On July 3, 1974 the first episode of the “Tony Orlando & Dawn Variety Show” was aired on CBS. It was an array of entertainment encompassing mixture of song and laughter and was spawned from the trio’s musical success. It prompted a three-season run with the network and was ranked number 25 overall in prime time in their first full season. Tony Orlando & Dawn (Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent Wilson) embedded their mark in musical history with hits including “Knock Three Times”, “Tie A Yellow Ribbon Around the Old Oak Tree” and “Candida”, all which still have a voice around the world.
In an Anniversary celebration commemorating 50 years since the show, Tony presented songs from the year 1974 on Music Radio 77 WABC Saturday night during his weekly broadcast which airs from 10- midnight EST every Saturday on “Saturday Night With Tony Orlando” following Cousin “Brucie ‘s Saturday Night Rock & Roll Party.” Tony’s shows (including this one) can be heard globally on https://www.WABCmusicradio.com .
In the words of Tony Orlando “So, this Saturday night we will have a playlist of some of Billboard’s greatest hits for that incredible year of 1974, a decade for music-making and dream journey for 3 young starry-eyed kids, TELMA HOPKINS, JOYCE VINCENT, and myself. And to this day, TONY, TELMA and JOYCE (DAWN), are so very proud to have been the first multiracial recording artists to ever have their own prime time network television show, and the only singing group to have a variety network show!
Group defined as more than two people, such as SONNY & CHER, and DONNY & MARIE.
So, it is hard to imagine that all of that was 50 years ago!!! Well, this Saturday night, l’ve decided to play the music of that year in celebration of a dream come true magic carpet ride for me, TELMA, and Joyce.”
Recently retired from touring, Orlando remains active in Show-Biz with his radio segment and appearances on TV, and radio as well as continuing his support of US Military Veterans. His enduring dedication to our troops and wounded service men has raised awareness and funds as well as touching heartfelt praise. “Tie A Yellow Ribbon” alone raised over 200 million dollars for our veterans.
A gladiator in the arena of love, Tony’s popularity has never waned but rather has made him one of the most sought after talk show and radio interviews on the planet. His unprecedented warmth and kindness, with a heart double the size of the universe is known all over the industry and is authentic and very genuine. As a radio host he and his Saturday night show continues to be one of the best…. Joe Rogan, Ryan Seacrest….. move over!