The Original_DUPREES_1961 to 1978 _Medley of songs and pictures
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
- #theduprees #tommypetillo #doowopmusic #doowop40s50s60s
Unfortunately, not enough has been written about The Duprees, but their musical contribution to Rock 'N' Roll history is reflected in their songs and their unique style. While many vocal groups performed standards from the '40s and '50s, only The Duprees could pull them off the way they did and were one of the first to do so. In their early years, they were able to impressively blend the best from the sounds of the Swing Era, with the distinctive soul and infectious beat of the groups identified with rock and roll. In all they would register nine Top 100 entries nationally. In their home state of New Jersey, and also in New York, the Duprees were phenomenally popular, with virtually all of their records making the Top 10. In 1958, Joey Canzano and Tom Bialoglow founded The Utopians with Brian Moran and Jackie Smith. They had achieved local popularity in the Jersey City area. About the same time, a quintet by the name of The Elgins was also gaining local popularity in the same area. The group was made up of Joe Santollo, Mike Arnone, Gus Salerno, Joe Cataldo and Mike Amato, all friends from Dickinson High School in Jersey City. When the group disbanded around 1960, Joe Santollo and Mike Arnone got together with another friend, John Salvato of The Panics, and decided to form another group. They approached Joey Canzano and persuaded him to join them, bringing Tom Bialoglow, his longtime friend, with him. This completed the lineup, and they called themselves The Parisiens. They chose The Parisiens simply because they liked the French sounding name. Over the next two years they practiced at each other's houses in their hometown of Jersey City, New Jersey and played gigs at local hops. They made many demos and went through the hands of several managers. The demos included songs like "My Own True Love", "September in The Rain", "As Time Goes By", "Because" and "Voices Are Calling". The first three were later re-recorded and released on Coed. During this time, Joey Canzano was temporarily replaced by Mike Kelly of the Vocal Teens, a name the group would see again a few years later. They were discovered by George Paxton and Marvin Cane, president and owner of Coed Records respectively, who heard their demo tapes in the spring of 1962. George Paxton didn't like the name The Parisiens, so the group agreed to change it and chose another with a French connotation, The Duprees, (The group suggested the name. They had briefly met a local singer who went by the name of "Dupree"). Paxton and Fred Weismantel, A&R manager and arranger for Coed Records, collaborated to give the group a unique and unusually high polished sound. The group would still utilize their distinctive vocal harmonies but would use Glenn Miller-style arrangements employing a big band, clarinets and saxophones (obviously influenced by Paxton's early years of being a former big band leader).
Their first release in June of that year was the unforgettable and most widely known "YOU BELONG TO ME". The Duprees entered it in a radio show contest hosted by Murray-The-K in New York. The boys gathered in Joe Santollo's basement, where they often rehearsed, as they listened to their entry play on the radio with speakers outside the windows and neighbors listening. Hand-in-hand in a circle, they heard their name announced as the winners with screams of excitement throughout the house and neighborhood immediately following. With this contest win, they became a personal favorite of Murry-The-K and gave them the exposure they needed. The song became an instant success, rising to the Top 10 on the Billboard charts during September, reaching #7, and brought them instant recognition on the pop music scene. visit www.duprees.com for more info.
please visit my UA-cam Channel-www.youtube.co....
As a foot note I would like to add the names in chronological order lead singers and vocalists who have filled in, work with (for a short time) or replaced members in the past 40 years as best as I remember. Mike Kelly (lead-1964 to 1979) … Larry Casanova_ (vocalist-mid 1970’s to 1979) …Tom Petillo_(lead_1978 to 1979 then with (Salvatos Duprees) 1983 to 1986_ then with (Arnone Duprees) (2001 to present) …. Phil Granito (early 1980's to present) ...Tony Testa early 1980's to present) ...Jimmy Spinelli (mid 1980's to present) ...Allan Ladda_(vocalist-early 1980’s)…..Richie Rosatto_(lead-1981 to 2001) … Larry Caton_(vocalist-early …. Mike Shavo_(lead-early 1980’s) …. Bobby Valli_(vocalist-early 1980’s) …. Vinny Crecca (vocalist-early 1980’s) ….Tom Biaglow_ (vocalist-1980’s) Anthony Cagiano_ (lead-2000-2001) …Johnny Rand_(lead-2003) …
/ @tommypetillo
TOMMY I grew up in Jersey City and remember the Duprees well. Remember the songs on the Juke box being played at the snack bar at the CYO on Bergan Ave. Great memories
Hi: top shelf you.guys. keep on keeping on. Phil thanks for son's of saint Rocco. CD. I go back with the groups beginning . I am a Jersey ..never.miss.your concerts in north Jersey, thanks for the memories, Bobby sirianni. ..... .god bless
I was a baby in 63 but I feel like this is my music.So beautiful and moving.The Duprees were the best smooth sound.Grew up listening to mom and dads 50s and 60s and Italian music.It's in my ❤.
