“Band Of Gold” (E. Wayne, R. Dunbar) – Freda Payne; Invictus label, # 3 Billboard Hot 100, # 20 Billboard R&B – 1970. Inducted 2022.
The song was written and composed by Holland-Dozier-Holland (under the pseudonym of Edythe Wayne) along with Ron Dunbar. H-D-H used the pseudonym because they were involved in a lawsuit with Motown.
Detroit native Freda Wayne was a successful actress and jazz singer before H-D-H persuaded her to sign with their new Invictus label. “Band Of Gold
” was her second release on the label, but she had originally been reluctant to record it because she thought the lyrics were more appropriate for a teenager.
Released in February 1970, “Band Of Gold” became an instant hit, and it earned Payne her first gold record. Funk Brother Dennis Coffey played the distinctive electric sitar part on the song, while Ray Parker Jr. provided the lead guitar. Freda Payne went on to record two more sizeable hits on Invictus, “Deeper & Deeper” in 1970 and “Bring The Boys Home” in 1971.
