spooky of the 3 songs featuring that title. Fine by us, as a song needn’t be spooky to find itself on The Shindig. It certainly helps, but it’s not a prerequisite.

While I’m quite sure none of us are terribly familiar with Russ, we’re probably familiar with his generous professional output, as many of his songs have been recorded and turned into big hits.

Originally the lead singer for the rock outfit Argent, who’s hits Hold Your Head Up and God Gave Rock N Roll To You are surely recognizable to anyone with even passing interest in classic rock or has seen Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey.

He’s also responsible for America’s comeback hit You Can Do Magic, Rainbow’s Since You Been Gone, Santana’s Winning, Peter Criss’ Let Me Rock You and the Ace Frehley solo track New York Groove.

Coming in at #198 to pump the breaks a little, here’s a mellow rocker from Halloween Hero Russ Ballard, who was definitely Born On Hallowe’en.