"Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" by Tony Orlando and Dawn.

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: This 1973 Irwin Levine/L. Russell Brown pop classic was based on the true story of a convict returning home, as told in a 1971 New York Post article. Refers to a 19th century Puritan tradition which also inspired a John Wayne movie. It became an anthem for absent loved ones in the 70' and thereafter. #1 and top-selling single of the year US and UK in '73. Sold 3 million copies in 3 weeks! Billboard's #37 Biggest Song of All Time. Song? Group? Answer: "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" by Tony Orlando and Dawn. They did get annoying after a while but they sold A LOT of records! "The origin of the idea of a yellow ribbon as a token of remembrance may have been the 19th century practice that some women allegedly had of wearing a yellow ribbon in their hair to signify their devotion to a husband or sweetheart serving in the U.S. Cavalry". The song found new life in '81 during the Iran hostage crisis. John Wayne's movie was titled "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtDQxJlcUxE&list=RDjtDQxJlcUxE&start_radio=1