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YouTubeThe Magic of Little Anthony and the Imperials: A Journey Through Doo-Wop, Soul, and Pop Greatness
If you’ve ever swayed to the sweet sounds of classic American soul, tapped your foot to a smooth doo-wop ballad, or found yourself lost in a timeless pop melody, chances are you’ve felt the magic of Little Anthony and the Imperials—even if you didn’t know it at the time. Their music is woven into the very fabric of American pop, soul, and doo-wop history, and at the heart of it all stands Little Anthony Gourdine, the velvet-voiced frontman whose emotional delivery helped shape a genre and leave an everlasting mark on the world of music.
From Brooklyn Streets to Music Dreams
Before the fame, before the iconic falsetto that would define a sound, Jerome Anthony Gourdine —known to the world as Little Anthony—was just a Brooklyn kid with a voice that could stop people in their tracks. Born in 1941 in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, Anthony grew up in a working-class African American family during a time when music was often the heartbeat of the neighborhood. Church choirs, radio hits, and street corner harmonies were a part of everyday life.
Adopting the Name
Anthony wasn’t just a fan—he was a natural. Influenced by gospel, R&B and jazz, his voice stood out early, especially for its range and emotional depth. His nickname, “Little Anthony,” came from a DJ who was amazed by the size of his voice despite his youthful appearance and small stature. The name stuck—and soon, so did the fame.
The Birth of a Doo-Wop Legend
Long before the days of sold-out venues and gold records, Little Anthony got his start singing with a group called The Duponts, one of many young doo-wop groups that popped up in New York during the 1950s. Doo-wop was still in its formative years, a rich blend of harmony driven vocals, urban street culture and deep emotional expression, rooted in the Black communities of cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago. Anthony’s early experiences with The Duponts gave him his first taste of group dynamics, and songwriting. But it wasn’t until he joined forces with Clarence Collins, Ernest Wright, Glouster “Nat” Rogers and Tracy Lord that things truly began to gel. Together, they would become the original lineup of The Chesters—a group that would soon evolve into something greater.
Becoming The Imperials
In ’58, The Chesters were signed by a New York-based label founded by George Goldner, a key player in the golden era of doo-wop and R&B. Goldner saw something special in Anthony’s voice, and shortly after signing, the group changed their name to The Imperials. With their new identity and a polished sound, they entered the studio to record what would become their breakthrough hit: “Tears on my Pillow.”
"Tears on my pillow"
Released in ’58, the song was an instant smash. That soaring falsetto, those perfect harmonies—it was pure magic. The song went on to sell over a million copies and reached #4 on the charts, establishing LIttle Anthony and the Imperials establishing as rising stars in the doo-wop and R&B scene. And just like that, a new sound had entered the American consciousness, merging doo-wop with crossover pop appeal.
Riding the Wave of Success
With success came more hits. The group followed up with songs like “Shimmy Shimmy Ko-Ko Bop”, “Two People in the World,” and “I’m Alright.” These records cemented the Imperials as one of the premier vocal groups of their time. But fame wasn’t always smooth sailing.
Motown and the British Invasion
As the ’60s dawned, musical tastes were shifting. Rock ‘n’ roll was on the rise. Motown was dominating. The British Invasion was just around the corner. In the midst of these changes, Little Anthony briefly left the group to pursue a solo career. However, after a short-lived attempt on his own, he returned to the fold, and it was during this second chapter that the Imperials would produce some of their most iconic music.
A Reinvention in the 1960s
When Anthony returned in the early ’60s, Teddy Randazzo, a talented songwriter and producer (and a childhood friend of Anthony’s), began working closely with the group. Randazzo brought a more sophisticated, orchestral sound to their music—one that pushed the Imperials beyond traditional doo-wop and into the realms of soul-pop, orchestral R&B, and adult contemporary music.
The results were unforgettable. Songs like “Goin’ Out of My Head,” “Hurt So Bad,” and “I’m On The Outside (Looking In)” weren’t just hits—they were masterpieces. These tracks showcased Little Anthony’s ability to convey raw, emotional vulnerability, backed by sweeping arrangements and haunting harmonies.
“Goin’ Out of My Head” alone has been recorded by over 100 artists, including Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, proving the timeless appeal of the group’s work. Meanwhile, “Hurt So Bad” found renewed life years later when Linda Ronstadt covered it in 1980.
A Lasting Impact on Soul, Doo-Wop, and Pop
Little Anthony and the Imperials weren’t just hitmakers—they were innovators. By bridging the gap between the raw harmonies of early doo-wop and the lush, orchestrated soul of the ’60s, they helped define an era. Their influence can be felt in the music of artists like Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, and even contemporary pop and R&B singers who draw on the emotive storytelling of those early ballads.
Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs
Like many groups from that golden era, Little Anthony and the Imperials faced their share of challenges—lineup changes, changing musical landscapes, and the evolving music industry. Yet their music endured. They weathered the storm of disco, the rise of hip-hop, and the dominance of rock, all while staying true to their core sound.
Rock n Roll Hall of Fame
Their perseverance paid off. In ’93, the original group reunited for a series of celebrated performances, reminding fans and critics alike of their musical prowess. And in 2009, their contributions were officially recognized when Little Anthony and the Imperials were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—a long-overdue honor for a group that helped shape the sound of American music.
Little Anthony Today – Still Singing, Still Soaring
Now in his 80s, Little Anthony is far from retired. In fact, he remains one of the few original doo-wop legends still touring and performing. With a voice that has aged like fine wine and a charisma that continues to shine on stage, Anthony still delights audiences everywhere, performing classics that span genres.
