Tony Orlando & Dawn – Knock Three Times

Ah, yes, Tony Orlando & Dawn and their infectious pop gem, “Knock Three Times”. This effervescent tune, released in 1970, holds a special place in the hearts of many who came of age during that era. But for those unfamiliar with its backstory, “Knock Three Times” offers a fascinating glimpse into the machinations of the music industry and the surprising ways a hit song can be born.

Let’s rewind a bit. The mastermind behind “Knock Three Times” wasn’t actually Tony Orlando himself, although his charismatic vocals would ultimately become synonymous with the song. Instead, the credit goes to songwriting duo Irwin Levine and L. Russell Brown. They were looking for a group to record a song they’d written called “Candida”. Their initial choice was a relatively unknown act called Dawn, a studio creation featuring session musicians and even some members of the successful group, The Tokens. “Candida” became Dawn’s debut single, but while it garnered some attention, it wasn’t the breakout hit the producers were hoping for.

Enter Tony Orlando. He wasn’t even actively pursuing a singing career at the time. In fact, he had enjoyed some modest success in the early 1960s but had transitioned to working behind the scenes in the music industry. However, the producer of “Candida,” Hank Medress, was familiar with Orlando’s vocal talents and felt his voice could be the missing ingredient for Dawn. Medress convinced Orlando to record a new song with Dawn, a song that Levine and Brown had just penned – “Knock Three Times.”

The song itself is a delightful blend of pop and bubblegum with a playful, almost theatrical, quality. The lyrics paint a picture of a young man yearning for a connection with a special someone. The now-iconic “knock three times” code serves as a secret signal for the object of his affection to meet him in the hallway. It’s a simple premise, but the song’s charm lies in its catchy melody, Orlando’s energetic delivery, and the sweet harmonies provided by the female vocalists of Dawn, Toni Wine and Linda November. (Later, when Dawn became a touring group, they incorporated Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent Wilson as their backing singers).

“Knock Three Times” was an instant sensation. Released in late 1970, it climbed the charts like a rocket, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1971. It sold a staggering six million copies and became Tony Orlando & Dawn’s signature song. The success catapulted the group to superstardom, leading to a string of hits throughout the early 1970s.

But “Knock Three Times” transcended its chart-topping success. It became a cultural touchstone, referenced in movies and television shows, and its playful melody continues to be recognized and enjoyed by generations of listeners. So, the next time you hear that infectious “da da da, dum dum dum” intro, remember the unlikely circumstances that birthed this pop classic and the enduring power of a simple song with a catchy hook and a touch of innocent romance.

Video

Lyrics

“Knock Three Times”