UPDATE: I had the pleasure of being backstage before and after the Tony Orlando show in Northfield, Ohio. Tony, as usual, was very nice. I was met by band member Tracy Cole, who I know and consider a friend, and he gave me and my fiance an All Access Pass. Off we went to the Green Room. He and his brother Kerry (also a friend), chatting for quite some time, and caught up. Kerry was an encyclopedia of music history. Tracy and Kerry could not have been nicer. Tony was there and he recognized me from my days covering the entertainment beat. That was humbling, but it proved to me that Tony is the real deal. He knows his fans and he knows the business.
The show was superb and energetic, to say the least. Right off the bat, he went into the hits that we know so well, from "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" to "Sweet Gypsy Rose.." His shows are always a mix of music, stories and nostalgia. That along with family, He is about family, and friends. The band is highlighted, and deservedly so. The musicianship is quite stunning. Kerry, who had a stroke a few years back, can still bring it. He and Tracy are spotlighted all night. There is even a story about how Tony got a call from none other than "Eric Clapton after he saw Tracy performing "Tears in Heaven" on the MDA Telethon. Oh, by the way, Tony used to sign artists before he became one himself. He noted that, too, and some of them include Blood, Sweat and Tears and Barry Manilow.
He gives the audience everything he's got, and has been for years. If you get the chance, go see him. You will not be disappointed.
BEFORE: I had the pleasure of interviewing Tony when I worked in radio in Sterling, Illinois. That interview (on AM 1240 WSDR) was one of the highlights of my career in media. It truly stuck with me as it was genuine and heartfelt. He cares about people and his audience. It shows in his performances. I have seen him a few times before I moved to Ohio. The Wild Rose Casino in Clinton Iowa, was the first, memorable show. One of his shows at the Wild Rose had me standing and watching with Leon Spinks. I also went to the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin, Illinois. He and the band were playing performing their Christmas show. It was in the lobby of the casino and so darn accessible, it was as if they were in your living room. That night, Tony was ill, but he still showed up and performed. Meanwhile, Sterling, Illinois is the hometown to many of Cole brothers' relatives, who are part of the Lefty brothers Band (Tony's bad). I will be seeing them as well. Kerry and Tracy Cole are superb musicians and having them in Tony's band, is great. I will be reporting on the show and meeting up with Tony and the Cole brothers as well. More later from the recent show in Northfield, Ohio (outside Cleveland)...
The show was superb and energetic, to say the least. Right off the bat, he went into the hits that we know so well, from "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" to "Sweet Gypsy Rose.." His shows are always a mix of music, stories and nostalgia. That along with family, He is about family, and friends. The band is highlighted, and deservedly so. The musicianship is quite stunning. Kerry, who had a stroke a few years back, can still bring it. He and Tracy are spotlighted all night. There is even a story about how Tony got a call from none other than "Eric Clapton after he saw Tracy performing "Tears in Heaven" on the MDA Telethon. Oh, by the way, Tony used to sign artists before he became one himself. He noted that, too, and some of them include Blood, Sweat and Tears and Barry Manilow.
He gives the audience everything he's got, and has been for years. If you get the chance, go see him. You will not be disappointed.
BEFORE: I had the pleasure of interviewing Tony when I worked in radio in Sterling, Illinois. That interview (on AM 1240 WSDR) was one of the highlights of my career in media. It truly stuck with me as it was genuine and heartfelt. He cares about people and his audience. It shows in his performances. I have seen him a few times before I moved to Ohio. The Wild Rose Casino in Clinton Iowa, was the first, memorable show. One of his shows at the Wild Rose had me standing and watching with Leon Spinks. I also went to the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin, Illinois. He and the band were playing performing their Christmas show. It was in the lobby of the casino and so darn accessible, it was as if they were in your living room. That night, Tony was ill, but he still showed up and performed. Meanwhile, Sterling, Illinois is the hometown to many of Cole brothers' relatives, who are part of the Lefty brothers Band (Tony's bad). I will be seeing them as well. Kerry and Tracy Cole are superb musicians and having them in Tony's band, is great. I will be reporting on the show and meeting up with Tony and the Cole brothers as well. More later from the recent show in Northfield, Ohio (outside Cleveland)...
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