An unsung name in the world of soul music, Homer Banks was a singer, songwriter and producer who wrote a lot of great tunes for the Stax stable of artists. His twin brother James Banks is also a songwriter.
Memphis-born, he started touring in a gospel group in the late '50s and cut some soul records for the Genie label starting in '64. It was working there that he met future Stax chums Isaac Hayes and David Porter. He cut "A Lot Of Love" (later stolen by Spencer Davis Group for "Gimme Some Lovin"), one of five singles he did for the Minit label.
He signed on as a songwriter with Stax and a few of his bigger hits (as sole or co-composer) included "Who's Making Love" by Johnnie Taylor, "Long Walk To DC" and "If You're Ready Come Go With Me" by The Staple Singers, "I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down" by Sam & Dave (famously covered by Elvis Costello) and "If Loving You Is Wrong I Don't Want To Be Right" (a hit with Luther Ingram). He produced records for Albert King and The Soul Children, among others.
After Stax folded he continued writing for various R&B labels into the '80s. His songs have been recorded or covered by a wide range of artists: Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, U-Roy, Taj Mahal, Isaac Hayes, Tom Jones and many others. Ironically, he never once recorded as a vocalist with Stax.