Joe Dolce

Joe Dolce (born January 7, 1947) is an American-born Australian singer-songwriter, poet, and essayist, best known for his 1980 novelty song "Shaddap You Face."

Dolce was born in Painesville, Ohio, USA, and emigrated to Australia in the 1970s. Prior to "Shaddap You Face," he performed as a folk musician and busker.

"Shaddap You Face" is a song written and performed by Dolce, sung in a deliberately exaggerated Italian-American dialect. It became a worldwide hit, reaching number one in numerous countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. While considered a novelty song, its success allowed Dolce to continue writing and performing music.

Following the success of "Shaddap You Face," Dolce continued to release music and pursue other artistic endeavors. He has published poetry and essays, often exploring themes of identity, culture, and displacement. Although he is primarily remembered for his one major hit, Dolce has maintained a career as an artist and writer. His work often reflects his experiences as an American living in Australia and his interest in exploring different cultural perspectives.