NEW YORK (PIX11) — Tony Orlando’s name has become synonymous with the pop music scene since the 1960s.
Best known for his “Tie A Yellow Ribbon” song that has become somewhat of an anthem, Orlando is performing his farewell concert Friday night at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.
Tony Orlando’s music has become a part of the fabric of American music. From “Knock Three Times” to “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree,” his music has touched people’s lives in a positive way. After an iconic six-decade career, Orlando said it is time to move on.
“64 years with me, I would have been happy with 64 weeks,” he declared.
Over his long career Orlando has sold over 100 million records and has charted 17 top 40 hits.
His live performances have captivated generations of audiences. During a visit to PIX11 News, he explained why he is calling it quits now.
“I can still hit the ball, but I can’t run the bases,” he said, “Sitting in an airport for 5 hours, getting delayed, then gotta get next day, and then you get on the bus tours. It has gotten to point at 79 that I do not want to live that life anymore.”
He leaves behind a treasure trove of memories that go back to his days growing up in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen, where he did doo-wop and later was hired by record producer Clive Davis to work as a music publisher at CBS Records.
After another record company did not like the male singer for the recording of Candida, the producer approached Orlando.
“He looks at me and said you do it,” Orlando recalled. He recorded the demo record but was fearful of losing his job at CBS Records if his name was attached to the recording, he pleaded with the producer, “Do not call it Tony Orlando. Shh! do not tell anybody. The record goes to number one, and he calls the group ‘Dawn.’” Dawn was the name of a record executive’s daughter.
The name stuck, and Orlando and Dawn, which consisted of two backup singers, Thelma Hopkins, and Joyce Vincent Wilson. They gained popularity during a television show in the 70’s.
Orlando will always be linked to his signature song, which has become an American Anthem of hope and perseverance, “Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree.” Orlando said, “Because of the Iranian hostages that is what started it. It became an anthem for soldiers returning from the Vietnam War. Even today, right now there are yellow ribbons spread everywhere in Israel as a symbol for those Israeli and American hostages.”
Orlando noted that the record has served as an opportunity to raise money to help people. “Yellow Ribbon has raised 200 million dollars for veterans,” he said joyfully.
Orlando has been a long-time champion for Veteran’s causes. He travels extensively each year to support veterans. While he is stepping aside from future live concerts, Orlando said, “My commitment to veterans is the only time I will go back on stage. If there is a benefit for veterans, I am there.”
Show after show, Orlando’s magnetic performances have had audiences in the palm of his hands. “I love the people out there; I owe it to them. The one thing I am going to miss is the people.”
He will be gone from the live concert stage, but Orlando will continue his Saturday night radio broadcasts on WABC, and he has another goal. “I want to write a Broadway show and I want to write a couple of screenplays,” he said.
When all is said and done, Orlando is asked how he wants to be remembered. “As a good person…period.” As the lyrics in the song go, “I’m going home, I’ve done my time,” Tony Orlando is going home. He is tying a giant bow around an illustrious career with music that will have a lasting impact on popular culture.
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