The Duprees are a special guest to our area this weekend, September 30th & October 1st, for the Sons of Italy Olde Time Italian Festival in Wildwood. This phenomenal quartet that is recognized worldwide for their romantic music melodies have been performing at festivals like this one for many years. The Sons of Italy Festival has always been one of their favorites because they have grown to know all of the members quite well, such as Joey M. owner of La Piazza Cucina Italiana Restaurant.
The Duprees perform at approximately 100 concerts a year some of which are held at local venues, such as at the Wildwood Convention Center and Music Pier in Ocean City. This group has also played at nearby locations, including Six Flags Great Adventure, Hershey Park and at almost every casino in Atlantic City.
Formerly from Jersey City, this well accomplished group began in 1960 when George Paxton, the president of CoEd Records, discovered them. Their debut performance of Jo Stafford’s 1950s ballad “You Belong To Me” with their own musical twist became an instant hit and bestseller!
The original vocal group was comprised of their main singer, Joey Canzone as well as John Salvato, Michael Arnone and Joey Santollo. Their current four piece group, have direct ties to their predecessors, Lead Singer Tom Petillo, First Tenor Phil Granito, Jimmy Spinelli who is their Second Tenor and Tony Testa who is their Emcee and Baritone. Between their passion, heart and soul for their music and their charisma and immense amount of energy, they simply can’t be topped!
According to Tony Testa, “[Their] unique harmony has been a main ingredient to [their] success!” Another key to their triumph is that they have the most incredibly loyal fans that follow them worldwide. Each and every show is based on a distinct crowd so that each member of the audience feels “personally entertained.” What can be better than that?
The Duprees feel blessed to still be together and to have the opportunity to continually make music that everyone has loved throughout the years. In 2012, they will be celebrating their 50th anniversary of their first big hit. They have been with their current members for over 25 years! They will be hosting a very special event in June 2012 to celebrate this achievement, an Anniversary Cruise to Bermuda!
Performing hit songs like “Gone With The Wind” and “Take Me As I Am,” The Duprees songs are romantic, beautiful, and classics that anyone can sing along with. Be sure to check them out this Friday and Saturday at The Olde Time Italian Festival.
For more information or for a full entertainment schedule check out The Duprees at www.duprees.com
