Ambassadors of Love Songs
tommy petillo, joined The Duprees in 1978 performing with original members mike arnone, joe santolo, and john salvato. tommy has been the defining lead vocalist of the group’s modern era returning in 2022 to today. With decades of national touring, multiple studio and live albums, and thousands of performances, he has become synonymous with The Duprees’ romantic sound, helping preserve and expand their legacy for new generations. the original members selected him as their lead singer for his dynamic vocals that have embodied the heart, soul and true essence of voice that has carried the tradition of classic and timeless love songs by The Duprees of yesterday and today. Tommy has with great pride continued the legacy of the DUPREES songbook for more than 24 consecutive years of stage performances.
- mark baron - The duprees musical director for more than 30 years, recording 8 cd's for the Duprees. MARK BARON is a Freelance Musician / Composer, Musical director, conductor, keyboardist, bassist and arranger for over 100 legendary artists. including 28 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Mark's musical adventures have taken him through 5 of the 7 continents of the world.
The Duprees have entertained audiences who love their unique and romantic sound for more then 60 years. From thE ORIGINAL groups start in Jersey City New Jersey, they grew quickly to become a sensation all across the country and around the world. for the duprees 2026 performance schedual, merchandise and recordings scroll below.
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Although members have changed throughout the years, the singing group stayed in touch with their east coast roots and dedication to bringing favorite classics in an updated style. The singing group still thrills audiences with their smooth harmonies and romantic sound as they revitalize their top hits for new generations. Their dedication to preserving the sound, sharing it with more people, and spreading appreciation for music everywhere continues with Tommy Petillo, Jimmy Spinelli and Shawn Stevens, who are THE PROUD LEGACY OF the Duprees for more than 43 consecutive years of stage performances.
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Ambassadors of love songs, The Duprees TODAY continue TO perform the Duprees song book of great American standards.
2026 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE April 25th / Proctors Theatre, Schenectady, NY - tickets - 518-346-6204 www.atproctors.org April 26th / Queensborough PAC, Bayside, New York - tickets -718-423-8394 www.ticketor.com/sfentertain May 2nd / Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. Pennsylvania - tickets - 570-826-1100 www.kirbycenter.org May 8th / Nutley, NJ, High School, 'benefit Nutley Educational Foundation / the NHS Music Dept. tickets -973-320-8320 nutleyef.ludus.com June 5th / The SUNNYBROOK BALLROOM, Pottstown, Pa. tickets-484-300-4681 www.souljoels.com June 6th / private event. June 15th / Outside Concert. TBA July 8th / Ocean City, NJ. with the Ocean City Pops Orchestra. Tickets- www.ocnj.us/boxoffice tickets 609-525-9281 July 9th / Outside Concert. TBA October 3RD / Tamarac, Florida. save the date October 11th / Broadway Theater of Pitman. 2pm show - www.thebroadwaytheatre.org October 18th / TBA October 31st to November 7th / SOLD OUT /Malt Shop Cruise, leaves from Port Everglades, Florida November 21st / TBA November 22nd/Surflight Theatre, Beach Haven, NJ. www.surflight.org tickets- 609-492-9477 November 28th / Sellersville Theater, PA save the date December 5TH / Wildwood, NJ, Wildwood Convention Center. save the date December 12th / Carteret Performing Arts Center, Carteret, NJ tickets - http://carteretpac.com/events/sinatras-christmas-birthday-bash/
These are the songs that will never die, the romantic moods and deep meanings that resonate through the hearts and minds of anyone who has ever fallen in love. When the lyrics and melodies of these old songs are brought to life by the smooth vocals and showmanship of Tommy Petillo, Jimmy Spinelli, and Shawn Stevens, no one can resist the emotion that sparks memories and the desire to sing along.
MERCHANDISE & RECORDINGS 20O2-2020
To Place an order for a Cd. Please make your check or money order payable to: DUPREES MUSIC LLC. Send your payment to / Duprees Music LLC, 12 MACKENZIE LANE, OAK RIDGE, NEW JERSEY, 07438 Questions call 973-477-9534 DUPREES LIVE AT THE SANDS VOL-1 / not available DUPREES LIVE AT THE SANDS VOL-2 / $20.00 + $10 for shipping in the USA THE DUPREES GO TO THE MOVIES / $15.00 + $10 for shipping in the USA THE DUPREES TODAY / not available A DUPREES CHRISTMAS / $15.00 + $10 for shipping in the USA AS TIME GOES BY / $15.00 + $10 for shipping in the USA GREAT SONGS OF OUR TIME / not available DUPREES 50TH ANNIVERSARY / $20.00 + $10 for shipping in the USA HAPPY 100TH MR SINATRA / not available
(Click on Cd) To Hear a Song
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FIND MORE MERCHANDISE HERE! Honor the timeless music of The Duprees with our exclusive collection of music & memories. Whether you have been a devoted fan or just discovering their iconic hits you can celebrate the music and tradition with a personalized T-shirt, autographed 8x10 picture. Each piece offers a distinctive way to show your appreciation for the music and tradition of the "AMBASSADORS of LOVE SONGS" THE FABULOUS DUPREES. To Place an Order / Please make your check or money order payable to: DUPREES MUSIC LLC.
