"Winning" is a pop rock single originally written and recorded by Russ Ballard on his 1976 album of the same name. It was subsequently recorded by Latin rock band Santana for the 1981 album, Zebop! The lead vocal on the Santana version was performed by Alex Ligertwood. It was the sixth track on the album and was released as the third single (backed with "Brightest Star") and as a promotional music video.

"Winning"
Single by Russ Ballard
from the album Winning
Released1976
Recorded1976
GenrePop rock
Length3:40
LabelEpic
Songwriter(s)Russ Ballard
Producer(s)Muff Winwood
"Winning"
Single by Santana
from the album Zebop!
B-side"Brightest Star"
Released1981
Recorded1981
GenrePop rock
Length3:29
LabelColumbia
Songwriter(s)Russ Ballard
Producer(s)Santana
Santana singles chronology
"Searchin'"
(1981)
"Winning"
(1981)
"The Sensitive Kind"
(1981)
Music video
"Winning" on YouTube

The Santana version reached number 2 on the Mainstream Rock Chart and number 17 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The song reached number 12 in South Africa.[1]

Other versions

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"Winning" was also recorded by Rock/R&B singer Nona Hendryx (formerly of Labelle) for her 1977 debut solo album.[2]

"Winning" was also recorded by Norwegian heavy metal singer Jørn Lande on his 2020 album, Heavy Rock Radio II: Executing The Classics.[3]

"Winning" was also recorded by country singer Keith Urban, and released as a bonus track on the Target deluxe edition of his 2010 album, Get Closer.

Charts

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Santana version

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Chart (1981) Peak
position
Australian Singles (Kent Music Report)[4] 88
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[5] 18
US Billboard Hot 100[6] 17
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[7] 2

References

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  1. ^ "SA Charts 1965–March 1989". Rcok.co.za.
  2. ^ "Nona Hendryx - Nona Hendryx | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 8 June 2021.
  3. ^ "Heavy Rock Radio, Vol. 2: Executing the Classics - Jorn | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 8 June 2021.
  4. ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
  5. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 0360." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
  6. ^ "Santana Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
  7. ^ "Santana Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved June 15, 2024.