Hi dear how are you doing over there ?
Tony is and has always been the greatest hands down just the best!!!
Greatest group EVER !! Why Don't you believe Me - My favorite .
Oh how I adore the Duprees. You Belong to Me, My Own True Love, Have You Heard, Why Don't You Believe me. Velvet voices. I could listen to them forever and ever. Give me the oldies any day. Music today is awful..
The gold standard of 1950s music.
I Grew up in Mercer County in New Jersey.... We had the Best Groups and Singers when I was Growing up...1943 to 1960. .my favorites...The Duprees...Johnny Meastro,
Dion and The Belmonts
Love the original Duprees!!!
hristine Riehman
your right
They sang in my brother in laws club in Pal.Pk. " The Sundown" .. saw them live there before they were so famous. Joey Vann was the best lead singer they ever had His voice was powerful and crystal clear. Terrible loss.
Mijn liefste schat, ik ben zo blij met deze soort liedjes WR
They were the best
Thanks Tommy for putting together all the old photos & songs of the Original Dupree's. great job.
Tommy. I could listen to and watch you perform all day and night! I appreciate your awesome voice! I think you are so humble! Takes me back to a much better time in the 50’s 60's when music was so fantastic .
I know many of these songs were sung by different artists , but I just fell in love with the way the Duprees made it their own . Great group and great music
Every hit was sung by Joey Vann.
He was the Duprees !!!
He was the true voice of the group.
Totally agree. Anyone who ever heard joey in person never forgets his magical voice. I was one of the lucky ones.
I wish…oh how I wish ….they’d come to MA…..I absolutely ADORE them and LOVE their music!!!
I worked as a stage hand and any job I could get just to be around singers like the Duprees I was 17 now iam 68 still love the oldies. The Ritz is a great place for me.
Hi dear how are you over there ?
@@ernestwelon781 over where ?????
One of my big favorites.
I was in the usmc in 1962 till 1966 they kept me going harold
Pure class!
Hi Mary how are you doing over there ?
When I listen to them, I get emotional reminds me of my first GF, 1959, all the great Groups from that time Duprees were at the top of those great groups...Florida is where I have been since 1960
I have vivid recollections of the group from my time in high school. Few groups of that era still have the "original equipment" singers and musicians. We only hope and pray people with similar talent will keep the greatness of this group for us to enjoy.
One of my favorites!
Had Joey Vann, from the orig. Duprees sing in my club in sayreville,NJ in 1982..was a great nite, Joey sang well
Tommy Pettillo and Johnny Maestro voices from heaven❤️
Fantastic. Been listening since 1962, as a Jersey City kid. Love you , Duprees.
WHAT MEMORIES ,THE BEST OF MUSIC ! THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES !!
WOW THESE GUYS GREAT....THEIR VOICES. CONTINUE...AFTER ALL THESE YEARS AND THEY STILL ENTERTAIN...GOD BLESS YOU...KEEP ON SINGING BEAUTIFUL MUSIC...GOD BLESS.....AMEN
Hi dear Carol how are you doing over there?
ERNEST, DOING GREAT...STILL LISTENING TO THE DUPREES........
@@caroldadian5556 that good of you, so tell me we're are you from ?
@@caroldadian5556 ????
