Tony Orlando & Dawn - Candida Link

: The track was written by Irwin Levine and Toni Wine .

: It was produced by Dave Appell and Hank Medress (of The Tokens) for Bell Records . TONY ORLANDO & DAWN - CANDIDA

In 1970, Tony Orlando was working as a music publishing manager for . When producers Hank Medress and Dave Appell asked him to record "Candida," he initially refused, fearing the session would be a conflict of interest with his employer. He eventually agreed to record the track under the condition that he would not be credited. Consequently, the single was released under the name "Dawn" —a moniker chosen to protect Orlando's corporate job. Song Composition and Success : The track was written by Irwin Levine and Toni Wine

"Candida," released in , was the debut single that launched the career of the American pop group Dawn and sparked the professional comeback of Tony Orlando . The Secret Recording When producers Hank Medress and Dave Appell asked

: The song reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was a #1 hit in five countries, including Spain, Sweden, and Brazil. Legacy

: While Orlando sang lead, the original recording featured background vocals by Toni Wine , Jay Siegel , Sharon Greene , and Linda November . The iconic female backing duo of Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent Wilson joined the group only after the song became a hit to form the official touring trio.