"Winning" is a

pop rock Pop rock (also typeset as pop/rock) is a fusion genre with an emphasis on professional songwriting and recording craft, and less emphasis on attitude than rock music. Originating in the late 1950s as an alternative to normal rock and roll, earl ...

single originally written and recorded by

Russ Ballard Russell Glyn Ballard (born 31 October 1945) is an English singer, songwriter and musician. Originally coming to prominence as the lead singer and guitarist for the band Argent, Ballard became a songwriter and producer by the late 1970s. His co ...

on his 1976 album of the same name. It was subsequently recorded by Latin rock band Santana for the 1981 album, ''

Zebop! ''Zebop!'' is the 12th studio album by the American rock band Santana. The album had several releases, and various different color cover backgrounds, including pink and red. The album featured "Winning"; both the album and single were one of Sa ...

'' The lead vocal on the Santana version was performed by

Alex Ligertwood Alex is a given name. It can refer to a shortened version of Alexander, Alexandra, Alexis. People Multiple *Alex Brown (disambiguation), multiple people *Alex Gordon (disambiguation), multiple people *Alex Harris (disambiguation), multiple peop ...

. 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 A music video is a video of variable duration, that integrates a music song or a music album with imagery that is produced for promotional or musical artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a music marketing device ...

. 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.

Other versions

"Winning" was also recorded by Rock/R&B singer

Nona Hendryx Nona Bernis Hendryx (born October 9, 1944) is an American vocalist, record producer, songwriter, musician, and author. Hendryx is known for her work as a solo artist as well as for being one-third of the trio Labelle, who had a hit with "Lady ...

(formerly of Labelle) for her 1977 debut solo album. "Winning" was also recorded by Norwegian heavy metal singer

Jørn Lande Jørn Marumsrud Lande (born May 31, 1968) is a Norwegian hard rock and heavy metal singer and songwriter. He is known for his work with the bands Ark, Beyond Twilight, Millenium, Vagabond, The Snakes, and most notably with power metal band Ma ...

on his 2020 album, ''Heavy Rock Radio II: Executing The Classics''. "Winning" was also recorded by country singer

Keith Urban Keith Lionel Urban (born 26 October 1967) is an Australian-American musician, singer, guitarist and songwriter known for his work in country music. Recognized with four Grammy Awards, Urban also received fifteen Academy of Country Music Award ...

, and released as a bonus track on the

Target Target may refer to: Physical items * Shooting target, used in marksmanship training and various shooting sports ** Bullseye (target), the goal one for which one aims in many of these sports ** Aiming point, in field artillery, f ...

deluxe edition of his 2010 album, Get Closer.

References

1976 songs Santana (band) songs 1981 singles Songs written by Russ Ballard Song recordings produced by Muff Winwood Epic Records singles Columbia Records singles {{1970s-song-stub