The Duprees have entertained audiences who love their unique and romantic sound for more than six decades. 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.
Joey Van Canzano was the lead singer in the early years of the 1960’s when The Duprees, with repeated hits of reimagined oldies from the big band era, hit the charts with more than 15 charted recordings.
Joey Van left the group to pursue a solo career to be replaced by Mike Kelly in the late 1960’s to turn in a more "pop" direction they released an album under the name "The Italian Asphalt & Pavement Company" and charted with lead singer Mike Kelly with one song reaching #97 "Check Yourself". Then again with a great performance by Mike Kelly on "The Sky's The Limit".
By the late 1970’s the group was finding it hard to get a record contract and music companies went off in many other directions as the British invasion, Motown and Disco became mainstream.
In 1978 lead vocalist Mike Kelly left the Duprees and was replaced by Tommy Petillo on lead vocals and the group continued to perform throughout the tri state area. The last of the original group's performances with members John Salvato, Mike Arnone, and Joe Santollo's with Larry Casanova on vocals and Tommy Petillo on lead was New Years' 1979-80.
In the mid 1980’s John Salvato formed his own Duprees group with Tommy Petillo on lead vocals for a second time.
Mike Arnone never stopped and continued to perform with his own group with Richie Rosato on lead vocals from 1982 until 2002 to be replaced by Tommy Petillo for a third time for The Duprees..
Tommy Petillo and The Duprees with Phil Granito and Jimmy Spinelli continue to perform today in the tradition and sound that originally made The Duprees such a well-loved and successful group. The romantic moods and deep meanings resonate in the lyrics by the smooth lead vocals of Tommy Petillo in the true essence of what has always been the heart, soul and voice of the Duprees. The Duprees classic songs will never die recording 10 cd's from 2001 to date.