story & photo
by Angela Olsen

Acting Chairman Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum, Mohegan Tribe, Tony Orlando and Maynard Strickland, Tribal Elder

Tony Orland stops for a photo op with Resident reporter, Angela Olsen, after being inducted into the Mohegan Sun Walk of Fame on September 11. Tony is the 21st artist to receive this prestigious award.

Loyal fans were camped-out on September 11 in The Shops Concourse at the Mohegan Sun Casino anxiously awaiting and determined to capture a glimpse of the legendary Tony Orlando.  There were men and women of all ages, clearly die-hard enthusiasts, toting albums from the 1970’s, posters and photos of the guest of honor.  Tony was selected to join the ranks of several elite entertainers with his own star on the Mohegan Sun Walk of Fame in front of the Mohegan Sun Arena.

Acting Chairman Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum, Mohegan Tribal Council, and Maynard Strickland, Tribal Elder, reflected upon once seeing Tony in Las Vegas, joking that he forgot to “knock three times” to get his attention!  The crowd went wild with excitement!  Then, through the sea of devotees, came the legend himself, Tony Orlando.  He quickly became the 21st star, upon whom this prestigious honor was bestowed.

Tony was humbled, and beyond gracious as he accepted his award, and even bent down to the ground to kiss his star on the walk!  Don’t tell the people of Las Vegas, but he ranks The Mohegan Sun, its employees and management as the best!  “Mohegan Sun has been the most beautiful, finest and wonderful place to work in show business!”  A high compliment when one ponders the length of Tony’s career as an entertainer and the number of venues he played over the decades.
Tony Orlando attained ‘superstar status’ after he formed the group Dawn with Thelma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent Wilson.  Fans to this day still love classics such as, “Tie A Yellow Ribbon [Round the Ole Oak Tree]” and of course the celebrated “Knock Three Times!”

Yet, in light of all of this success, Tony took the time to personally address the majority of devotees, giving hugs, posing for photos, signing their memorabilia and sharing sweet words with a small child who suffers from a number of health problems.  It is this loyalty, and respect for one’s dedicated fans, which sustain a celebrity’s star power!

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