Our 25th Anniversary Tribute to
Tony Orlando and Dawn
July 3rd, 1999, marks the 25th Anniversary of one of America's favorite variety shows - "Tony Orlando and Dawn". We all thank Tony Orlando, Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent-Wilson for sharing their love of entertaining with us and for taking all of us along on their television adventure. It was a wonderful ride! Here are some special tributes made to TOAD by their fans...
Note: I will continue to add stories as they come in so it's not too late to be a part of this "Tribute to TOAD". Send your stories to Julie at: [email protected]
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On the day the show came on, I announced all day, "I'm watching the new show that is coming on tonight." I didn't know what the show was, I was just happy that "Sonny and Cher" was not on. When they came out and I saw Tony, I screamed. He started singing and I just kept saying, "Oh my God, who is he?" That was it, I was in love. I didn't miss any of the shows, I have every album and have had the honor of meeting Tony.
Dianne
I was almost nine years old when the "Tony Orlando and Dawn" show started. I don't remember exactly, but I believe that was when I first fell in love with this talented and funny group. My father was in charge of the one television set we had in the house and he basically decided what we would watch each night - which usually meant we ended up playing outside until it was dark. Except for Wednesday nights... That was the one night of the week my dad would give up possession of the tv set. For that was the night, "Tony Orlando and Dawn" was on. He knew how important it was to me to see my "friends", and so every Wednesday night, I can remember staking out my place in front of the tv and waiting with excitement for the words of the announcer, "Ladies and gentlemen, Tony Orlando and Dawn!" Even today as I watch the reruns, I still get a thrill when I see them come out on stage. The show was so special to me that my family was actually afraid to tell me it had been cancelled -- They all joked that they wanted to live to see the morning. I remember I had 5 albums, a TV Guide, and a Dynomite Magazine, which was the extent of my collection at the time. I played those records until they were absolutely worn out and everyone around me was crazy. Being a very shy, and emotional child, whenever things got too hard for me, I can remember putting my ear as close to the record player speaker as possible in order to be comforted by the voices of Tony, Telma and Joyce. My sisters and I spent many hours putting on Tony Orlando and Dawn shows for our parents. What great memories I have of those years and I am so greatful to have the chance to relive them, 25 years later because of the show airing on cable tv. Tony, Telma and Joyce, I thank you for all the comfort and joy you have given to me through your music and your show and for sharing your wonderful talents with us all.
Love always, Julie
For me, all the Tony Orlando and Dawn shows are special, he was my first "boy" crush. I fell for him the first show and have been a fan ever since. My best friend and I would swoon over him every Wednesday night, and talk about him the rest of the week. We wondered why we never noticed boys before. Whenever I hear a Tony song, it takes me right back to that time in my life and I still get butterflies. Thank you Tony for being my introduction to "boys".
Skylar
My tribute to this excellent group spans 25 years. That's when I first fell in love with this wonderful trio. What charm and grace the girls had and the charisma that Tony possesses makes it all work together. I started out just like others, watching this new summer replacement series. Little did I know that this magical group would change television and my life. I would not do anything on Wednesday nights but sit by that TV and tape the show. Needless to say, it was a cassette recorder and I would listen to those tapes all week long until the following week. My mother said it was a faze that I was going thru. She doesn't say that any longer! Tony and Telma and Joyce have been such an influence on all of our lives and they have made music history. I have met the girls and Tony, and I have become friends. What a wonderful feeling to be in the audience and Tony will recognize those of us who have stood by him all these years. He is truly a unique man and touches all of us in a special way. I continue to watch Telma on TV, on reruns of Family Matters and anything else she will appear in. I wish Joyce the best in her musical career. I wish only the best for Tony, Telma and Joyce in their careers and personal lives. They have created a group of fans that will never stop loving them and cherishing those wonderful years on TV. Happy Anniversary, and continued success in all you do.
Love, your friend and fan always, Susan Dietrick
25 year ago, my school life was terrible. Peers constantly ridiculed me. My family thought I was great, and I had a lot going for me, but kids saw my tender heart and knew I was sensitive and they could harass me. But on July 3rd, 1974, my life became better. "Tony Orlando and Dawn" aired for the first time. I felt like Tony was singing to me in my living room. He was so optimistic and rather funny at times. He was so honest and humble that I immediately became addicted! He helped me to get through those rough years. By the time I got to high school, things were better. But I will never forget the joy he brought me during those difficult times. He still continues to touch lives, mine included, to this day... I wish there was some way I could repay him!
