THE STORY OF A SONG: Argent - God gave Rock and Roll to you

In early 1973, Russ Ballard, guitarist of Argent, wrote "God Gave Rock And Roll To You" during a deeply emotional time. After watching both his parents battle serious illnesses, he found solace in music. The act of songwriting pulled him out of depression, and the song marked a turning point for him. Influenced by gospel music and composed on an upright piano, the track was a celebration of passion and the power of music to give life meaning. It was later recorded by Argent and included in their 1973 album In Deep.

Despite its personal significance, the song didn’t significantly impact Ballard's career at the time. He soon left Argent due to diverging musical directions, as the band leaned towards jazz while he remained a fan of straight rock’n’roll. For many years, the song quietly lived on through various covers, including one by the Christian rock band Petra. Its legacy took an unexpected turn in the early '90s when it was chosen for the soundtrack of Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey and re-recorded by Kiss, who added their own lyrical twist and energy to it.

The Kiss version, titled God Gave Rock & Roll To You II, gained commercial success and introduced the song to a new generation. Russ Ballard praised the updated lyrics and tempo, noting that Kiss's interpretation aligned more closely with how he had originally imagined the song. While Gene Simmons took credit for the track in public appearances, Ballard didn’t mind, appreciating the generous royalties and the new life the song had taken on.

Tragically, the Kiss version also became a farewell for drummer Eric Carr, who appeared in the music video shortly before passing away from heart cancer. Ballard, reflecting on the journey of the song, expressed hope that its message would continue to resonate for generations to come. To him, rock’n’roll – and music in general – was not just entertainment, but a form of salvation and self-expression that helped him endure the darkest times of his life.