Tony Orlando
Top-selling recording artist and ground-breaking entertainer Tony Orlando will perform some of his greatest hits this season at The Lyric Theatre. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the wildly popular “Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘Round the Ole Oak Tree,” Tony Orlando is best known as the lead singer of the beloved 1970s group Tony Orlando and Dawn. In his performance at The Lyric, Orlando will take you through the decades of his career, performing classics such as “Knock Three Times” and “Candida,” among others.
Born and raised in New York City, Tony Orlando got an early start in show business, reaching national charts at the age of 16 with his recordings of “Halfway to Paradise” and “Bless You.” Orlando became the first vocal artist to sign with Epic Records. The young entertainer continued to set records, eventually becoming one of the youngest vice presidents in the history of CBS Records. After agreeing to record a demo record for a song called “Candida” for his friends Hank Medress and Dave Appell, the song became a surprise hit, launching Orlando into the spotlight. Tony Orlando continued producing hit songs, releasing the #1 single “Knock Three Times” in 1971. The single became the top song of 1971, selling over six million copies worldwide. In 1973, Orlando recorded perhaps his most famous song, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree.” The hit stayed at #1 for a year and soon became an anthem of hope and renewal for American veterans from the Vietnam War to Desert Storm.
By 1974, Tony Orlando had developed his very own variety show. Led by Orlando himself along with Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent Wilson, the show was the first multi-ethnic variety show on television, running for four seasons. As the star of his variety show, Orlando had the opportunity to interview many personal heroes and notable guests, including Jerry Lewis and Jackie Gleason, among others. The recipient of three American Music Awards and People’s Choice Award, Tony Orlando is a popular headliner in Las Vegas, Reno, and Atlantic City.
Born and raised in New York City, Tony Orlando got an early start in show business, reaching national charts at the age of 16 with his recordings of “Halfway to Paradise” and “Bless You.” Orlando became the first vocal artist to sign with Epic Records. The young entertainer continued to set records, eventually becoming one of the youngest vice presidents in the history of CBS Records. After agreeing to record a demo record for a song called “Candida” for his friends Hank Medress and Dave Appell, the song became a surprise hit, launching Orlando into the spotlight. Tony Orlando continued producing hit songs, releasing the #1 single “Knock Three Times” in 1971. The single became the top song of 1971, selling over six million copies worldwide. In 1973, Orlando recorded perhaps his most famous song, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree.” The hit stayed at #1 for a year and soon became an anthem of hope and renewal for American veterans from the Vietnam War to Desert Storm.
By 1974, Tony Orlando had developed his very own variety show. Led by Orlando himself along with Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent Wilson, the show was the first multi-ethnic variety show on television, running for four seasons. As the star of his variety show, Orlando had the opportunity to interview many personal heroes and notable guests, including Jerry Lewis and Jackie Gleason, among others. The recipient of three American Music Awards and People’s Choice Award, Tony Orlando is a popular headliner in Las Vegas, Reno, and Atlantic City.
In his performance at The Lyric Theatre, Tony Orlando will perform a combination of his greatest hits and lesser known works. With singles including “Sweet Gypsy Rose,” “He Don’t Love You,” and “Cupid,” the veteran entertainer will amaze you with his commanding stage presence and musical versatility.