The group was founded in the early 1960s in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA by Michael Arnone, Joe Santollo, John Salvato, Tom Bialoglow, and lead singer Joey Canzano (later known as Joey Vann). George Paxton, a former big band leader was impressed by the group's style and signed them to his Coed Records label. Their first single "You Belong to Me" had previously been a hit 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 band had more top 40 hits in 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 '50s female vocal hits (Joni James, in this case). The band became known for mixing doo-wop vocals with big band arrangements. Tom Bialoglow left in 1963. Mike Kelly, who had recorded on the group's original demos for George Paxton, replaced Joey Vann as lead vocalist in 1964.
Despite becoming unfashionable after the Beatles spearheaded the British Invasion in 1964, the Duprees continued to record, turning in a more "pop" direction, and reaching the Top 100 as late as 1975. The group still performs today on the oldies circuit, but with no original members. Joe Santollo died in 1981, Joey Vann died in 1984 and Mike Arnone died in 2005.
Richie Rosato, who sang lead for the Duprees throughout much of the '80s and '90s, left the group in 2002. Michael Kelly sang with The Chaperones for a brief stint in 2006. Tommy Bialoglow has his own group called Twilight Time. John Salvato is a booking agent and no longer performs. The group currently consists of Tommy Petillo (with the group since 2002), Jimmy Spinelli, Phil Granito, and Tony Testa.
I'm Yours
The Duprees Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Heart and soul I am yours
Can't you see it in my eyes
Can't you hear it in my sighs
I'm yours
I'm yours
Every kiss says I'm yours
I'm a victim of your charms
I'm yours
My life and my love, dear
Are yours to command
I stand here before you
My heart in my hand
I'm yours
All the world knows I'm yours
And I only hope and pray
That someday I'll hear you say
I'm yours
I'm yours
All the world knows I'm yours
And I only hope and pray
That someday I'll hear you say
I'm yours
The Duprees's song "I'm Yours" is a soulful ballad about a lover who is completely devoted to their significant other. The singer declares that they are completely devoted to their lover and will do anything to prove it. From the moment of their first kiss, the singer has fallen under the spell of their lover's charms and is willing to do anything to make them happy. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who is completely committed to their partner and sees them as the center of their world.
The emotions conveyed in the lyrics are deeply romantic and heartfelt. The singer speaks of their entire life and love being at their partner's disposal, showing a willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of love. The repetition of "I'm yours" throughout the song emphasizes the depth of the singer's devotion and commitment. They hope and pray that their partner will reciprocate their feelings and say that they too, are theirs.
Overall, "I'm Yours" by The Duprees is a beautiful tribute to the power of love and the importance of being fully committed to a partner. With its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody, it's a song that speaks to anyone who has ever been in love.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm yours
The singer is declaring their complete devotion to their lover.
Heart and soul I am yours
The singer's love for their partner extends to their entire being.
Can't you see it in my eyes
The singer's love is so strong that it is evident in their gaze.
Can't you hear it in my sighs
The artist's love is so intense that it can be heard in their breathing.
Every kiss says I'm yours
The artist's physical affection is a constant reminder of their devotion.
Take my lips and take my arms
The singer trusts and willingly gives their body to their partner.
I'm a victim of your charms
The singer acknowledges the power that their partner holds over them.
My life and my love, dear
Are yours to command
I stand here before you
My heart in my hand
The artist loves their partner so much that they are willing to give their life, love, and heart to them without hesitation or reservation.
All the world knows I'm yours
The artist's love is so strong and apparent that it is known by everyone.
And I only hope and pray
That someday I'll hear you say
I'm yours
Despite their complete devotion, the artist still longs to hear their partner express their love in return.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Robert Mellin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jimhackman1030
The finest of all time their harmonies are Beyond greatness please bring back that great sound someday
@platoon108
Damn--these guys are probably the best era group ever--they are bright and powerful, and the harmony is so smooth and clean
@platoon108
Always amazed at this outstanding Duprees song...The horns are pretty cool with the harmony...Addicted to these Duprees...
@platoon108
Can't stop listening to these guys and this is one of their best songs. Damn, the horns are pretty good here...
@ralphmorrow9731
A beautiful song, all the Duprees songs they sing are great, brings back so many wonderful memories especially of that special girl that I will never forget❤❤❤.
@georgerosner8410
Fabulous..Joey amazing voice..trumpets added to it..
@doowopbear
My FAVORITE Duprees song of all time. But I have a question , if anyone out there could answer. Is it possible that Herb Albert is playing the trumpet solo on this record? It definetely sounds like his style of playing. I figure with all the doowop afficianados out there , someone may know. Thanks for keeping the sounds alive.
@garyrandall1768
This is my favorite groups I love their music they have great sounds
@waltergeldof4923
MY ONE BEAUTIIIFUL BALLAD BY THIS FANTASTIC GROUP THE DUPREES. THANK YOU MY FRIEND.
@tobyrusso2094
What a beautiful song!
Every time i send this song to my girlfriend her eyes tear up.