The Duprees brought a unique charm to early 1960s pop music. Blending doo-wop harmonies with big band-style orchestration, they stood out in an era when music was shifting toward rock and roll. Their romantic ballads—especially their 1962 hit “You Belong to Me”—captured hearts and made them one of the most beloved vocal groups of their time.
Hailing from Jersey City, New Jersey, the Duprees were an Italian-American group formed by high school friends. They recorded hit after hit with Coed Records, giving new life to older standards with their smooth vocals and lush arrangements. Even as music tastes changed, the Duprees persisted—rebuilding, reuniting, and reviving their legacy over several decades.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Group Name | The Duprees |
| Formed | 1960, Jersey City, New Jersey |
| Original Members | Joey Canzano (Joey Vann), Michael Arnone, Joe Santollo, John Salvato, Tom Bialoglow |
| Genres | Doo-wop, Pop, Vocal Harmony, Big-Band |
| Label | Coed Records, Columbia, Heritage |
| Breakout Hit | “You Belong to Me” – #7 US (1962) |
| Other Top Hits | “My Own True Love,” “Why Don’t You Believe Me,” “Have You Heard” |
| Unique Feature | Blended doo-wop vocals with big band arrangements |
| Later Lineup | Tony Testa, Tommy Petillo, Phil Granito, Jimmy Spinelli |
| Years Active | 1960–present |
| Legacy | Known for preserving romantic doo-wop with orchestral elegance; still actively touring |
Beginnings in Jersey City
The Duprees began as a group of teenagers from William L. Dickinson High School in Jersey City. The original lineup included:
-
Joey Canzano (lead vocals, later known as Joey Vann)
-
Michael Arnone
-
Joe Santollo
-
John Salvato
-
Tom Bialoglow
Initially, the group went by names like The Parisians and The Utopians, performing at local events and clubs. They gained attention with their tight harmonies and love for romantic ballads, inspired by the doo-wop and traditional pop standards of the 1950s.
Discovery and Signing with Coed Records
View this post on Instagram
Their big break came when they were discovered by George Paxton, a former big band leader turned music executive. Paxton was co-founder of Coed Records, a New York label that had success with other vocal groups like The Crests and The Rivieras.
Impressed with their sound, Paxton signed The Duprees and gave their recordings a unique flavor. Instead of the stripped-down doo-wop production of their peers, Paxton added lush orchestration and big-band-style arrangements, which perfectly suited the group’s romantic song choices.
“You Belong to Me”: A Classic Revived
The Duprees’ first single for Coed was a bold choice: a cover of Jo Stafford’s 1952 hit “You Belong to Me.” Released in 1962, their version took a classic pop ballad and transformed it into a soaring doo-wop masterpiece.
The track reached:
-
#7 on the Billboard Hot 100
-
Stayed on the charts for 13 weeks
The song’s success gave The Duprees national attention and opened the door for more hits.
Chart Success and Big-Band Doo-Wop
Following their breakthrough, The Duprees released a string of well-received singles that showcased their vocal prowess:
-
“My Own True Love” (1962) – a vocal version of Tara’s Theme from Gone with the Wind
-
Peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Adult Contemporary chart
-
-
“Why Don’t You Believe Me” (1963) – originally a Joni James hit
-
Reached #37 on the pop chart, #10 on the adult contemporary chart
-
-
“Have You Heard” (1963)
-
Hit #18 on the Hot 100, #8 on the Adult Contemporary chart
-
These songs reinforced their signature style: romantic ballads delivered with vocal precision and full orchestral backing.
Their polished sound and nostalgic appeal earned them a devoted fan base, particularly among older listeners who appreciated the group’s reverence for pre-rock pop traditions.
Challenges and Changing Lineups
Despite their initial success, The Duprees were not immune to the rapidly changing music landscape of the mid-1960s. The arrival of the British Invasion, led by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, pushed doo-wop and traditional vocal groups to the sidelines.
In 1963, Tom Bialoglow left the group. The following year, Joey Vann departed. He was replaced by Mike Kelly, whose vocal talents helped sustain the group for another decade.
Even with personnel changes, The Duprees continued to record for labels like Columbia and Heritage, but none of their later singles matched the success of their early Coed hits.
Reinvention and the Italian Asphalt & Paving Co.
In an unusual move, The Duprees once recorded under the alias “The Italian Asphalt and Paving Company.” This name was used for an album of more experimental material, possibly as a way to break free from the expectations tied to their original brand.
The album didn’t chart significantly but remains a curious and rare piece of The Duprees’ discography.
Persistence Through the Decades
While many groups faded completely, The Duprees adapted. In the 1980s, the group split into two separate touring versions. Despite legal battles over the name, the legacy of The Duprees lived on through live performances and nostalgic revivals.
Eventually, a unified group emerged. This version included long-standing member Tony Testa, who had joined as a guitarist in 1964, and vocalists:
-
Phil Granito
-
Jimmy Spinelli
-
Tommy Petillo
They helped reintroduce The Duprees’ music to new audiences through oldies festivals, PBS specials, and casino tours across the United States.
In Memoriam: Remembering the Originals
Over the years, The Duprees have lost many of their original and early members:
-
Joe Santollo – Died in 1981
-
Joey Vann (Canzano) – Passed in 1984
-
Michael Arnone – Died in 2005
-
Mike Kelly – Died in 2012
Despite these losses, their influence remains strong. The remaining members have taken great care to honor the legacy and keep the music alive.
Modern Performances and Legacy
View this post on Instagram
Today, The Duprees continue to perform under the direction of Tony Testa, with the lineup remaining true to the group’s harmonious roots. Their shows still feature:
-
Full orchestral backing
-
Faithful renditions of classic hits
-
Storytelling that connects the audience to their history
Their recordings remain popular on streaming services and oldies stations, and their timeless hits are regularly featured on classic doo-wop and nostalgia playlists.
The Duprees are one of the rare vocal groups to successfully blend doo-wop vocals with big-band elegance, making their sound distinctive and enduring.
Conclusion
The Duprees may have started in the golden age of doo-wop, but their influence has extended well beyond it. With their signature blend of timeless harmony and big-band sophistication, they carved out a niche that few groups could match. Their music continues to captivate fans, old and new, thanks to a devoted touring lineup and a catalog filled with heartfelt, enduring classics.
They represent a nostalgic bridge between the romantic ballads of the 1950s and the vocal pop traditions that followed. More than half a century later, The Duprees still have the power to move hearts—and that’s a true testament to their artistry.