The group was founded in the early 1960s in Jersey City, New Jersey by Michael Arnone, Joe Santollo, John Salvato, Tom Biagelow, 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 band had more top 40 hits in the next couple of 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 band became known for mixing doowop vocals with big band arrangements. Tom Biagelow 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.The Duprees became unfashionable after the Beatles spearheaded the British Invasion in 1964 although they continued to record, turning in a more "pop" direction, and reached the Top 100 as late as 1975. The band still performs today on the oldies circuit, but with no original members. Joey Vann and Joe Santollo died in 1981, and Mike Arnone in 2005.
Note To Fans: As you may know or not, this is not the real Duprees. This profile was made by a 17 year old boy. This profile that I made are for the fans of The Duprees.
