Little Anthony and the Imperials Biography
Who is Little Anthony and why was he so rememberable with his voice? Little Anthony, born Jerome Anthony Gourdine on January 8, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, is best known as the lead vocalist of the legendary R&B and soul vocal group Little Anthony and the Imperials.
Raised in a working-class African-American family, Anthony’s early years were filled with music. Inspired by jazz singers like Jimmy Scott and molded by the vibrant doo-wop culture of New York, he developed a falsetto voice that would soon captivate audiences around the country.
As a teenager, he joined a vocal group called The DuPonts before linking up with Clarence Collins, who had formed a group known as The Chesters. With a few changes in personnel and a name change to The Imperials, the group gained traction and eventually became a national sensation with the release of “Tears on My Pillow” in 1958.
The group’s early sound was deeply rooted in doo-wop, but over time, especially after Anthony’s return from a brief solo attempt in the early 1960s, they evolved into a more mature pop-soul act under the guidance of producer Teddy Randazzo.
Anthony’s high tenor and emotional phrasing made hits like “Goin’ Out of My Head” and “Hurt So Bad” timeless. Despite internal shifts and label changes, the group managed to stay relevant through the 1960s and beyond, performing on iconic shows like The Ed Sullivan Show, American Bandstand, and Soul Train.
Over the years, Anthony balanced performing with solo pursuits, including acting and a one-man show in his later years. The group reunited multiple times, with the most notable being their 1992 Madison Square Garden performance.
While members came and went, including Sammy Strain (who would also join The O’Jays), the classic quartet of Anthony, Collins, Wright, and Strain remained the defining lineup. In 2009, after decades of influence, they were finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with Smokey Robinson doing the honors.
Little Anthony’s legacy lives not only through awards and television broadcasts but through his voice continuing to tour into the latter years with the assistance of the succession of its founding and newer membership.
Little Anthony and the Imperials are the story of reinvention, stalwart determination, and superb vocal greatness founded on the heart of Brooklyn and fueled by years of commitment to harmony and soul.
Contents
Little Anthony and the Imperials Top Songs
- Tears on My Pillow (1958) – Their first big hit as a group, the ballad featured Anthony’s distinctive falsetto and brought the group their first gold record.
- Goin’ Out of My Head (1964) – Arguably one of the most enduring pieces they ever wrote, with over 50 versions to its name, and their anthem.
- Hurt So Bad (1965) – A top-10 pop-crossover success that legitimized the group’s evolution into adult pop-soul.
- I’m on the Outside (Looking In) (1964) – A dramatic tearjerking anthem to welcome Anthony back to the group.
- Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop (1960) – A lively danceable track that solidified their early reputation as a
- Take Me Back (1965) – Another of Smokey’s sentimental numbers to reach the R&B and pop charts.
- Better Use Your Head (1966) – A mini-American hit that surprisingly found success overseas, especially amongst the British Northern Soul crowd.
- Out of Sight, Out of Mind (1969) – A spooky ballad that was the group’s late-60s sophistication.
Little Anthony and the Imperials Discography
- We Are the Imperials featuring Little Anthony (1959)
- I’m on the Outside Looking In (1964)
- Goin’ Out of My Head (1965)
- Payin’ Our Dues (1966)
- Reflections (1967)
- Out of Sight, Out of Mind (1969)
- On a New Street (1973)
- Hold On (1975)
- Live: Up Close & Personal (2003)
- You’ll Never Know (2008)
Little Anthony and the Imperials Top Albums
- Goin’ Out of My Head (1965) – Their biggest R&B chart success and the one most accurately reflecting their progress into lushly arranged soul-pop.
- I’m on the Outside Looking In (1964) – Marked the renaming of the group and the reunion with Anthony; was primarily comprised of strong ballads and crossovers.
- On a New Street (1973) – Highly praised return set on Avco, mirroring their association with the Philadelphia soul scene.
- You’ll Never Know (2008) – Modern comeback that was reminiscent of their legacy with sentimental performances and new songs.
Little Anthony and the Imperials Awards
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2009) – Inducted by Smokey Robinson as recognition of their long-lasting impact on R&B, doo-wop, and pop.
- Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award (1993) – For their pioneering work on R&B recordings.
- Vocal Group Hall of Fame (1999) – In recognition of their heritage as one of America’s finest vocal groups.
- Long Island Music Hall of Fame (2006) – In recognition of their New York origins and success.
- Hit Parade Hall of Fame (2007) – For continuing success during the peak of the pop era.
- Goldmine Hall of Fame (2014) – In honor of their British Invasion and beyond chart consistency.
- Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame (2018) – To honor their lasting contributions to American music.
- Atlantic City Walk of Fame (2023) – Inducted alongside the likes of James Brown and The Delfonics.
Little Anthony and the Imperials Singles
| Year | Song Title | Label | US Hot 100 | US R&B | UK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Tears on My Pillow | End 1027 | 4 | 2 | — |
| 1958 | So Much | End 1036 | 87 | 24 | — |
| 1959 | Wishful Thinking | End 1039 | 79 | — | — |
| 1959 | A Prayer and a Jukebox | End 1047 | 81 | — | — |
| 1960 | Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop | End 1060 | 24 | 14 | — |
| 1960 | My Empty Room | End 1067 | 86 | — | — |
| 1961 | Please Say You Want Me | End 1086 | 104 | — | — |
| 1964 | I’m on the Outside (Looking In) | DCP 1104 | 15 | 8 | — |
| 1964 | Goin’ Out of My Head | DCP 1119 | 6 | 6 | — |
| 1965 | Hurt So Bad | DCP 1128 | 10 | 3 | — |
| 1965 | Take Me Back | DCP 1136 | 16 | 15 | — |
| 1965 | I Miss You So | DCP 1149 | 34 | 23 | — |
| 1965 | Hurt | DCP 1154 | 51 | — | — |
| 1966 | Better Use Your Head | Veep 1228 | 54 | — | 42 |
| 1966 | You Better Take It Easy Baby | Veep 1233 | 125 | — | — |
| 1966 | It’s Not the Same | Veep 1248 | 92 | — | — |
| 1967 | Don’t Tie Me Down | Veep 1255 | 123 | — | — |
| 1968 | I’m Hypnotized | Veep 1278 | 98 | — | — |
| 1969 | Out of Sight, Out of Mind | UA 50552 | 52 | 38 | — |
| 1969 | The Ten Commandments of Love | UA 50598 | 82 | — | — |
| 1970 | Help Me Find a Way (To Say I Love You) | UA 50720 | 92 | 32 | — |
| 1974 | I’m Falling in Love with You | Avco 4635 | 86 | 25 | — |
| 1975 | Hold On (Just a Little Bit Longer) | Avco 4651 | 106 | 79 | — |
| 1978 | Who’s Gonna Love Me | Omni 5501 | — | 73 | 17 |