By Cindy Christy Fertsch
Tony Orlando delivered an unforgettable farewell performance at the Superstar Theater in Resorts Hotel Casino, Atlantic City, on Saturday, March 16. The sold-out show was a testament to the 79-year-old entertainer’s vitality, spanning over two and a half hours of music and memories.
Introduced by Resorts CEO, Mark Giannantonio, Orlando was celebrated for his dedication and contributions to Atlantic City’s entertainment scene.
Performing his three Billboard number one hits, Orlando engaged his audience singing “Knock Three Times,” “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree,” and “He Don’t Love You (Like I Love You).”
Reflecting on his years in the music industry, Orlando shared personal anecdotes and expressed gratitude towards his fans, thanking them for giving him a “dream come true career.”
“You will see more shows and concerts,” said Orlando. “But I guarantee you, you will never see someone on stage that loves and appreciates you more than I do.”
Orlando also highlighted the extraordinary skills of his band, from a 19-year-old bassist performing a beloved Paul Simon song to captivating harp solos and his keyboardist playing hits from Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson to Led Zeppelin, and even Sonny and Cher!
However, the true highlight was Orlando’s passion and spirit. Whether he was encouraging us to remember the contributions of older generations, paying tribute to veterans, or sharing tales from his remarkable career in music, the warmth and affection were palpable, with the audience deeply engaged, returning every ounce of love and attention to his every story and melody.
During a meet and greet following the show, Paige Washington, director of development at Sister Jean’s Kitchen presented Orlando with a photo of himself serving there in Atlantic City many years ago. Tony’s fascination with this photo of him and Sister Jean was a moment to behold. He held it like a treasured artifact and asked what year it was taken. He said Jean was “truly a saint” to no one in particular. In fact he seemed to travel right back in time remembering as he wrote “Sister Jean and me” and signed the photo.
Tony Orlando’s farewell performance in Atlantic City was not just a concert; it was a celebration of a remarkable career, the joy of music, and the enduring bond between an artist and his fans. Atlantic City bids a fond farewell to a legend whose performances and energy have spanned six decades.