Send your payment to / Duprees Music LLC, 12 MACKENZIE LANE, OAK RIDGE, NEW JERSEY, 07438 Questions call 973-477-9534
T-SHIRTS $25 plus $10 for shipping in the USA. or The Duprees AUTOGRAPHED 8x10 Pictures $15.00 plus $5 for shipping
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AUTOGRAPHED T-SHIRTS
AUTOGRAPHED 8X10 PICTURE
66 YEARS OF THE DUPREES - 1961 to 2026
The lead singer who recorded the demo tape for The Duprees that got them signed to Coed Records was Michael Kelly (1964 to 1977) though original member Joey Vann was the group's main voice when they actually hit the charts; Kelly was temporarily out of the group when the demo was made, but they brought Vann back to do the hit recordings. Michael Kelly returned to replace him, who also recorded memorable hits with the Duprees. Mike Kelly formally left the group in 1977 and was replaced by Tommy Petillo in 1978.
In 1980 original member Michael Arnone decided to continue performing in the tradition of the Duprees songbook. Remaining true to his wish we now for the past 45 years have proudly kept these ageless songs in live stage performances for all to enjoy. As always, we recognize, celebrate, and honor the music that captured everyone’s hearts over a half-century ago. Today's Duprees with Tommy Petillo and Jimmy Spinelli have proudly evolved from the original members, Michael Arnone, John Salvato, Joey “Vann” Canzano, Joseph Santollo, Michael Kelly, and Tom Bialoglow. They gave us those memories that will last a lifetime.
So, while we salute and preserve the past, the next generation of Music Historians will document The Duprees continuing musical ride into the future. This collection of recordings reflects that evolution; With newly recorded versions of The Duprees greatest hits and all new songs that showcase the versatility and talent of "The Duprees" today.
We are truly honored to be known as "New Jersey’s Ambassadors of Love Songs" and one of America’s favorite vocal groups. With the help of our musical director Mr. Mark Baron, we will go on recording many more beautiful songs to serenade the greatest fans in the world. The Duprees want to thank you, our great fans. You have honored us with your tremendous support throughout the years and because of you, our journey continues.
In 1980 original member Michael Arnone decided to continue performing in the tradition of the Duprees songbook. Remaining true to his wish we now for the past 45 years have proudly kept these ageless songs in live stage performances for all to enjoy. As always, we recognize, celebrate, and honor the music that captured everyone’s hearts over a half-century ago. Today's Duprees with Tommy Petillo and Jimmy Spinelli have proudly evolved from the original members, Michael Arnone, John Salvato, Joey “Vann” Canzano, Joseph Santollo, Michael Kelly, and Tom Bialoglow. They gave us those memories that will last a lifetime.
So, while we salute and preserve the past, the next generation of Music Historians will document The Duprees continuing musical ride into the future. This collection of recordings reflects that evolution; With newly recorded versions of The Duprees greatest hits and all new songs that showcase the versatility and talent of "The Duprees" today.
We are truly honored to be known as "New Jersey’s Ambassadors of Love Songs" and one of America’s favorite vocal groups. With the help of our musical director Mr. Mark Baron, we will go on recording many more beautiful songs to serenade the greatest fans in the world. The Duprees want to thank you, our great fans. You have honored us with your tremendous support throughout the years and because of you, our journey continues.
Original members 1961 - 1963
lead singer Joey Van Canzano,
Mike Arnone,
John Salvato,
Joe Santolo,
Tom Bialoglow:
1978 -1980
lead singer Tommy Petillo,
Original members
Mike Arnone,
Joe Santolo,
Larry Casanova,
John Salvato:
1984 - 1986
John Salvato's Duprees"
lead singer Tommy Petillo,
Bobby Valli Castelluccio
Vinny Creca.
PARTY 2005
L to R
lead singer Tommy Petillo, Phil Granito, former lead singer Mike Kelly, Tony Testa, Jimmy Spinelli, and seated Mike Arnone.
2024 - Today
"AMBASSADORS OF LOVE SONGS" Today's Duprees.
lead singer Tommy Petillo,
Jimmy Spinelli,
Shawn Stevens.
DUPREES YESTERDAY & TODAY
If Glenn Miller and his Orchestra were backing acts like THE HILLTOPPERS or THE FOUR PREPS in the early '60s on song standards, the results probably would have sounded like the Duprees. This teen quintet from Jersey City, New Jersey, made every ballad sound like an old standard. In 1956, 16-year-old Tommy Bialoglow and 13- year-old Joey Canzano formed a group with three black teens that evolved into the Utopians with Joey (lead), Tom (tenor), Jackie Smith (tenor), and Brian Moran (bass). By 1959 Joey and Tom had formed the Parisians with three members of another vocal group, Joe Santollo (16, tenor), John Salvato (19, tenor), and Mike Arnone (16, baritone). Canzano was soon going by the name of Joey Vann, and the Parisians were becoming proficient at performing standard ballads. The group recorded a demo tape that included "My Own True Love" and "As Time Goes By," with Mike Kelly on lead vocals and in 1962 it was sent to Coed Records. Coed's owners, Marvin Cane and George Paxton, liked their harmonies and signed the group but with now Joey Van Canzano on the lead vocals they never realized the change.
