In 1980, he wrote a musical titled Masquerade which premiered in London in 1982. In 1978, Argent released his debut solo album Moving Home with many well-known musicians, including Gary Moore, Genesis drummer Phil Collins, and Weather Report bass guitarist Alphonso Johnson. Argent's first album included the song " Liar" (also composed by Ballard), which became a hit for Three Dog Night. The band also recorded the original version of the rock anthem " God Gave Rock and Roll to You", written by lead singer Russ Ballard, which was later covered by other artists including Petra and Kiss. His Hammond B3 solo on that track is cited by Rick Wakeman as the greatest organ solo ever. Argent Īfter the band broke up, Argent went on to form the band Argent, which had a hit album in 1972 with All Together Now, which contained the single " Hold Your Head Up". The group continued to record through the 1960s, but disbanded in December 1967, reportedly over management disagreements. When Argent's keyboard talents became apparent, he became the group's full-time keyboard player, conceding the role of lead singer to Blunstone. Argent was initially the group's lead singer, with Blunstone on guitar. In addition to playing the piano and keyboards in the Zombies, Argent was (with White) one of the group's two main songwriters, penning the hits " She's Not There", " Tell Her No", and " Time of the Season", amongst others. Argent's song " She's Not There" got them a recording contract with Decca. After the band won a local contest, they recorded a demo as their prize. Arnold left not long after and was replaced by Chris White. Colin Blunstone and Paul Arnold joined the new band in early 1961, while all five members were still at school. Rodford was playing in local band called the Bluetones at the time, so declined. Argent, Atkinson, and Grundy first played together at a jam on Easter 1961 in St Albans.Īrgent wanted to form a band and initially asked his cousin Jim Rodford to join as a bass guitarist. While at St Albans School, he met Paul Atkinson and Hugh Grundy. He decided to become a musician "aged eight or nine", and as a child, he sang as a chorister in the St Albans Cathedral Choir.
Argent's mother was one of eight children, and Argent grew up with "a substantial network of cousins, uncles and aunts" living in the town. Although his father did not teach Argent music, he was raised hearing him playing the upright piano in the family home.
His father, Les Argent, was an aeronautical engineer who machined parts at the De Havilland aircraft factory he had also been the leader of two semi-professional dance bands, the Les Argent Quartet and Les Argent and his Rhythm Kings. Argent was born in St Albans, Hertfordshire, into a working-class family.
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