The Duprees
was a doo-wop group which had a series of hits during the early 1960s.
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THE DUPREES TICKETS
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Group History
The group was founded in the early 1960s in Jersey City, New Jersey by William L. Dickinson High School students Michael Arnone, Joe Santollo, John Salvato, Tom Bialoglow, and lead singer Joey Canzano (later known as Joey Vann). George Paxton, a former big band leader was impressed by the group's style and signed them to his Coed Records label. Their first single "You Belong to Me" had previously been a hit for Jo Stafford in 1952. The Duprees' version was given a big band backing by Paxton and reached the US top ten in 1962.
The group had more top 40 hits in the next few years. "My Own True Love" was a vocal adaptation of "Tara's Theme" from the soundtrack of Gone with the Wind and became the group's second hit. "Have You Heard" and "Why Don't You Believe Me" also reached the Top 40 charts and, like "You Belong to Me," were originally early '50s female vocal hits (Joni James, in this case). The group became known for mixing doo-wop vocals with big band arrangements. Tom Bialoglow left in 1963. Mike Kelly, who had recorded on the group's original demos for George Paxton, replaced Joey Vann as lead vocalist in 1964.
Despite becoming unfashionable after The Beatles spearheaded the British Invasion in 1964, the Duprees continued to record, turning in a more "pop" direction, and reaching the Top 100 as late as 1975. The Duprees still perform, with the evolved members, at many venues around the country. Joe Santollo died in 1981, Joey Vann died in 1984 and Mike Arnone died in 2005. In the late 60's and early 70's they released an album under the name "The Italian Asphalt And Paving Co.".and had a minor hit called "Check Yourself." Michael Kelly (lead singer from 1965-1977) sang with The Chaperones for a brief stint in 2006. Tommy Bialoglow has his own group called Twilight Time. John Salvato is a booking agent and no longer performs.
Richie Rosado joined the group and sang lead in 1980. He left the group in 2002. Anthony Caggiano, who sang with Joey Vann in Caggiano's group Twilight Time, became the fill-in lead singer after Rosado's departure. Tommy Petillo replaced Caggiano after one month.
The current members of The Duprees consists of Jimmy Spinelli (20 years), Phil Granito (23 years), Tony Testa (21 years), and Tommy Petillo (with the group since 2002 but was lead singer for the Duprees in the late 70s). Tony Testa has attained the legal exclusive rights to use the name since Arnone's passing ensuring the continuation of the music. At each performance, The Duprees acknowledge and pay tribute to the original members
that preceded them. It has been acclaimed as one of the top performing acts in the country.
On November 6, 2008 the Duprees were officially inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame honoring the original members.
Duprees Orchestra members
- Mark Baron, Musical Director, Keyboard
- Bob Marriner, Bass
- Donya Lane, Keyboards
- Gary Weiss, Drums
- Elliot Stern, Tenor/Bari Saxophones
- Marty Bound, Trumpet
- Greg Grispart, Alto/Tenor Saxophones
Discography
- You Belong to Me
1962
- Have You Heard
1963
- Total Recall
1968
- The Duprees Sing
- Christmas with the Duprees
1998
- Live From The Sands vol-1
2003
- Live From The Sands vol-2
2003
- Duprees Go To The Movies
2004
- Merry Christmas From The Duprees
2005
- As Time Goes By
2005
Chart performance
Album Charts
- You Belong to Me
#101 Billboard album charts 1962
Single Charts
All chart listings are according to Billboard
- "My Own True Love" Adult Contemporary chart #13 1962
- "You Belong to Me" Pop Chart #7 1962
- "Gone with the Wind" Pop Chart #89 1963
- "Have You Heard" Pop Chart #18 1963
- "I'd Rather Be Here in Your Arms" Pop Chart #91 1963
- "Why Don't You Believe Me" Pop Chart #37 1963
- "(It's No) Sin" Pop Chart #74 1964
- "Check Yourself" Pop Chart #97 1970
- "Delicious" Disco Singles #3 1975
References