Coed had turned out hits with The Crests and The Riviera’s in the late '50s, and their success with groups was well-known. Cane and Paxton weren't interested in changing this group's musical direction, but they did want the boys to change their name. Trying to keep a French sound, they named themselves after an old black singer named Dupree. Their first single was "You Belong to Me," a warm-sounding version of the Jo Stafford hit from 1952. With its Glenn Miller-styled orchestration it soon breached the Pop charts, hitting number seven the week of September 22nd. One of Joey Canzano's finest performances was on their second single, "My Own True Love" (Tara's theme from Gone with the Wind) in which his voice rivaled that of Jimmy Beaumont of THE SKYLINERS. "True Love" made it to number 13 in the holiday season of 1962. The Duprees generated mediocre chart action until Coed had them record another 1952 gem, the Jonnie James number one hit "Why Don't You Believe Me." It reached number 37, prompting them to dip into Jonnie James’s repertoire yet again. They re-worked her 1953 number four hit "Have You Heard." It got them back on track at number 18 around Christmas 1963 and was their last top 20 single. The group became a quartet following the departure of Tom Bialoglow in the early 1960's.
By mid-1965 the Duprees had moved to Columbia Records and totally changed their style thanks to an Artie Rip-produced tune titled "Around the Corner." Sounding now like JAY AND THE AMERICANS, the Duprees rode ''. Around the Corner" (a cross between THE DRIFTERS' "On Broadway" and the Americans' "Come a Little Bit Closer") to number 91 in the summer of 1965. The group also sounded different because Joey Vann had left before they signed to Columbia and had been replaced by Mike Kelly. (Joey, meanwhile, recorded one solo single called "My Love, My Love," which ironically was Coed's last release before closing down in 1965.) The group recorded four more singles for Columbia through the spring of 1967, but none charted. The best of these were two Jay and the Americans-styled songs, the up tempo "She Waits for Him" and an interesting ballad of "The Exodus Song." In 1968 they signed with Heritage for four singles that placed them somewhere between their old and new sound. By 1970 music had changed so much they thought a new name might give them a fresh start and a chance to change musical directions. Deciding to drop their French name and emphasize their national origin, they renamed themselves the Italian Asphalt and Pavement Company. Their single "Check Yourself" got enough sporadic East Coast play to reach number 97 Pop before disappearing. The last song to be recorded with the group by Mike Kelly was “The Sky's The Limit”. The last recording for the original group was with Jesus Alverez on lead vocals. "Delicious'' on Disco singles charted #3 (1975). In 1978 lead vocalist Mike Kelly and singer Frank Cirel left the Duprees and was replaced by Tommy Petillo on lead vocals, a cousin of Joe Cataldo who sang with the Elgins of Jersey City and friends of Joe Santollo and the Duprees. John Salvato was starting up his "Talent Spectrum" booking agency and only sang on the big show's being replaced by Larry Casanova. The original group members of John Salvato, Mike Arnone, and Joe Santollo last live performance with Tommy Petillo on lead and Larry Casanova vocals was New Years' 1979-80.
With a determination to continue the Duprees songbook in live stage performances Mike Arnone trademarked the Duprees name and kept the group going into the 1980s with leads Johnny Petillo and Richie Rosato, with replacement singers Al Latta, Bob Leszczak, from 1981 to 1983.In mid-1983 John Salvato went on to form his own group with Tommy Petillo on lead, Bobby Valli, and Vinnie Crecca. The group stopped performing in 1986 with a court order issued by the trademark’s owner Mike Arnone & Family. Mike Arnone with Richie Rosato on lead, Phil Granito, Jimmy Spinelli and Tony Testa at the helm, went on to perform as the Duprees for the next 20 Years (1981 to 2021). Richie Rosato left the group in 2001 and was replaced by Tommy Petillo for the third time as the lead singer for the Duprees, still performing to the present-day. Original member Joe Santollo died in 1981, Joey Vann died in 1984, and Mike Arnone died in 2005. Mike Kelly died on August 7, 2012...Tommy Bialoglow left the group in the early 1960's. The Original Duprees (Joey Vann Canzano, Mike Kelly, John Salvato, Tom Bialoglow, Joe Santollo, and Mike Arnone) were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2006.
The tradition and sound that originally made the Duprees such a well-loved and successful group has echoed through time for more than 60 years. Entertaining their fans, Tommy Petillo, Jimmy Spinelli and Shawn Stevens active today clearly show their dedication and passion for the type of music that started on a New Jersey street corner and grew to something both classic and ultimately timeless. The singing group still thrills audiences with their smooth harmonies and romantic sound as they revitalize their top hits for new generations. Their dedication to preserving the sound, sharing it with more people, and spreading appreciation for music everywhere continues.