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Aug. 11, 2006

Unique Ballad Style Forged in Jersey City Basement 48 Years Ago

The glory days of rock ’n’ roll are back again in Woodbridge as the Mayor’s Summer Concert Series continues Aug. 14 with an appearance by popular 1960s’ hitmakers The Duprees.

The free concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. in the meadow behind Woodbridge High School. Audience members are urged to bring blankets and lawn chairs, and refreshments are available in the food court. Call (732) 596-4048 for information. Woodbridge Center and ShopRite are the prime series sponsors. The Duprees show is sponsored by Verizon.

Festivities begin with a disc jockey at 6 p.m. and a 7:30 p.m. start for the concerts. Audience members are urged to bring blankets and lawn chairs, and refreshments are available in the food court.

“We are thrilled to have the Duprees return again,” said InterimMayor Joseph F. Vitale. “This is a group with a stellar musical pedigree representing classic New Jersey sounds.”

The Duprees are renowned in the annals of rock history for their smooth fusion of Swing Era sounds with doo-wop vocal style. This singular versatility helped them survive the mid-’60s British Invasion and continue to actively record and perform well after the vocal group phase had subsided in pop music.

Currently featured on PBS’ award-winning Rock, Rhythm And Doo Wop series, the Duprees’ first national hit – “You Belong To Me” – debuted in September, 1962, breaking big in New York as the winner of a radio contest hosted by the famous radio deejay Murray-The-K before ultimately peaking at #7 in the Billboard pop charts. The group would hit the Top 100 eight more times with “My Own True Love”, “I'd Rather Be Here In Your Arms”, “Gone With The Wind”, “Why Don't You Believe Me”, “Have You Heard”,  “It's No Sin”, “Around The Corner” and “Check Yourself”.

The group got its start in 1958 in Jersey City, where a handful of Dickinson High School schoolmates gathered in the basement of buddy Joe Santollo’s home to croon pop hits of the day. Like many period groups, the Duprees evolved through several lineups and name changes including the Utopians, Elgins, Panics, Parisiens and Vocal Teens before signing to Coed Records in the spring of 1962 as the Duprees.

The Duprees were accomplished songwriters and recorded several originals, including “I Wish I Could Believe You”, “I Gotta Tell Her Now”,  “Love Eyes” and “Norma Jean”. This versatility helped the group update th eir sound with fresh material in tune with the changing times, forging a repertoire that spanned ballads, rock, close-harmony, soul and even a 1975 RCA release in the disco style.

Despite the death of two original members in the 1980s, the Duprees continue to excite audiences with the same deft brand of soul and showmanship that has marked their live shows since the beginning doo-wop days.

Today’s Duprees consist of Tommy Petillo (lead singer), Jimmy Spinelli (second tenor), Phil Granito  (first tenor), Tony Testa (bass, baritone, falsetto tenor) and keyboardist Mark Baron as musical director fronting a powerhouse 11-piece ensemble that includes three horns, two keyboards, guitar, bass and drums.

Now nearing a half century of performance, the Duprees are proof positive that the best musical ensembles only get better with age.

The Mayor’s Summer Concert Series not only nourishes musical appetites but helps sustain the coffers at the Woodbridge Food Bank. Concertgoers bringing non-perishable food items receive a chance to win special prizes, one chance for every item donated. “Summer months always put a strain on local food pantries,” says Mayor Vitale. “Each year, the generous people of Woodbridge donate an incredible amount of food during the series, and we hope this continues.”

2006 Mayor’s Summer Concert Series Schedule: August 21 – Joey Dee & The Starliters. . . August 28 – Brooklyn Reunion Show featuring Classic, Mystics & Passions. . . August 30 – The Party Dolls

To arrange an interview with any of The Duprees

or to obtain additional photos or promotional material,

call Ron O’Brien, R. O'Brien Enterprises, Inc.

at (609) 645-8921.

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