Tony Orlando: "Halfway to Paradise" Quiz

Answer: New York City, NY

Tony Orlando was born Michael Anthony Orlando Cassivitis on April 3, 1944 in New York City, New York. According to Tony, the name Michael was given to him in honor of his paternal grandfather. Orlando was added in honor of his uncle: his mother's brother.

Answer: cerebral palsy

Rhonda was a source of joy and inspiration for Tony. He speaks lovingly about her sweet, beautiful personality and her ability to give unconditional love. Because of her illness, Rhonda was unable to care for herself. Therefore, Tony and other family members shared the responsibility of caring for her. Sadly, Rhonda passed away at the age of 21.

Answer: Don Kirshner

Eventually, Tony would work for or with all four men, but it was Don Kirshner who gave him his 'big break'. Kirshner hired Tony to write songs and to sing demo recordings for himself and for other artists. He earned fifty dollars per week. However, since Tony was only sixteen years old at the time, his mom had to sign his contract!

Answer: Halfway to Paradise

Written by the legendary songwriting team of Carole King and Gerry Goffin, "Halfway to Paradise" was Tony's first Top 40 Pop hit. Though "Bless You" was a bigger hit, Tony believes that most people probably remember him best for "Halfway to Paradise".

By the way, he did record versions of "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" and "Take Good Care of My Baby". Both songs, of course, would go on to be big hits for other artists: the Shirelles and Bobby Vee, respectively.

Answer: Elvis Presley

Tony recalls walking into Don Kirshner's office one day and being given a 'fan letter' which congratulated him on making a great record. The author was Elvis Presley. Tony remembers that his initial reaction was to go looking for the songwriters, Carole King and Gerry Goffin, so that they could share in the joy of the moment.

Answer: True

Tony tells how he loved to sing and listen to doo-wop and soul music. He cherishes memories of hanging out with soul singers such as Little Anthony and Kelly Isley of the Isley Brothers.

Answer: "Candida" and "Knock Three Times"

Tony was given the opportunity to record the lead vocal for the song, "Candida" by a record producer who was unsatisfied with the vocal which was already recorded for the song. Because he had a secure job behind the scenes, Tony was reluctant to record the song. If his bosses found out, he might be fired.

The producer assured him that there was very little chance of that happening. "Candida" became a smash hit. This led to Tony's being presented the opportunity to record the follow-up song: "Knock Three Times", which Tony really didn't like at first. Again, the song was a smash hit. Tony faced a dilemma.

He had to decide whether to stay behind the scenes in his secure position or put together a group and continue on as a recording artist. Of course, Tony chose the latter.

He hired cousins Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent Wilson to be the group, Dawn. The rest, as they say, is history.

Answer: False

Although "Tie A Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Ole Oak Tree" was an important part of the celebration of the return on America's Vietnam Prisoners-of-War in 1973, the song was actually about a man returning home from prison. According to Tony, the song, which was written by Irwin Levine and L. Russell Brown, was about a man returning home to his wife after serving three years on a bad check charge.

Naturally, he was concerned about the type of reception he would receive! By the way, Tony recalls that the song spent over a month in the Number One position on the Pop chart.

It was also one of the most recorded songs of the rock era: "Billboard" magazine lists over 1,000 cover versions. Also, according to Tony, the song won "Song of the Year" at the first ever American Music Awards in 1974, and it won a Grammy as well.

Answer: Shaun Cassidy

In a hilarious chapter, Tony recounts the story of his stay in the rehabilitation facility. His encounter with 'Shaun Cassidy' is a touching but funny story. Having committed himself, Tony was only required to stay in the facility for 72 hours. However, he certainly gives the impression that it was a rough 72 hours!

Answer: Reach high

As the young man demonstrated, when Tony learned to 'reach high', holding his hands straight up into the air, he was able to make it across without falling. Initially, however, it did take Tony three tries to make it all the way across!