The DuPrees's video: The Duprees Today 43 years of stage performances

THE DUPREES TODAY have a 39 year lineage of stage performances and in every show still pay homage to the original guys who started it all back in 1961, Mike Arnone, Joe Santollo, Joey Van, John Salvato, Tom Bialoglo, and Mike Kelly. Little has been written about the original Duprees before the internet but much has been discussed by people who either have an agenda, a favorite lead singer or just by people who think they know the facts or try to lay claim to its membership. Many people have come up to me and asked do you know this guy or that guy who claims to be the original lead singer or former member and it goes on and on and on. So for this reason I would like to go on record publicly. All though I knew the entire original member's except Tommy B. who left the group in the early 1960's. I cannot talk about the early days of the Original Duprees as I came into the group in 1978 through my cousin Joe Cataldo who at that time had a long association with the guys as a member of The Elgins who's members later co-founded The Duprees. Then later as stage manager for The Duprees from the early days on into the 1970's when my cousin first introduced me to the group as a fan. I received a telegram from John Salvato in 1978 asking me to audition for the lead spot that began a life long association with The Duprees. As popular music was changing in all directions at that time, for various reasons mainly disco, performing only 25 jobs that year with Joe Santollo, Mike Arnone, John Salvato, Larry Casanova and myself on lead. Up to that point there were only three lead singers for the group, Joey Van, Mike Kelly and myself Tommy Petillo. Starting in 1980 for a short time in the scope of things, there were two separate Duprees groups performing at the same time. There was the Mike Arnone group with lead singer Richie Rosato and also John Salvato’s Duprees with myself on lead for the 2nd time. Richie Rosato who came into the Duprees in 1980 left the group in 2001 to be replaced by Me Tommy Petillo for a third time as lead for the Duprees. Around 1989 Mike Arnone won the rights to the name and that is the group that is performing today for the past 38 years. The Mike Arnone family holds the Trade Mark with Tony Testa who is the caretaker and leader of the Duprees. Along with their unique sound and outstanding vocal harmonies, The Duprees today play to sold out shows where ever they perform with a showmanship that is individually and collectively, second to none. Thousands of fans around the globe are captivated with their wonderful mixture of romance, energy, and fun. When The Duprees take the stage, be prepared to be thoroughly entertained. Tommy Petillo. . The Duprees have recorded 8 cd’s in the past 15 years: 1. Happy 100th Mr Sinatra. 2. 50th Anniversary Album. 3. Great Songs Of Our Time. 4. As Time Goes By. 5. A Duprees Christmas. 6. The Duprees Go To The Movies. 7. The Duprees Live At The Sands vol-1 8. The Duprees Live At The Sands vol-2 For more info visit-www.duprees.com As a foot note; I would like to add the names in chronological order lead singers and vocalists who have filled in, work with (for a short time) or replaced members in the past 50 years as best as I remember. Joey Van Canzano_ (1961 – 1964); Mike Kelly_ (lead-1964 to 1979); Jezus Alverez_(lead voice recorded mid-1970's) "Delicious". Larry Casanova_(vocalist-mid 1970’s to 1979); Frank Cirell_ (early 1970's lead); Tom Petillo_(lead_1978 to 1979 then with Salvatos Duprees (1983 to 1986) then with Arnone Duprees (2001 to present); Phil Granito_ (early 1980's to present); Tony Testa (guitar early 1960's vocalist 1980's to present); Jimmy Spinelli- (mid 1980's to present); Allan Ladda-(vocalist-early 1980’s); Richie Rosatto_(lead-1981 to 2001); Larry Caton_(vocalist-early 1980); Mike Shavo_(lead-early 1980’s); Bobby Valli_(vocalist-early 1980’s); Vinny Crecca_ (vocalist-early 1980’s); Tom Biaglow_ (vocalist-1980’s) Anthony Cagiano_ (lead-2000-2001); Johnny Rand_(lead fill-in-2003): Please visit my Google + channel https://plus.google.com/u/0/+TommyPetillo