Robbie Dupree, best known for his smash hit, Steal Away, is not a stranger to success. It is an awesome accomplishment to have hit records and Robbie has had that and more.

Robbie Dupree headlines at the Falcon on Friday evening.

His music has been in major motion pictures, TV, national sports events, and been up for Grammy nominations. “I never thought this would happen to me. I started off singing at parties and bars, and with hard work, progressed through the years” said Robbie.

Woodstock resident, Dupree, is an R & B artist influenced by legends such as Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye. He first became interested in music at the age of 15, listening to the older kids sing acapella on the streets of Brooklyn where he grew up in the 1960s.

“I was able to relate to these guys. I realized I could do this even though I was not a trained musician” said Dupree.

After Dupree got a couple of hit records on the first album, Steal Away and Hot Rod Hearts, and the Grammy nominations the next year for “Best New Artist”, a whole series of events began, and now his music is multi-generational. Over the past 25 years, nine albums have been released. Steal Away has been played on the radio almost three million times.

“The early records are the ones that define you,” Dupree said.

Dupree never thought he was different than anyone else. He is a very humble man.
“The truth about success or popularity is that it’s just an opportunity,” he says. “I am grateful that I had these opportunities and that people liked the music enough to make it a success and keep me doing this work for all my life.” There are many talented people who don’t get very far in the music business. Robbie knows musicians who are remarkable at their craft, work a lifetime, and never get a break. “Good fortune smiled on me. The biggest accomplishment is to do what you love,” said Robbie.

Songs from his new CD, Arc of a Romance, released on July 10, will be performed at the Falcon, including Steal Away, and music from his entire catalog.

“I have a great band,” said Dupree. The band, made up of seven musicians and himself, includes keyboardist Clifford Carter, guitarist Bob Mann, bass player Jonathon Maron, and drummer Doug Yowell.

“Fifty years later I’m still making records and getting incredible opportunities. What can you say about that, other than, I’m a lucky guy!” said Robbie.

The Falcon, 1348 Rt. 9W, Marlboro, promises an evening of pure musical delight with Robbie Dupree & Friends, on August 10.

Call 236-7970 for more information. No cover charge; donations are appreciated. Dinner is at 6pm; Music is at 7 p.m.

By Naomi Kennedy