Dahloan
I had just started high school when Tony Orlando and Dawn started their show. I was an only child, being raised by strict parents. I didn't go out much, so I watched a lot of TV. I started watching "Tony Orlando and Dawn" during the four summer shows. I was so excited when they became part of the regular TV schedule. I watched them every week and taped their shows on a tape recorder. Tony and the girls became my constant companions. If I wasn't watching them on TV, I was listening to their records, or working on my scrapbook. I bought every album Tony Orlando and Dawn ever made. (I still have my scrapbook and my albums) When I couldn't go places with my classmates, Tony and the girls were always there to cheer me up with a song or a smile. As a graduation present, my mom took me to see Tony Orlando and Dawn in person when they came to Memphis, TN in 1976. They were great. I am married now and have three children of my own. My two sons and I like to stay up late on Minday and Friday nights to watch reruns of the "Tony Orlando and Dawn Rainbow Hour". Sometimes my husband complains about us staying up, but I just tell him he is jealous because Tony has my heart before he did.
Sincerely, Judy
At the Allentown Fair Concert - In order to get to the fair, we made a flying trip on the Northeast Extension to Allentown. Upon arrival, presenting tickets to the usher, it was learned that the seats were not really seats, but a place to stand along the left side of the stage, way back, so that actually the stage was not even visable as it was behind the large speakers. I was most unhappy to say the least. Valerie did have a seat as she was in her wheelchair (she had Multiple Sclerosis, not able to walk). But, Mama was not satisfied to say the least; so I took it upon myself to wheel Valerie back to the ticket booth, request a refund and head back home. After all the tickets were not exactly free. I was informed that because of the time of the start of the show, no refund. So, I headed back onto the track area where seats were supposed to have been, headed for the center track-pit area, wheeled up to the usher at the aisle which I intended to enter. She informed me that she would have to see my tickets and I very firmly informed her that we had to get back to our seats as the concert was about to begin. So I just went on through, took a position back against the pit-wall and proceded to watch and enjoy the show. The opening act was the DeFranco Family. When Tony and Dawn began, Valerie wanted to go down to the stage and take some pictures. I started to wheel her but an usher informed me that I could not go with her; he would take her down for the pictures. She was in front of center stage, Tony spotted her, stopped his performance, and said, "And who are you young lady?" She tried to tell him, "I'm Valerie Hunsinger." "Oh,Valerie Hudson, are you related to the Hudson Brothers?" A fairly, well-known singing group at the time. "No, no," Valerie said. But Tony, just smiled and then spoke to a security guard in front of the stage; "You will see that this young lady and whom ever is with her will be brought backstage following the show, so that I may speak with her personally." Well, it was all set. The show continued and after the show the security guard came to where we were; escorted us back stage. What a wonderful time. Valerie was just thrilled to have finally met Tony Orlando and Dawn in person. Unfortunately the pictures for some reason did not come out. But it was only a month or so later we learned that Tony Orlando and Dawn were being in concert at the Broome County Arena, Binghamton NY. My, yes, it was definitely, Mom, Dad, "We just have to go!" So tickets were sent for and when the night arrived. We were there. We had dinner at a restaurant before the show and some of the members of Tony's Band and Stage Crew, recognized Valerie. They said that they would make sure that she did get pictures this time. She sure did. Following the show at the Broome County Arena, we were taking Valerie in her wheelchair and we came upon Telma Hopkins in the lobby of the Motel where they were staying. Valerie asked if she could have a picture taken with Telma. Telma said, "Why sure honey." So I took out the Polaroid and snapped. When the picture was developed, it was so dark, you could not distinguish Telma, hardly at all. I embarrassingly said, "Oh, my gosh, I forgot to lighten the setting." Telma came over looked at the picture, put her arm around me and said, "You know, honey, I just don't take too good of a picture if the setting is too dark." Well we all laughed and ended up getting as many takes as we wanted, plus Telma made sure that Valerie was able to get outside by the Tour Bus, where Tony was already aboard; she got on and in a few moments, Tony came out, walked right up to Valerie sitting in her wheelchair and said, "I understand your pictures at the Allentown Fair, didn't come out; well we'll just take care of that right now." He turned to Valerie's Dad, and said, "Okay, Dad, come on let's get Valerie over here where we have some light as we have some picture taking to do." So, her Dad wheeled her to the place Tony had requested. However, when Tony bent down beside her all my camera was focused on was the back of Tony and Valerie completely hidden. I said, "Gosh, no one will know who is in the picture if I take it like this." So Tony turned and what a keepsake we will have forever. It was enlarged and has a permanent place on my piano in the living room.
The wonderful moments we all shared over the years with Tony Orlando and Dawn could never truly be compared with any other events. So special. Valerie had sent copies of all of these pictures to Telma when we had an address connected with her appearances on the TV Show she was on at first, it might have been Family Matters, but I was thinking she was on another one for a time. In any event, she did answer Valerie's letter. However it was shortly after Valerie had passed away, and I just could not cope with it. Sorry Telma.
Mr. and Mrs. Hunsinger
The special part of the Tony Orlando & Dawn show was that Wednesdays were my worst school day so watching the show was like a reward for getting through the day. I also enjoyed watching them launch their latest singles on the show. You have to remember that Tony Orlando & Dawn were one of the few recording acts NOT to go into TV because of declining hit records or to have their recording career damaged by their show.
