The Duprees
A rock ‘n’ roll vocal group from Jersey City, New Jersey, USA. One of the most pop sounding of the Italian-American groups that were in abundance during the late '50s and early '60s, the Duprees specialized in recording updated versions of old pop hits in a smooth style with a slight rock ‘n’ roll feel. Members were lead vocalist Joseph (Joey Vann) Canzano, Mike Arnone, Tom Bialablow, John Salvato, and Joe Santollo. The Duprees signed with Coed, which with their other acts, notably the Rivieras, revived old pop hits using teenage vocal harmony groups to get them across to the new rock ‘n’ roll audience. The Duprees biggest hit was their 1962 remake of the old Jo Stafford hit, You Belong To Me (number 7 pop). The best of their other seven chart entries were My Own True Love (number 13 pop) (a vocal version of Tara's Theme) and Have You Heard (number 18 pop), a remake of the a decade old Joni James hit. The Duprees last national hit record was in 1965. Recording for Jerry Ross's Heritage/Colossus label complex during 1968/9 the Duprees failed to chart following the same formula of updating old pop hits, such as Bobby Helm's My Special Angel and Don Rondo's Two Different Worlds. The group's last recording was Delicious, a disco song for RCA in 1975. Canzano died 28 February 1984, but remnants of the Duprees have subsequently built a successful career playing the oldies doo-wop circuit in the New York and New Jersey area.