Doo Wop
As part of the pioneering in music that was going on during this first era of rock and roll, you can have a doo wop group that sings pop and jazz standards with their great vocal harmony to a Big Band sound. That’s golden oldies music from golden oldies. The song “Why Don’t You Believe Me?” was written in 1952 by Lew Douglas and Roy Rodde, who also collaborated on “Have You Heard, ” and King Laney. The singer’s feelings of love are true, but do not seem to be believed. Joni James first recorded the song and had a hit with it in 1952. There have been numerous covers since, including Margaret Whiting, Pat Boone, Bing Crosby, Vic Damon, The Kalin Twins, Brenda Lee, Dean Martin, Patti Page — and The Duprees. Their version with its wonderful harmonies and big band arrangement went to #37 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1963.
The Duprees were high school friends from Jersey City, New Jersey, and formed in the early 1960s. The original group consisted of Joey Canzano (aka Joey Vann), Michael Armone, Joe Santollo, John Salvato, and Tom Bialoglow. They have changed their lineup over the years, of course, and continue to tour and perform.
2 Comments
[…] For other songs by The Duprees: “You Belong to Me” and “Why Don’t You Believe Me.” […]
The Duprees are the best of the best groups that I love from my teenage years and will always love listening to them.