Alumni Spotlight

Brian Duprey '96

When asked what Brian Duprey's favorite Fairfield University memory is, he replies, "the 'Mr. Fairfield' contest when I placed runner-up. We had to show a talent and I performed Harry Connick's 'A Wink and A Smile.' Back then I was known as the Connick Clone." Who would have known that the talent he displayed on stage at Fairfield University would transition into a professional career.

Brian's dream had always been to become a professional singer, and in spring 2002 he left his five-year stint in the consumer products industry and ventured to Las Vegas, Nevada to pursue his dream. The 'Connick Clone,' whose voice now resembles Frank Sinatra, spent two months showcasing himself at local open-mic venues, until he landed his first paying gig in the main lounge at Caesar's Palace, coincidentally the same showroom where Frank Sinatra performed for many years in the late 70s and early 80s.

Brian's Sinatra-esque sound has landed him gigs with "Legends in Concert" in Las Vegas; Branson, Missouri; Myrtle Beach; and Atlantic City. He has also put his acting and singing talents to work portraying "Frank" six nights a week in the critically acclaimed musical review "The Rat Pack is Back." The show features a 12-piece big band, comedy, dancing and the great music of the Rat Pack era. On February 17, 2007 "The Rat Pack is Back" was featured during the NBA All-Star Skills Competition. The Rat Pack was introduced by Kobe Bryant and performed for millions of people around the world through its broadcast on TNT.

How closely does Brian's voice resemble that of Frank Sinatra's? On February 8, 2007, Brian was featured on the Howard Stern Show on Sirius Satellite Radio. Stern played a clip of Brian singing "Come Fly with Me" for his show's special guest Nancy Sinatra. Nancy, who thought it was a clip of her father singing, was surprised to learn that it was in fact Sinatra impersonator Brian Duprey. After revealing the identity Howard Stern remarked, "I'm gonna make a million bucks off of this guy!"

When not portraying the famed Frank Sinatra, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife, Nicole. The two met in Las Vegas, however her parents live only forty-five minutes from Brian's hometown of Lincoln, Rhode Island, which he notes "makes it very convenient during the holidays." He also has two Norwegian Elkhound dogs which keep him busy during the day and tries to golf at least once a week with his friends in the industry. Brian has had a great year so far fulfilling his life-long dream of being a professional singer, and is looking forward to the future and the opportunities to come entertaining Frank Sinatra fans everywhere. In the words of the Rat Pack icon, "Make someone happy; Make just someone happy; And you'll be happy too."