This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Tony Orlando.
Tony Orlando, who will be bringing his “Tony Orlando’s Christmas Show” to the South Point Casino, December 21-23, is one of America’s most endearing and enduring iconic stars.
Few entertainers have excelled in so many realms as Orlando: a top selling recording artist, songwriter, concert headliner, network television star, Motion Picture actor, Broadway performer and author. He was also GM and Vice President of CBS-Music Division April-Blackwood Music from 1966-1970. Orlando represented such songwriters as James Taylor, Laura Nyro, Blood Sweat and Tears and signed and produced Barry Manilow’s first recording while working for the legendary Clive Davis.
Orlando has sold millions of records, including five number-one hits: “Tie A Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Ole Oak Tree,” “Knock Three Times,” “Candida,” “My Sweet Gypsy Rose” and “He Don’t Love You (Like I Love You).” “Tie A Yellow Ribbon” was the number one Billboard Song of 1973 and became Orlando’s theme song, and grew into an American anthem of hope and homecoming, reunion and renewal. He has 2 Platinum albums, 3 Gold albums and 15 Top 40 Hits. Tony Orlando and Dawn rank among the Top 100 Billboard Magazine artists of all-time.
He is a recipient of three American Music Awards and two People’s Choice Awards for best male entertainer. For outstanding achievements to the entertainment industry, he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.