Winning

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Winning" by Russ Ballard from his 1976 album of the same name! This pop rock anthem has a wild history that’s perfect for our hippie DJ vibe. Originally penned and recorded by Ballard for his solo album, the song caught fire when Santana covered it in 1981 for their album Zebop!. With Alex Ligertwood’s soulful vocals, Santana’s version hit number 17 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the Mainstream Rock Chart, giving the track a massive boost. But did you know it wasn’t just Santana who loved it? Nona Hendryx, formerly of Labelle, laid down a rock/R&B take in 1977 for her debut solo album, and even country star Keith Urban and Norwegian metal singer Jørn Lande have tackled it. Ballard himself shared in a 2025 interview on the Paltrocast with Darren Paltrowitz that the song’s universal theme of triumph resonated across genres, making it a staple for artists looking to capture that victorious spirit.

Digging deeper, the Zoo Crew found a cool tidbit about "Winning" from Ballard’s own words. In a recent BraveWords feature, he mentioned that his 1976 album Winning was a turning point, spawning multiple hits for other artists. To promote the album, Ballard hit the road in October and November 1976, touring Europe and the U.S. with a four-piece band. He played iconic spots like The Bottom Line in New York and the Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles, channeling that raw rock energy we love at THE ZOO. Fans on X have been buzzing about Ballard’s knack for crafting timeless tracks, with one user, @BeersFitness, recently posting about picking up a Ballard album and being blown away by how many songs he wrote across genres, including "Winning." That’s the kind of vibe we’re spinning for you Zoo Freaks!

Let’s rewind and talk about how Russ Ballard got his start, because this guy’s journey is pure rock ‘n’ roll. Born on October 31, 1945, in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, England, Ballard was a music prodigy. At just 14, he wrote a tune that The Shadows recorded for their 1964 album The Sound of The Shadows, kicking off his career with a bang. By 1961, he was shredding guitar with his brother Roy and drummer Bob Henrit in Buster Meikle & The Day Breakers. Ballard’s big break came when he joined The Roulettes, backing Adam Faith, before hopping to Unit 4 + 2 in 1967. His real claim to fame was as the lead singer and guitarist for Argent, where he wrote their epic hit "God Gave Rock and Roll to You," later covered by Petra and KISS. After leaving Argent in 1974, Ballard went solo, dropping his debut album in 1974 and the game-changing Winning in 1976, where he played nearly every instrument himself. His songwriting chops shone through, penning hits like "Since You Been Gone" for Rainbow and "You Can Do Magic" for America, cementing his legend status.

For all you Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with Russ Ballard’s world, check out his official website for the latest news and tour updates. He’s active on social media, so follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X to catch his posts about new releases like his 2025 double album Songs From The Warehouse / The Hits Rewired. Fans are keeping the vibe alive online too. Join the Russ Ballard Fan Group on Facebook to swap stories and rare finds with fellow freaks. There’s also a fan-run site, russ-ballard.com, packed with discography details and vintage photos. So, crank up "Winning," vibe with the Zoo Crew, and dive into Ballard’s rock legacy!