Wow ! That sounds like the REAL Duprees !!
just beautiful
Thanks a lot Tommy Babes, An thank Goodness fa DOO-WOP!!!! DUPREES are GREAT!!!!...Be good kid...🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🐘🐼🐬🐕🐳🐊🐅🐄🐖
Your belong to me ,my hubbies favorite song ,wish he was here to enjoy it ,slow dancing with me xoxoxoxo
THE DUPREES TODAY have a 39 year lineage of stage performances and in every show still pay homage to the original guys who started it all back in 1961, Mike Arnone, Joe Santollo, Joey Van, John Salvato, Tom Bialoglo, and Mike Kelly. Little has been written about the original Duprees before the internet but much has been discussed by people who either have an agenda, a favorite lead singer or just by people who think they know the facts or try to lay claim to its membership. Many people have come up to me and asked do you know this guy or that guy who claims to be the original lead singer or former member and it goes on and on and on. So for this reason I would like to go on record publicly. All though I knew the entire original member's except Tommy B. who left the group in the early 1960's. I cannot talk about the early days of the Original Duprees as I came into the group in 1978 through my cousin Joe Cataldo who at that time had a long association with the guys as a member of The Elgins who's members later co-founded The Duprees. Then later as stage manager for The Duprees from the early days on into the 1970's when my cousin first introduced me to the group as a fan. I received a telegram from John Salvato in 1978 asking me to audition for the lead spot that began a life long association with The Duprees.
As popular music was changing in all directions at that time, for various reasons mainly disco, performing only 25 jobs that year with Joe Santollo, Mike Arnone, John Salvato, Larry Casanova and myself on lead. Up to that point there were only three lead singers for the group, Joey Van, Mike Kelly and myself Tommy Petillo. Starting in 1980 for a short time in the scope of things, there were two separate Duprees groups performing at the same time. There was the Mike Arnone group with lead singer Richie Rosato and also John Salvato’s Duprees with myself on lead for the 2nd time. Richie Rosato who came into the Duprees in 1980 left the group in 2001 to be replaced by Me Tommy Petillo for a third time as lead for the Duprees. Around 1989 Mike Arnone won the rights to the name and that is the group that is performing today for the past 38 years. The Mike Arnone family holds the Trade Mark with Tony Testa who is the caretaker and leader of the Duprees. Along with their unique sound and outstanding vocal harmonies, The Duprees today play to sold out shows where ever they perform with a showmanship that is individually and collectively, second to none. Thousands of fans around the globe are captivated with their wonderful mixture of romance, energy, and fun. When The Duprees take the stage, be prepared to be thoroughly entertained. Tommy Petillo.
.
The Duprees have recorded 8 cd’s in the past 15 years:
1. Happy 100th Mr Sinatra.
2. 50th Anniversary Album.
3. Great Songs Of Our Time.
4. As Time Goes By.
5. A Duprees Christmas.
6. The Duprees Go To The Movies.
7. The Duprees Live At The Sands vol-1
8. The Duprees Live At The Sands vol-2
For more info visit-www.duprees.com
As a foot note; I would like to add the names in chronological order lead singers and vocalists who have filled in, work with (for a short time) or replaced members in the past 50 years as best as I remember. Joey Van Canzano_ (1961 - 1964); Mike Kelly_ (lead-1964 to 1979); Jezus Alverez_(lead voice recorded mid-1970's) "Delicious". Larry Casanova_(vocalist-mid 1970’s to 1979); Frank Cirell_ (early 1970's lead); Tom Petillo_(lead_1978 to 1979 then with Salvatos Duprees (1983 to 1986) then with Arnone Duprees (2001 to present); Phil Granito_ (early 1980's to present); Tony Testa (guitar early 1960's vocalist 1980's to present);
Jimmy Spinelli- (mid 1980's to present); Allan Ladda-(vocalist-early 1980’s); Richie Rosatto_(lead-1981 to 2001); Larry Caton_(vocalist-early 1980); Mike Shavo_(lead-early 1980’s); Bobby Valli_(vocalist-early 1980’s); Vinny Crecca_ (vocalist-early 1980’s); Tom Biaglow_ (vocalist-1980’s) Anthony Cagiano_ (lead-2000-2001);
Johnny Rand_(lead fill-in-2003):
Please visit my Google + channel
plus.google.com/u/0/+TommyPetillo
Hey Tom you are great too. I love the Duprees. I also like Richie too. All of the DUPREES are Great. They all have the main thing HARMONY! When will you guys be back at Berkeley Township, NJ?
tommy petillo l
tommy petillo I saw Tommy and rest of the Deuprees at Foxwoods a few years ago they’re fantastic with No just respect to the original members
Curious who sang lead on My Own True Love, Joey Canzano or Mike Kelly? Please reply if you know. Thanks...
(I think that's one of the best leads in any song, ever.)
@@lindadee2053 I think it was joey vann.
Thanks for putting this up.
