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.
My Own True Love
The Duprees Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My own true love
My own true love
At last I've found you
My own true love
No lips but yours
Will ever lead me
Through Heaven's doors
I roamed the Earth
In search of this
I knew I'd know you
Know you by your kiss
And by your kiss
You've shown true love
I'm yours forever
My own true love
My own true love
The Duprees's "My Own True Love" is a beautiful love song that tells the story of a fictional character's quest for true love. The lyrics suggest that the singer has searched the entire world for a special someone, and finally, they have found their "own true love." The lyrics express the singer's deep affection and tenderness towards the subject of their affection while asserting that no one else can compare to them. The singer has eyes only for their love; therefore, no other lips or arms can hold the key to the singer's heart.
Throughout the song, the singer's journey has been long and arduous; they've roamed the earth in search of their soulmate, and finally, they've found their significant other by the tenderness of their kiss. From this period forth, the singer expresses that they are devoted to their love forever. The lyrics denote the importance of love and the experience of being wanted by someone, rendering the song highly relatable for any individual searching for love.
Line by Line Meaning
My own true love
The person I have been searching for as a partner and companion
My own true love
The person who truly belongs to me and is meant for me
At last I've found you
After a long journey and search, I have finally found my soulmate
My own true love
The one I will love and cherish forever
No lips but yours
No other person's kiss and affection will give me the same joy as yours
No arms but yours
No one else's embrace will make me feel as safe and loved as yours
Will ever lead me
I will only follow you and look to you for love and guidance
Through Heaven's doors
You are my ticket to happiness and bliss, the ultimate happiness of life
I roamed the Earth
I spent a long time searching for someone like you
In search of this
I knew exactly what I was looking for, a person who could make my life complete
I knew I'd know you
I always had faith that I would recognize you when I found you, even though I did not know how
Know you by your kiss
Your passionate and loving kiss helped me realize that you were the one I had been looking for
And by your kiss
Your kiss was a revelation that led me to my true love
You've shown true love
Your actions towards me have been a testament to your love and affection for me
I'm yours forever
I pledge myself entirely to you, and vow to always love and care for you in any situation
My own true love
Words are not enough to describe my deep and abiding love for you
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Capitol CMG Publishing, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MACK DAVID, MAX STEINER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@johnnyintrieri
Our wedding song. Didn’t let the band play it! Brought my own stereo. 1979 Miss you so My Carol. See you in Heaven. 4 Always & Eternity. Your Johnny ❤❤❤❤
@mariamanochio3996
My wife was 34 and I’m was 49 and our family was so surprised that we played our first dance at wedding was so great everyone so impress thank us for bringing back memories and great music love my maria
@bobmello1063
Excellent 👏👏👏👏
We had such romantic songs. I wonder if the younger generation knows what there missing
@nicky0016dd
Perfection!!!
The Duprees with the one and only Joey Vann were the best!!! They had it all!!!!
@georgerosner8410
Outstanding. Simply outstanding. Powerful lead with great harmony. The one of a kind Joey Vann and the Duprees!
@pjemerson3166
My wife of 51 years, and I, love this song and all late 50's and early 60's classics. Wishing you all well.
@brunolopes8223
Born in 83 and one of my favorites groups!!!!! My dad and I sing every song!!!
@watchthatbaby
This is the sound of the REAL DUPREES! The golden voice of Joey Vann who was the lead singer of most of the hits. Joe Santollo, Mike Arone, John Salvato and later Mike Kelly. The only surviving member is Salvato. So if your going to a concert with the Duprees today its not the original group. But the memories of the original will last forever!
@barryallen3883
Also Tom Bialoglow still alive, another original Dupree, the blonde one in the photo
@angelopompeo9130
TOM BIALOGLOW THE ORIGINAL FIRST TENOR IS STILL ALIVE ALSO. ANGELO