Del
1974, We all fell in love with Tony Orlando and Dawn. I was 12 years old and just loved Tony, Telma and Joyce. Those three were so sincere , they made you feel like you were there. My fondest memories as a child, was my Mother walking onto the porch and calling me in saying, "Pamela Rebecca the Tony Orlando and Dawn Show's coming on." I would stop playing with my friends and run home, and sit right in front of the tv. Every one in the family new I was a big fan of Tony Orlando and Dawn. I used to ask my Mom , "Do you think I will ever get to meet them?" She always would say, "Yes baby one day you just might, anything is possible." They were a long way from Florida. I had all their albums and scrapbooks and pictures all over the walls and even the ceiling was full of Tony Orlando and Dawn. I still have all the albums and scrapbook, and all the great stuff from the fan club, like the key chain and pin. Well, 1996 was my year to see Tony Orlando. My wonderful husband surprised me with a trip out to see Tony in Branson, Mo. I showed Tony my keychain from the fan club, he invited us back stage, he is so nice and humble. I just want to let Tony know what a blessing he is to us all. We went out to Branson two more times to see Tony. What a Show!!!! I hope he goes back, Branson is not the same without Tony Orlando. Maybe one day I can meet Telma and Joyce also. Like Mother said, "Anything is possible."
Fan for life, P.R.Cason
The one thing on this earth that will bring a smile to my face.. That of course is Tony Orlando. I fell in love with Tony the first time that I laid eyes on him. My mother also loves Tony and we tease each other about that all the time. We got to see Tony and Dawn at Riverfront Colleseum in Cinci. We were supposed to meet him but he was sick.Even being as sick as he was he never dissapointed anyone. He did a heck of a show. My one true regret in life was never getting to meet Tony. Everytime we made plans to go to Branson something came up. Now my mother is going blind and she wants to see Tony even more. He is forever in our hearts. His smile and charisma is out of this world! Oh yes, I am smiling as I think of Tony. May his brightness and love shine through. Forever in my heart , and my Mothers it will!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DS Webster
BEING DISABLED AS A CHILD WAS VERY HARD. THE STARES, THE TAUNTING, AND ECT. BUT LISTENING TO TONY'S MUSIC AND SINGING ALONG HELPED ME TO FORGET AND GO "UP ON THE ROOF". I AM PARTIALLY BLIND, HAVE BIRTH DEFECTS, WALK WITH A LIMP, AND MY HANDS ARE BIGGER THAN NORMAL. BUT I KNOW SOMEWHERE THERE HAS TO BE ANOTHER GUY LIKE TONY WHO WILL NOT JUDGE ME. WHEN I WAS 11 OR 12 YEARS OLD MY PARENT'S TOOK ME TO SEE HIS SHOW IN LAKE TAHOE AND I STILL WONDER IF TONY REMEMBERS ME. I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT NIGHT. I GOT TO GO ON STAGE WITH HIM AND GOT A KISS ON THE LIPS. HE IS SO AWESOME!! AND I WAS SO THRILLED. I STILL LISTEN TO HIS MUSIC TODAY, AND I WILL ALWAYS BE A FAN.
THANK GOD FOR TONY AND FRIENDS.
KRISSY
Tony is a wonderful entertainer and I love him. Tony is electrifying! He is so talented in making people feel good and happy. He makes me smile, feel very happy and lighthearted, and easily puts emotion lumps in my throat. His charisma flows from him like a huge river when he's on stage. When I've watched Tony perform, I've watched "the best in entertainment!" Also, when I've watched Tony perform, I've watched an honest and real man. I've had the pleasure of talking with Tony briefly while getting a hug from him in the Yellow Ribbon Theatre and I'll never forget it or the wonderful shows I've seen or the wonderful songs I've heard from him. Tony always contributes far more than what is expected--he always give a good show for the money! He is in my book, one of the All Time Greats of Entertainers!
B Briggs
I'll never forget the first time I saw Tony in person. We were living in New Orleans at the time, and Tony was coming to town to speak at a benefit for Cerebral Palsy. I knew he was coming to town, but I knew my mom would tell me no, that I couldn't go. Any, I was thinking about it all day while I was at school, when I got home from school, I went to my room. My mother heard me and told me to come into her sewing room. I asked her what she was doing, she said, "Making you a dress." I wondered what for and then she said that she was going to take me to see Tony. I couldn't believe it. We went and he was so georgous. When he finished speaking, my mom was trying to get me up there to see him, there were a lot people around were he was. Needless to say, I got to see him and he put his hand on mine and I told my mom that I was never going to wash my hand again.
Thank you Tony for the greatest experience of my life.
Susan
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this page. Remember, tributes will be added as they come in, so send yours today!!!