Tommy ~ Phil		 Biography
Jimmy ~ Tony
       
 

The sound is unmistakable...

The love songs will never die!

 

The Duprees are known the world over for their romantic interpretations of some of the most beautiful love songs ever written. They have made a career out of giving new life to old hits. If you take the Glenn Miller arrangements of the 1940's along with the tunes of Joni James, Frank Sinatra, Jo Stafford, Nat King Cole, (just to name a few) and put them together, you have the sound of The Duprees.

Starting out in the early sixties, in Jersey City, New Jersey, The Duprees were formed by Michael J. Arnone. They were discovered by George Paxton, the president of Coed Records and former big band leader from the 1940's. Impressed with The Duprees' smooth vocal quality, he had them record Jo Stafford's 1950's ballad "You Belong To Me" with Big Band arrangements. It was an instant
national hit and the group's first Million Seller. The unmistakable sound was born and the hits kept rolling: 

1962 You Belong To Me (291 KB "RealAudio") · 1962 My Own True Love (292 KB "RealAudio") · 1963 Gone With The Wind · 1963 Take Me As I Am · 1963 Why Don't You Believe Me (308 KB "RealAudio") · 1963 Have You Heard (293 KB "RealAudio") · 1963 Love Eyes· 1963 It's No Sin · 1963 The Sand And The Sea · 1964 Where Are You · 1964 It Isn't Fair· 1965 I'm Yours · 1966 Let Them Talk · 1966 Exodus · 1967 I Understand · 1969 Two Different Worlds

 Tragedy struck
with the passing of 3 original members:
Joe Santollo, who died June 4, 1981 
Joey (Canzano) Vann, who died February 28, 1984
Michael J. Arnone, who died October, 2005

Joseph Santollo
It was often said that Joe Santollo, being such a
good friend to all members and a dedicated person, was "the glue that kept the group together for so many years".

July 23, 1943 - June 4, 1981

Joseph Canzano aka Joey Vann,
also known as "Chubby", had quite a unique style.
Joey is the legendary heart, soul and voice of The Duprees.
April 3, 1943 - February 28, 1984

In Remembrance of
Michael J. Arnone
September 1942 - October 2005

With their unique sound and outstanding vocal harmonies, The Duprees are still entertaining audiences in major venues throughout the world; appearing with some of the biggest names in show business. Although there have been changes over the years, the group is still intact and still performing to standing ovations at each performance.

 

1979 photo featuring 
Tommy Petillo

Joe Santollo ~ Larry Cassanova ~ Tommy Petillo ~ Mike Arnone

CLICK HERE

In 2006 
The Duprees were inducted into 
the Vocal Group Hall of Fame


Jersey City honors The Duprees
On August 26, 2007 at the 2007 Summerfest Concert Series in Liberty State Park
  at the Liberty House Restaurant in Jersey City, NJ 
 Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy bestowed on each member of 
The Duprees a Proclamation.
The Proclamation was presented to The Duprees by
Cliff Perkins, Bobby J, and a member of the Jersey City Council.
To view the Proclamation please click on each name
Tommy Petillo
Phil Granito
Jimmy Spinelli
Tony Testa

Wildwood Proclamation

 The City of Wildwood, NJ proclaimed 
Sunday, December 4, 2005 as
"The Duprees' Day"

 Birthdays
Tommy November 8
Phil December 15
Jimmy July 17
Tony September 8

   The Duprees' Musical Director  

     
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