Joe Dolce - Shaddup You Face

Joseph "Joe" Dolce (pronounced /ˈdoʊltʃeɪ/, originally /ˈdoʊlts/; born 1947 in Painesville, Ohio) is an American-born, Australian singer/songwriter who achieved fame with his multi-million-selling song, "Shaddap You Face", released under the name of his one-man show, Joe Dolce Music Theatre, in 1980. The single reached number one in 15 countries, it has sold more than 350,000 copies in Australia, remaining the most successful Australian produced single in music history for thirty-one years and selling an estimated six million worldwide. It reached No. 1 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart for eight weeks from November 1980. The track kept Ultravox's "Vienna" off the number one singles spot in the United Kingdom.
Dolce was born in 1947 in Painesville, Ohio and formed various bands including Headstone Circus. with Jonathan Edwards (musician) who subsequently went on as a solo artists to have a charting hit song in the US 'Sunshine'. Dolce relocated to Melbourne, Australia in 1978 and his first single there was "Boat People"-a protest song on the poor treatment of Vietnamese refugees-which he donated to the fledgling Vietnamese community starting to form in Melbourne. His one-man show, Joe Dolce Music Theatre, performed in cabarets and pubs with various line-ups including Lin Van Hek as singer/performance artist.
In July 1980 he recorded the self-penned "Shaddap You Face", for Full Moon Records label at Mike Brady's new studios in West Melbourne. When in Ohio, Dolce would sometimes visit his Italian grandparents-they supplied the inspiration with "What's the matter, you?" and "Eh, shaddap". He wrote the song about Italians living in Australia and first performed it at Marijuana House, Brunswick Street, Fitzroy in 1979. Dolce paid A$500 for the recording and spent $1000 on the music video clip, which was created by Melbourne filmmaker, Chris Lofven. It became a multi-million-selling hit, peaking at No. 1 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart for eight weeks from November 1980, in UK from February 1981 for three weeks, also No. 1 in Austria, New Zealand and Switzerland. Dolce received the Advance Australia Award in 1981.
(extract from Wikipedia 2011)

[@louisemansell2651]

My dad loved this song Xx made us listen to enough times in the car

[@Nectarain]

So cute! Reminds me of the Italians I knew as a kid in the 50s, coming to Australia for a new life. Back then immigrants were called 'New Australians', and we were taught in school to welcome them and help them settle in. I remember that we always seemed to have Italians as neighbours - they would welcome me into their homes, pinch my cheeks and offer me wine and snails! And always the delicious smell of coffee....

[@Chase4everChase]

Roy, Although more than 40 years have passed since this song by the great singer Joe Dolce, it still brings joy to me every time I hear or watch the video. Thank you so very much for the good quality you've provided and your article, Roy. 🙂 (Chase)

[@ashbarwick2009]

PURE GOLD

[@Nectarain]

Amazing that this song was such a huge hit! A fun song! Great to see this performance - and Molly Meldrum hamming it up with the accordian :D

[@bluemac1199]

Yeah we have a lot to answer for.

[@vanessapizzey4930]

I tell me kids this song and always say it to them z

[@mikewillis4824]

The only memorable thing about this it kept Vienna off the No 1 spot

[@wellsy3456]

Uno dos tres

[@goncalonunodurao7656]

"What's a matter you. Gotta no respect. What do you think you do ? Why you're looking so sad ? It's not so bad . It's a nice place . Oh , shut up you face !" Mamas , always , are well concerning with their Sons to be Optimistic 😅😮

[@narcat3999]

I just discovered your channel. Please run for next Prime Minister. At least promise me you'll consider it. Bloody hell, if Trump could do it....

[@Dutch0794]

Who no