Joey Vann was The voice of the Duprees
Was and will always be but, do not forget Mike Kelly...
Are there any videos of the original Dupree's with Joey Vann singing lead?? There is the one of the group singing "you belong to me" with Mike Kelly lip synching.. I cannot find anything else.
Kathleen Sciacca None that we no of as he left the group very early.
That is too bad. But I must tell you that I posted your video of "Have you Heard" to two Facebook groups: You must have lived in Ridgewood if you remember…. Members love it - including me. It received lots of likes and comments. That is how the Joey Vann discussion emerged. People knew the original group - I thought the lead sitting on a stool (Dick Clark Show?) singing "you belong to me was the original group (the recording group). and then discovered that that was a lip synch by Mike Kelly who replaced Joey Vann. The closest I could get was the original group with Joey Vann singing you belong to me, no video, just photos. I did
not know who Joey Vann was back then so I couldn't pick him out.
But then I found an interview with him on the Joe Franklin show and even though he was a lot older, I can begin to guess which one he is in the photos.
tomi, I hope you can understand some people's sympathy for gifted but apparently troubled people. Though Joey Vann appears to have been troubled, he was clearly gifted.
Wonderful music
It's so nice to hear the voice of the original lead singer of the Duprees Joey Vann Canzano. Thank you for posting this Tommy and thank you for keeping the music alive all these years.
Thanks for posting.I bought the original in 1966 Duprees greatest hits album in 1966 when I was in the Air Force and still play it often.To me the Duprees and Skyliners were the best groups of this era !!!!
Class act, great songs, lovely vocals.
would love to have you guys at my 50th high school reunion. Just daydreaming I guess
Thank you Tommy for this wonderful presentation......brought back a million fond memories.......back when the music was so enjoyable.......
Lucky If U heard them LIVE
Awesome post....loved all 15:29 seconds of it.....Now this is Music......It will Never die....
as long as YOU keep it alive ......Enjoyed so...........You are Terrific.....
Marilyn
amazing............ EVEN THE THEME SONG OF "EXODUS"... 18 years etc. that live in my mind almost every day...I hear a song and its in my head and heart for several days.
#TommyPetillo....Just to note, this is a personal tribute to the Original Duprees who I was a fan of and had the great opportunity to sing with. It is in no way an attempt to miss lead or lay claim to participating in the original recordings.
thanks tomi...I'm a fan of yours also
Joe Cholik Thank you Joe for the kind words, all the best to you. T
Tommy Petillo
@@TommyPetillo Bravù pe tutti e pe me veramente in lu mio core una bella cosa
Thank's again!!
You're doing a great job continuing this legacy of music. Best of success.
my pal joey santollo, met him near storms ave jersey city,nj use to blow some songs together, him and my brother joe free.we use to all go to pipis restaurant,an many times i saw , chubby canzano ala joey vann. great times in the early sixties.
in fact a few of the duprees also lived on storms ave.jc.nj
I fell in love with Joey back in the 60's and spoke to him at one point or another, in fact without success trying to get in touch with him through his album affiliated organizations.
عسووووووله اختى أحسنتي النشر بالتوفيق
8-9-14 --I REMEMBER THE "DUPREES" SINGERS -
YEARS & YEARS & YEARS AGO!
SO ROMANTIC & WONDERFUL TO LISTEN TO THESE LOVE SONGS :O
Fantastic music!
The Duprees were an outstanding group. Between their beautiful harmonies, sweet & strong lead and their perfection in timing, everything they sang would touch my heart. I loved the Duprees. And still do. Thanks so much for this great medley of their wonderful talent. (Sha la dip dip dip).
Hi Tommy,
I remember playing my record album (until it wore out) of the original group. Love listening to their songs and remember going to the dances in 1962 and unfortunately my album was put up at a yard sale which I later found out. Never been to any of your shows and would love to just once before I leave this world. I live in Princeton NJ but originally hale from NE Philly.
Julie Beck
The Duprees: in a class by themselves in any configuration. Played the Coed 45s into the ground.
Super group! Very professional with horns too!
Opened for this fantastic group of many venues.
Vinny
The Past Tells
Opened for the Duprees on several oldies venues. Extremely professional group with horn backup.
