Freda Payne

Freda Charcilia Payne (born September 19, 1942) is an American Soul/R&B singer and actress best known for her million selling 1970 hit single, "Band of Gold". She was also an actress in musicals and film, as well as the host of a TV talk show. Freda is the older sister of former member of The Supremes, Scherrie Payne.

Early life and career

Payne was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up listening to different jazz singers, such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. As a teenager, she attended the Detroit Institute of Musical Arts; she soon began singing radio commercial jingles, and took part in (and won many) local TV and radio talent shows.

In 1963, she moved to New York City and worked with many different entertainers, including Quincy Jones, Pearl Bailey, and Bill Cosby. The next year, her debut album, a jazz recording with arranger Manny Albam entitled After the Lights Go Down Low and Much More!!!, was released on the Impulse! label. (This album was re-issued on CD in Japan in early 2002, and again in the United States in 2005.) In 1965 she toured Europe for the first time recording an album in Sweden with Don Gardner and Bengt-Arne Wallin. In 1966 she released her second American album, again in the jazz style, How Do You Say I Don't Love You Anymore, for MGM Records. She also made occasional guest appearances on different television shows including The Merv Griffin Show and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

Band of Gold (Freda Payne song)

"Band of Gold" is a popular song written by former Motown producers, Holland–Dozier–Holland (under the pseudonym of Edythe Wayne) and Ron Dunbar. It was a major hit when first recorded by Freda Payne in 1970 for the Invictus label, owned by H-D-H. The song has been covered by numerous artists, notably competing 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. 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 number one on the UK singles chart and remaining there for six weeks in September 1970, giving Payne her first gold record.

Band of Gold

"Band of Gold" can refer to:

Band of Gold (album)

Band of Gold was Freda Payne's third studio album and her first for Invictus Records. It was released to capitalize on the success of the title track that became an instant smash on the Pop charts in the US and the UK. Other hits that came from the album included "Unhooked Generation" (released before "Band of Gold") and "Deeper and Deeper." The tenth track was written by Payne's younger sister, Scherrie. Cover versions include Gary Puckett and the Union Gap's hit "This Girl Is a Woman Now" and Andy Williams' hit "Happy Heart."

Track listing

Album credits

Charts

Album - Billboard (North America)

Singles - Billboard (North America)

Band of Gold (band)

Band of Gold was a Dutch male and female vocal/instrumental group, who released a single called "Love Songs are Back Again (Medley)", which reached the UK Singles Chart. It was written and produced by Paco Saval when it was recorded in 1981 and released on the RCA label. It entered the UK chart on 14 July 1984 and peaked at #24, remaining on the chart for 11 weeks.

In the US, "Love Songs are Back Again (Medley)" was Band of Gold's only chart appearance, spending seven weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #64 in November 1984.

References