Band of Gold (Freda Payne Song)

Band Of Gold (Freda Payne Song)

"Band of Gold" is a popular song written by Holland–Dozier–Holland under the pseudonym Edythe Wayne, and Ron Dunbar, and first recorded by Freda Payne. A hit for Payne in 1970, the song has been covered by numerous artists, notably dueling 1986 versions by contrasting pop divas Belinda Carlisle and Bonnie Tyler, and a 2007 version by Kimberley Locke.

The legendary songwriting team of Holland–Dozier–Holland used the name Edythe Wayne because of a lawsuit they had with Motown. Ron Dunbar was a staff employee and producer for Invictus. According to Freda Payne, Dunbar actually contributed to the song. However, Edythe Wayne was never seen or heard and is most likely an alias for HDH. When they first offered the song to Freda Payne, she balked at the idea of recording it, finding the material more appropriate for a teenager or very young woman. Payne reluctantly gave in after much persuasion by Dunbar. Almost immediately following its release the Payne record became an instant pop smash, reaching number three in the US and hitting number one on the UK singles chart and remaining there for six weeks in September 1970, giving Payne her first gold record.

After Holland/Dozier/Holland left Motown in 1967, they were still in contact with Motown's house band, The Funk Brothers. Holland/Dozier/Holland started their own label, with the intention of self-producing the songs they would write, and they asked The Funk Brothers to play the instrumentals on those songs. The Funk Brothers who played on the Freda Payne recording of "Band of Gold" include:

• Bass: Bob Babbitt
• Guitarists: Dennis Coffey, Eddie Willis, and Ray Monette
• Keyboards: Johnny Griffth
• Drums: Uriel Jones
• Percussion: Jack Ashford

Golden World/Motown session singers Pamela Wilson, Joyce Vincent Wilson, and Telma Hopkins provided the background vocals. Joyce and Telma would later go on to form the group, Tony Orlando & Dawn. Also singing in the background is Freda Payne's sister and future member of the Supremes, Scherrie Payne.

The distinctive electric sitar part is played by New York studio musician Vinnie Bell. Lead guitar on the track is by Ray Parker, Jr.

In 2004, Freda Payne's "Band of Gold" was voted number 391 in Rolling Stone magazine's listing of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.