Vinny
The Past Tells
thank you so much for the great memories
I adore the Durpess. They have never made a poor song. love then all. I share this site with Shelly................but this is me MMP
Tommy, almost everyone that pays attention knows what really happened and I know I enjoy your renditions of the fabulous songs made famous by the original Duprees. They were great, and you guys are too. I've seen the originals back in the day and I've caught your act in Lancaster PA and in Fort Pierce FL. FANTASTIC!! Keep singing Tommy. Although I know there are some that think differently, I thank you for keeping their music alive. It's simply amazing.
Hi, Tommy, we live in a 55+ community in Port St. Lucie, Fl. Sure wish you'd all perform in our theater. A dream come true. We live in the Savanna Club, great place
This is amazing
.thanks so much for doing this.I love/loved this group.They are a part of my grade school and high school music. I can only relate to Joey as lead and the original group but so happy you have kept this name and their music alive..hope to see you in Chicago.
Tommy, thx for posting this video..I absolutely love this music..takes me back so many years !!
I'am a hard rock guy, but I always thought the Duprees were great. I still have their first 2 albums!
Thanks for the great music. I became a Duprees fan watching YOU guys perform on PBS (WOW). It was clear to me that you weren't laying claim at all to being the original guys but what a tribute to that group to have you sing their songs. many thanks!
Tommy, what is it going to take to get people that deserve to be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in? One name that represents everyone that deserves to be, Johnny Maestro!! Please help!!
You are the best man, love the Duprees, and Tommy you the best lead vocalist ever!
Thank you sir. All the best to you. T
thanks for the memories Tommy......had a great time with you guys on a Ralph Nader Cruise not too long ago.....with my friends Kenny Vance and the Geator......my wife still 'worshiping' the pic she took with you all behind the scenes.....Keep On Rockin'....pauliesax
I am really looking forward to seeing them live tomorrow night. Some of the best music from a magical generation that I wished I would have been a part of
one of the great artist groups who performed to the enjoyment of so many fans; thanks Tommy #TommyPetillo for putting this video together and bringing us little tidbits of all our favorites, I'm also a great fan of yours
With out a doubt
It still seems remarkable that the Duprees first came to fame at a time when the DooWop sound was just beginning to fade. Had they been in the vanguard a couple of years earlier they probably would even now be seen as the big rivals of the Crests and the Skyliners. Some of their best recordings got lost by 1964 when other musical waves were in vogue (Beach music, and British bands). That is too bad in so many ways.
The Duprees were around in 1961, they were a Favorite of mine since they first came out! You Belong to me 1962 is still a Favorite! They didn't need to be in competition with anyone, They were just Beautiful!
What a great group the original Duprees were! Like most of us, I knew only the great Coed hits of the early '60s. But, as I discovered, these guys never made a bad record. Their unique mix of Jersey street corner doo-wop-meets-classic Glenn Miller-style orchestra was their own and nobody else's. Their proud Jersey City-Italian heritage was always there, especially in the Joey "Vann" Canzano years when they had the huge hits. Joey was right up there with guys like Johnny Maestro, Vito Picone (pride of Staten Island- didn't he book shows with all the old doo-wop acts down there?), maybe even Dion. The hit standards were, and are, wonderful- they introduced '60s kids to some of the great pop/big-band songs and sounds their folks loved.
One of my favorites from this period is "(It's No) Sin", the great Four Aces (and others) hit of '51. Except for their Philly accent, their harmony is just like what the Duprees did. Would have been a huge hit a year earlier, but buried by the British Invasion like so many songs of '64-'65.
Until just now, I'd never heard any Duprees records post-Coed. Their Columbia singles are terrific. Mike Kelly was fantastic! Not many harmony groups had a lead baritone, but this guy had one of the smoothest, warmest lead voices I've ever heard. I can see why he was up front for 15 years. Good-looking, too! Interesting songs as well- "Be My Love"? "Exodus"? Didn't have a clue. "These Foolish Things"? One of the greatest standards of them all (it's an English song, too). The snippet here sounded really beautiful. Bryan Ferry, the lanky British star who founded Roxy Music, loves songs like this and had a hit in the UK with that song in the '70s, but his falsetto-style voice is an acquired taste. It sounds like Mike did it perfectly- I'll look it up.
It's sad that Joey Canzano and Joe Santollo died so young, and both Mikes are gone too as I see, but the Duprees should be as legendary and well-loved as any group with doo-wop roots ever. Never a bad front man, never bad harmonies, never ragged and still going strong.
