I'm going to shock you with what I'm about to say, so get ready.
Besides Sinatra, Elvis and James Brown, I consider Tony Orlando to be the greatest entertainer of all time.
If you need to read this again, go ahead. I'll wait.
I'm sure you're thinking, "Yeah, I remember Tony Orlando & Dawn's variety show, and he was a pretty good entertainer... but among the best of all time? You're an idiot. No way."
To which I say: "Yes way".
I highly recommend you check out his variety show on DVD if you doubt me. Refresh your memory and see how the man worked the crowd like nobody's business. At the end of each show Tony interacts with the audience, and within minutes everyone is laughing, singing, clapping and just plain happy. You can tell it's unscripted - Tony is there simply to have fun and invites everyone, young and old, to let their guard down and come along for the ride.
In the 1970's, guest stars would come on variety shows usually due to some contractual obligation. You could tell they just wanted to get it over with and get the hell out of there. But not on Tony's watch - he made them have a good time in spite of themselves. You can watch Gleason go from tentative to having a blast in a matter of seconds. Dean Martin had a similar ability to put guests at ease.
Do you see Ted Knight in the image below? Look me in the eyes and tell me he's not having the time of his life.
Need more convincing that guests let their hair down when they came on Tony's show? The woman in the image below is Ruth Buzzi. 'Nuff said.
One special guest I won't show you is Freddie Prinze, because it makes me too sad. You could tell these two were amigos - that there was a real love between them. Knowing that tragedy was just around the corner for Freddie (and Tony who was at his bedside in his final hours), I couldn't enjoy this episode as audiences did when it first aired. Regardless, these two really were consummate entertainers who played off each other brilliantly.
...Hold on. What exactly are you looking at, Telma?
Anyway, I don't mean to shortchange Dawn. They were incredible singers and fit perfectly with Tony (as opposed to say, Pink Lady and Jeff). In fact, I've gushed before about my love and affection for Joyce Vincent Wilson. Orlando was the flamboyant crowd pleaser, Telma Hopkins was sassy (many may remember her from Gimme a Break), and Joyce Vincent Wilson was just quiet and nice. I liked Joyce, and still do. Her peaceful easy attitude, winning smile, and beautiful voice sooth me. The world needs more Joyce.
Well, I could go on and on listing reason after reason Tony Orlando is the greatest. But I think I've made my point. His ability to work a crowd, make them forget themselves and fill them full of joy is a rare gift - one that is in short supply these days. In this cynical age we're tempted to call his variety show cheesy and lame. I call it entertainment at its best.
Besides Sinatra, Elvis and James Brown, I consider Tony Orlando to be the greatest entertainer of all time.
If you need to read this again, go ahead. I'll wait.
I'm sure you're thinking, "Yeah, I remember Tony Orlando & Dawn's variety show, and he was a pretty good entertainer... but among the best of all time? You're an idiot. No way."
To which I say: "Yes way".
I highly recommend you check out his variety show on DVD if you doubt me. Refresh your memory and see how the man worked the crowd like nobody's business. At the end of each show Tony interacts with the audience, and within minutes everyone is laughing, singing, clapping and just plain happy. You can tell it's unscripted - Tony is there simply to have fun and invites everyone, young and old, to let their guard down and come along for the ride.
In the 1970's, guest stars would come on variety shows usually due to some contractual obligation. You could tell they just wanted to get it over with and get the hell out of there. But not on Tony's watch - he made them have a good time in spite of themselves. You can watch Gleason go from tentative to having a blast in a matter of seconds. Dean Martin had a similar ability to put guests at ease.
Do you see Ted Knight in the image below? Look me in the eyes and tell me he's not having the time of his life.
Need more convincing that guests let their hair down when they came on Tony's show? The woman in the image below is Ruth Buzzi. 'Nuff said.
One special guest I won't show you is Freddie Prinze, because it makes me too sad. You could tell these two were amigos - that there was a real love between them. Knowing that tragedy was just around the corner for Freddie (and Tony who was at his bedside in his final hours), I couldn't enjoy this episode as audiences did when it first aired. Regardless, these two really were consummate entertainers who played off each other brilliantly....Hold on. What exactly are you looking at, Telma?
Anyway, I don't mean to shortchange Dawn. They were incredible singers and fit perfectly with Tony (as opposed to say, Pink Lady and Jeff). In fact, I've gushed before about my love and affection for Joyce Vincent Wilson. Orlando was the flamboyant crowd pleaser, Telma Hopkins was sassy (many may remember her from Gimme a Break), and Joyce Vincent Wilson was just quiet and nice. I liked Joyce, and still do. Her peaceful easy attitude, winning smile, and beautiful voice sooth me. The world needs more Joyce.Well, I could go on and on listing reason after reason Tony Orlando is the greatest. But I think I've made my point. His ability to work a crowd, make them forget themselves and fill them full of joy is a rare gift - one that is in short supply these days. In this cynical age we're tempted to call his variety show cheesy and lame. I call it entertainment at its best.
