Mike was born on January 19th, 1952. He was one of 7 children to Angelo & Catherine Volpe.
The Volpe's were a musical Family. His mother played saxophone & his father played the trumpet. His father was a chauffeur to the stars. He chaffered everyone from Johnny Mathis to Tony Bennett. He was also the American chauffeur to the touring Beatles on their east coast concerts in 1964 & 1965. Angelo also worked exclusively for Mike Douglas (The Mike Douglass show from 1965-1968. as Mike's private chauffeur.
Mike was born in Philadelphia PA. & moved to NJ in 1962. Mike & his brother Chop started out as a duo act in 1965. They then joined forces with Jim Lyons & Mark Morley to form their first band.
First Band
The New Bells: 1965 - 1968 Band Members: Mike Volpe - Lead Vocals & Guitar, Chop Volpe - Vocals & Bass Guitar, Jim Lyons - Lead Guitar, Mark Morley - Drums & Henry Wilhelim (Deceased) - Guitar & Vocals.
Other members were: Jack Wald - Vocals, the late Mike Alblaster - Guitar & Mike Morley - Keyboards
Their founder Baisel Vespe became their manager & opened for such acts as: Billy Harner, The Dreamlovers, The Volcano's ect.
Second Band
Stone Eagle: 1969 - 1972 Band Members: Mike Volpe - Lead Vocals, Guitar & Piano, Chop Volpe - Lead Vocals & Bass Guitar, Denny Dorsey - Vocals & Lead Guitar, Gary Campanell - Vocals & Guitar, Gene Laczinsky - Organ & John Frasca - Drums. Other former members of the band were: Fran Smith from (The Hooter's)
Bill Killoran from (Flaming Caucasions).
In 1969 Mike & Chop formed their 2nd group The Stone Eagle. This band was managed by Ed Bonnette & opened for such acts as: Edgar Winter, Bonnie Raitt, Mott the Hoople, The Chambers Brothers & Foghat
Volpe Duo Again
Volpe Duo: 1972 - 1975 Mike and Chop started up their Duo act again in 1972. They performed at all the major Coffee Houses in the Delaware Valley. They worked with Jim Croce in 1972.
Dancing Bear
Dancing Bear: 1975 Mike Volpe - Lead Vocals & Guitar, Gary Campanell - Lead Vocals & Guitar, Fran Smith - Lead Vocals & Bass Guitar, Bill Killoran - Keyboards, Denny Dorsey - Vocals & Lead Guitar & Ray Guifole - Drummer. This band performed for approximately 7 months. Mike left to form Abbey Rhode with his brothers.
Abbey Rhode
Abbey Rhode: 1975 - 1979 Mike formed the band with his brothers Ron & Chop. The band started out being called Pleasure but with the addition of vocalist & guitar great Terry Lowe from Hammonton, NJ The band changed their name to Abbey Rhode. Abbey Rhode was a Beatles Tribute Band the first Tribute band ever of national recognition. They were billed as the best Beatles tribute band worldwide.
In 1976 Mark Lapidos a NY an investor who worked with Broadway & was the Chairmen of Sam Goody, discovered Abbey Rhode. Mark booked the band on sell out shows nationally coast to coast. He was president of the "National Beatlefest Conventions.
When Abbey Rhode wasn't touring they were the house band for the Deptford Tavern. In 1977 Terry left the band and was replaced by the youngest Volpe brother Steve. The bands final shows were held in Hollywood, CA & Atlanta, GA. The band split up in 1980.
Mike Join's 20 Flight Rock
20 Flight Rock: 1980 - 1983 - with Bill Bennet [bass guitar,vocals] Larry Bishov[drums] Carl Fasion [sax,
vocals] Charles Edwards[lead guitar,vocals] and Mike Volpe[guitar,lead vocals] this band worked with ''Mike'' before he worked off and on with the Duprees...and they still worked a little with him while he was performing with the Duprees
Mike Join's Duprees
Duprees: 1980 - 1983 - In 1980 Mike's 3 brothers toured as a trio & Mike joined The Duprees. He comments what a class act The Duprees are & what a privilege it was to work with them. Mike also worked as a solo while performing with the band. The 1980 - 1983 Duprees members were: Rich Rosano, Mike Arnone (founding member), Larry DiSalvi, Johnny Petillo & Mike Volpe.
The Tokens
The Tokens: 1983 - In 1983 Mike helped his friend Bill Reed put the band The Tokens back together. The Tokens had much success with their hit " The Lion Sleeps Tonight" Mike was their lead singer for that year but grew weary from touring. Mike left the group to go on his own & Jay Siegal the original lead singer came back to the band.
Anthony & The Sophomores
Anthony & The Sophomores: 1984 - In 1984 Mike got a phone call from Bobby Pugliese of Anthony & The Sophomores. Anthony Maresco was leaving the group & the band needed a lead singer to continue on. Mike humbled helped his good friend Bobby Pugliese & became a Sophomore. They played all the top New Jersey night spots including The Pirates Inn in Delran, Dilingers in Maple Shade & The Settlers Inn in Medford Lakes. The band members: Bobby Pugliese - Drums & Vocals, James Laurel - Keyboards & Vocals, Manuel Cappezzi - Bass Guitar, Perry Bianci - Lead Guitar & Mike Volpe - Lead Vocals.
The Essentials
The Essentials: 1984 - 1992 Mike finally settled at a night spot in NJ (The Coral Reef) for 1 year & moved to Schilling's Lounge playing with various groups such as The Essentials, they were: Phil Di'Antonio, Bill Cartledge, Bill Clanahan, Ron Volpe & Mike Volpe. and also The Mike Volpe Band. Schillings Lounge closed in 95 and Mike moved his band back to The Coral Reef for 4 more years 1995 - 1999.
Today
Today Mike is a full time musical instructor. He teaches Voice, Guitar & Piano & is still going strong with his music as well. Mike just recently released an extended play single CD called "You are my World to me" This (EP) is available to purchase by going to the Buy Stuff section of the website.
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