I saw the current edition of the Duprees (don't remember who was on lead, but it wasn't Richie)
on a PBS doo-wop special a couple of years back and they were great. They did all the Coed hits, a few standards and more. Great to know that this fabulous group is still around and keeps one of the greatest sounds of all- doo-wop, with a Great American Songbook twist-
alive and kicking. Thanks for this wonderful tribute!
BTW- I once read about a Jersey DJ who used to say, on the air and at live events, "Doo-wop's the real Jersey sound and I keep it alive! Who needs that crappy English stuff?" The Duprees were, and are, proof that he just might be right (huge apologies to Springsteen, Southside and the "Downashore" sound!).
You’re a Top man “Tommy “, Great voice . The Dupree’s have from the start to present day have always produced such a great sound....Just keep doing what you’re best at, “Entertaining Us”....
This medley represents the original sound of the Duprees that played on our jukeboxes in Harrison, NJ (late 60s to the mid 70s) ... we sneaked in to grab an underage beer and get plastered and sing group harmony ... what a great group.
Saw the show last night in The Villages, FL. It was "fabulous"!!! So good to hear all the old harmonies again. And, so much energy from these guys! Love hearing all those old love songs again whether it be from the originals or this wonderful group.
great great song
The Duprees have recorded 8 cd’s in the past 15 years:
1. Happy 100th Mr Sinatra
2. 50th Anniversary Album
3. Great Songs Of Our Time
4. As Time Goes By
5. A Duprees Christmas
6. The Duprees Go To The Movies
7. The Duprees Live At The Sands vol-1
8. The Duprees Live At The Sands vol-2
For more info visit-www.duprees.com
As a foot note; I would like to add the names in chronological order lead singers and vocalists who have filled in, work with (for a short time) or replaced members in the past 50 years as best as I remember. Joey Van Canzano_ (1961 - 1964); Mike Kelly_ (lead-1964 to 1979); Larry Casanova_(vocalist-mid 1970’s to 1979); Frank Cirell_ (early 1970's lead); Tom Petillo_(lead_1978 to 1979 then with Salvatos Duprees (1983 to 1986) then with Arnone Duprees (2001 to present); Phil Granito_ (early 1980's to present); Tony Testa (early 1980's to present); Jimmy Spinelli- (mid 1980's to present); Allan Ladda-(vocalist-early 1980’s); Richie Rosatto_(lead-1981 to 2001); Larry Caton_(vocalist-early 1980); Mike Shavo_(lead-early 1980’s); Bobby Valli_(vocalist-early 1980’s); Vinny Crecca_ (vocalist-early 1980’s); Tom Biaglow_ (vocalist-1980’s) Anthony Cagiano_ (lead-2000-2001); Johnny Rand_(lead fill-in-2003):
For more info visit-www.duprees.com
As I remember Mike was a mix as he told me but now I forget as to what.
+Tommy Petillo - Thank You, For the Update, I remember many of this Band's songs, Cheryl is my Name ( Photo is also from my early days ) A San Fernando Valley Girl ( at Heart Still. - Love Costa Mesa - Will try to see The Group when they are in Orange County . Long Live - The Classics !!!
great as ever
Thank-you Mr Petillo --well done !! Wolfsky9
wish the grps/music would travel more south like charlotte, our pop has dbl mostly northerns and we truly love the music. also wish the shows would be recorded so if we can't make the shows we could at least buy the shows at a reasonable price of course!!
Hello. Wonderful song lover very sixties with fotos and voice very good thanks
Like most people growing up as a teenager in the 60's , I loved the Duprees and was also in a few bands . I was amazed that in the early 80's I took my then girlfriend to see the Duprees in at a now long gone night club Woodbridge. I owned a speed shop on Rte35 in Sayreville, that most people think is South Amboy, Grew up in the area and attended Matawan HS and also Raritan HS in Hazlet so I knew a lot of people When they came onstage I looked and told my GF " the lead singer look just like a guy I know " She said "You think you know everyone" I said ''he looks like a guy I went to school with named Richie, I used to hang around with his cousins Richie and Dennis when I was a kid "she blew that off . Then after a few songs he introduced the band by first names ending with "I'm Richie" I said 'WOW they look alike and even have the same name!" after several more songs he reintroduced the group, but adding last names and it turned out he not only looked like Richie Risotto (I forget how to spell his last name and his cousins were named Josney again bad spelling) he was Richie . I spoke to him during a break and he told me they just recorded a new album, but I never saw it for sale anywhere and although I attended many oldies concerts it seemed the guy in the area the most was Johnny Maestro and Jay Black all excellent performers and very missed today.Although my old friend Sammy Boyd produces concerts from time to time in Ocean Grove , I moved way away from central NJ and aside from Lead East, I have not had the pleasure of attending an oldies concert since the 80's so never saw any of them perform again.Unfortunately I know Johnny Maestro died and heard Jay Black died My question is, I see Richie is no longer with the group, what happened? I hope he didn't die also . question 2 are any original members still with the group?BTW I'm sure I know you also from somewhere I just can not put my finger on it but thanks for the history you gave us here John Budzash
+Menot Gonnatellya
Hello John, Richie is alive and well performing with The Inferno's from New Jersey. No originals for many years now. I was the last lead singer to perform with the original Duprees. All the best Tommy Petillo.
