#1 This Week In 1971

In 1971 Knock Three Times was the first #1 single for Dawn, topping the chart for three weeks after the #3 success with their debut single in 1970, Candida. Comprised of Tony Orlando, Telma Hopkins, and Joyce Vincent Wilson, the group's name later morphed to Dawn Featuring Tony Orlando and finally, Tony Orlando And Dawn. Hopkins and Wilson didn't actually sing on Knock Three Times, having only been hired to tour the record with Tony Orlando after it had become a hit. The group had a total of 14 top 40 singles, including two more #1's: 1973's Tie A Yellow Ribbon and 1975's He Don't Love You (Like I Love You).

TRIVIA: The Tony Orlando And Dawn Show ran for two seasons on CBS beginning in 1974 when it replaced the Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour. Telma Hopkins went on to a successful career in sitcoms with lengthy runs in many shows including Family Matters and Gimme A Break. Joyce Vincent Wilson has recently been touring with FLOS, Former Ladies Of the Supremes, of which she is not one.

COOL TRIVIA: Telma Hopkins is the woman who shouts "Shut your mouth!" in Isacc Hayes' Theme From Shaft. Well, I can dig it.