NEW YORK – Tony Orlando, the actor and well-known singer of the 1970s, is the “Grand Marshal of WABC Radio’s 200th anniversary celebration of Greek Independence Day at the station’s new event space ‘Studio 77’ on March 25,” the New York Post reported.

Greek-American John Catsimatidis, the owner of WABC Radio “decided to move the party indoors,” this year since New York’s annual Greek parade was cancelled due to COVID, the Post reported.

“The all-day program will be dedicated to Greece’s cultural impact on America,”

Catsimatidis told the Post.

On-air speakers for the event include Greg Kelly and Larry Kudlow, the Post reported.

Orlando told the Post, “I was born Michael Anthony Orlando [Cassavitis] to Puerto Rican and Greek parents and was raised in New York City.”

He “jokingly calls himself a ‘Greek-a-Rican,’” the Post reported.

“My father, Leo, was born in New York but my grandparents came from Crete. My father was one of the most successful furriers in NYC, and an amazing craftsman,” Orlando told the Post.

Orlando is perhaps best known for his group Tony Orlando and Dawn, and the top-selling hit of 1973, Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree, one of the biggest selling singles of all time.

The entire day will be devoted to cultural programming around the historic 200th anniversary of Greek Independence. Among the scheduled program is an interview between Catsimatidis and Lou Katsos discussing the history of the Greek struggle for independence. Also among those appearing on the program, Ernie Anastos, Nick Gregory, Constantine Maroulis, George Tsougarakis, Nicole Petallides, Chef Maria Loi, and Andy and Mike Manatos.

Orlando also “hosts a Saturday night show for the station,” the Post reported.

More information about WABC Radio’s March 25th celebration is available online: https://wabcradio.com.