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Little Anthony & The Imperials maintained enduring success with their distinctive vocal style, transitioning from doo-wop hits to influential soul music.
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Request A ShowLittle Anthony and the Imperials signed with End Records in 1958 and released their first hit single 'Tears on My Pillow', selling over one million copies.
Rhino article discussing Little Anthony and the Imperials as one of the finest vocal groups from the talent-rich New York scene.
Little Anthony was in partnership with Don Costa, a prolific music producer. They formed their own publishing company, South Mountain Music, and expanded their partnership early in 1964.
Teddy Randazzo, a childhood friend of the group, along with Don Costa, helped The Imperials find success on the new DCP (Don Costa Productions) label with dramatic pop-soul records such as "I'm on the Outside (Looking In)", "Goin' Out of My Head", and "Hurt So Bad".
The Imperials appeared on the CBS-TV special 'Murray The K – It's What's Happening, Baby' in 1965, performing 'I'm Alright' at the Brooklyn Fox Theatre.
The group made two appearances on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' on March 28, 1965, and again on January 25, 1970, showcasing their talent on television's top entertainment showcase.
The Imperials joined United Artists Records and were assigned to its Veep Records subsidiary, recording songs like "World of Darkness", "It's Not the Same", and "If I Remember to Forget".
Thom Bell produced their song "Help Me Find a Way (To Say I Love You)" during their time with United Artists Records.
The group recorded three singles for Janus Records, including "Father Father", which they performed on the Merv Griffin Show.
In the mid-1970s, Little Anthony & The Imperials went to Avco Records and recorded 'On A New Street', charting with "La La La (At the End)" and "I'm Falling in Love with You". This album was produced by both Bell and Randazzo.
The group appeared on 'Soul Train' on May 26, 1973.
Sammy Strain, an Imperials member, joined The O'Jays as a replacement for William Powell, who left the group due to illness.
Dick Clark invited The Imperials to appear as part of the televised special celebration for the 40th anniversary of 'American Bandstand' in 1992.
The group was featured on NBC's 'Today' show as part of their "Summer Concert Series" on August 30, 1997.
Little Anthony & The Imperials appeared on three notable PBS specials: 'Rock, Rhythm, and Doo-Wop' and 'Red, White and Rock' in 2002, and 'Soul Spectacular: 40 Years of R&B' in 2003.
The group performed on the 'Late Show with David Letterman' on August 26, 2008, promoting their new LP 'You'll Never Know'.
The electronic music duo Daft Punk sampled Little Anthony and the Imperials' 1977 recording of "Can You Imagine" for their track "Crescendolls".
In early 2014, Gourdine toured the UK with David Gest's Legends of Soul, performing hits like "Tears on My Pillow" and "Goin' Out of My Head".
Little Anthony & The Imperials, an American rhythm and blues/soul vocal group, originated in New York City in the 1950s. The group was founded by Clarence Collins, with Jerome Anthony “Little Anthony” Gourdine as its lead singer, recognized for his high-pitched voice. The original lineup included Collins, Gourdine, Ernest Wright, Gloster “Nate” Rogers, and Tracy Lord. Early on, in 1957, Gourdine, formerly with The DuPonts, joined a doo-wop group known as “The Chesters,” also comprising Collins, Tracey Lord, Nathaniel Rodgers, and Ronald Ross. Ernest Wright later replaced Ross.
Changing their name to “The Imperials,” the group signed with End Records in 1958. Their debut single, “Tears on My Pillow,” became a significant hit, selling over one million copies and earning a gold disc from the RIAA. Its B-side, “Two People in the World,” also achieved success. This was followed by another notable hit, “Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop,” in 1960. After a period of declining success, Gourdine pursued a solo career in 1961, and other original members also departed. The lineup saw changes, with Sammy Strain, a childhood friend, joining, and George Kerr, then Kenny W. Seymour, replacing other members. Gourdine rejoined in 1963, solidifying the classic lineup of Gourdine, Wright, Collins, and Strain. Partnering with producer/songwriter Teddy Randazzo, the group achieved renewed success on the DCP label with tracks like “I’m on the Outside (Looking In)” (1964), “Goin’ Out of My Head” (1964), and “Hurt So Bad” (1965). They continued to release charting singles throughout the mid-1960s to mid-1970s, including “Take Me Back” and “I Miss You So.”
The group secured recording deals with United Artists Records, releasing albums like ‘Reflections,’ ‘Payin’ Our Dues’, ‘Out of Sight, Out of Mind’, and ‘Movie Grabbers’. They also recorded for Janus Records and Avco Records, where their album ‘On A New Street’ featured the charting songs “La La La (At the End)” and “I’m Falling in Love with You.” Little Anthony & The Imperials have been recognized for their significant influence, with many of their songs covered by diverse artists across various genres. Their impact on Philadelphia soul music and their pioneering performances, such as being the first contemporary music group to play New York’s prestigious Copacabana nightclub, highlight their lasting legacy in music.
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