[sammyg2]

What, you don't get wiki in your part of orange?
And I think it's do-wop, not do-wap. Maybe 'cause lots of em were eye-talian?

CareerThe group originated in the early 1960s in Jersey City, New Jersey, and comprised William L. Dickinson High School students Michael Arnone, Joe Santollo, John Salvato, Tom Bialoglow, and lead singer Joe Canzano (Vann). George Paxton, a former big band leader, liked the group's style and signed them to his Coed Records label. Their first single "You Belong to Me" had previously been a success for Jo Stafford in 1952. The Duprees' version was given a big band backing by Paxton and reached the US top ten in 1962.

The group had more top 40 hits during the next few years. "My Own True Love" was a vocal adaptation of "Tara's Theme" from the soundtrack of Gone with the Wind and became the group's second hit. "Have You Heard" and "Why Don't You Believe Me" also reached the Top 40 charts and, like "You Belong to Me," were originally early 1950s female vocal hits (Joni James, in this case). The group became known for mixing doo-wop vocals with big band arrangements. Tom Bialoglow left the group in 1963. Mike Kelly, who had recorded on the group's original demonstrations for George Paxton, replaced Joey Vann as lead vocalist in 1964.

Despite becoming unfashionable after The Beatles spearheaded the so-called "British Invasion" in 1964, the Duprees continued to record, developing a more "pop" style, and scoring the Top 100 as late as 1975. Joe Santollo died in 1981, Joey Vann died in 1984 and Mike Arnone died in 2005. During the late 1960s and early 1970s they released an album under the name "The Italian Asphalt And Paving Co," and had a minor hit with "Check Yourself." Michael Kelly (main singer from 1965–1977) sang with The Chaperones for a brief stint in 2006. Tommy Bialoglow is currently performing with Joe Zisa & Friends "Jersey Tribute", a combination of The Happenings, Joey & The Lexingtons, and of course The Duprees. John Salvato is a booking agent and no longer performs.

On November 6, 2008 the Duprees were officially inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame honoring the original members. Tommy Bialoglow performed and accepted the Harmony Award.

A band calling themselves "The Duprees" perform today featuring current members Tommy Petillo, Jimmy Spinelli, Phil Granito, and Tony Testa.