Thanks Tommy
I lived in Cliffwood Beach down the street, Saw Johnny at Club Ben'e 3 times also Jay Black early 80s
You guys are the best i always enjoy your music and always will....
Joey van left the group to pursue a solo career very early in the 60's.
Hi Tommy, is it true that Joey had died after pursuing his solo career?
I believe he died in 1984 at 40 years old. That was long after he left the group. You can see him at about 38 years old on a video as a guest on the Joe Franklin show in 1982 right here on youtube.
love them guys
Love all these classics. I've seen your show many ..many times and hope to see you guys many more times to come. Your performances never disappoint. See you soon at an upcoming concert....God Bless.
Your biggest Michigan fan.... Eileen
The were the best
Joe & Madeline Parella
Ei, Petillo! Bom gosto, boa musica, ótimos cantores!!
Parabéns!! Paulo Medeiros, Brasil.
paulo fernando Medeiros Paulo Medeiros, Brasil ...... obrigado pelas amáveis palavras, gostaria de ver o Brasil alguns day.All o melhor para você.
The greats
Luv this!!!
Love it and you do a "FANTASTIC" tribute, hope to see your show in PA this year!!
Thanks for keeping the great music alive!!!
love it
good job Tommy
IT DONT GET NO BETTER THAN THIS,THANK YOU SO MUCH
Awesome!
I dint know you were lead singer in 1979.I learn something every day.
Who sang lead on My Own True Love? I ask because I think it's one of the best, most wonderful leads I've ever heard.
Joey Vann
Hi Dear how are you doing over there ?
mike arnone i remember some. i was about 15 years old.at that time.
Hi Tommy, I feel blessed to have seen your show in Boca Raton, So Fla on March 17 .....my 6th show in a few short years! You were awesome! I feel even more blessed to have been able to go on stage and be serenaded to by you and the rest of the guys to LOVE EYES... Don't ever stop doing what you do !! Looking forward to my 7th show!!
Thanks for posting, Tommy. Saw you with them live at The Warner in Torrington a few years ago and enjoyed the show immensely.
Beautiful, I loved all of the songs, you did.
Wonderful Voice. Your just as good Tommy Petillo.
Saw you guys at Cerritos Arts Center a couple years ago...FABULOUS show. I've been a fan since I was about 12 and I have tell you Tommy...I was smitten when I first saw you on the first "My Music" Special. You are so talented, sexy and drop dead gorgeous, I can't wait for your next visit to So Calif. Thanx gor sharing the history. Stay cool
Hello Robert,
I am most familiar with the comings and goings of members from 1978 into of course present day. A name like Sal Dupree I would have remembered. But do not. All the Best, Tommy P.
Tommy Petillo Hi Tommy, Sal Dupree was born in South Philadelphia and now is a vocal coach in NJ. I interviewed him for an article when the movie Standing Ovation was being produced by Diane Kirman. Although he has the Dupree last name, as far as I know, he never sang with the Duprees, that would have been in his bio. He is a singer in his own right;grew up in an orphanage and is a self-made man.Maria
Tommy - super medley and pics! But for those of us who never saw the original group and lead(s), is there any way you can show who's who on a few of the album cover pics? I can't be the only person who likes to put a name to a face! Much thanks!
THE GREATS
Yeah I couldn't remember Mike Kelley's last name, but with respect to the others, he did have star qualities., I agree. And yes was he gorgeous too!! Sad about his drug thing. He could have gone far.
Hi dear Miriam how are you doing over there?