Little Anthony and the Imperials

Biography

Little Anthony and the Imperials is an American rhythm and blues, doo-wop, and soul vocal group from New York City founded by Clarence Collins in the 1950s and named in part for its lead singer, Jerome Anthony "Little Anthony" Gourdine, who was noted for his high-pitched voice. In addition to Collins and Gourdine, the original Imperials included Ernest Wright, Glouster "Nate" Rogers, and Tracy Lord, the last two of whom were subsequently replaced by Sammy Strain.
The group was one of the very few doo-wop groups to enjoy sustained success on the R&B and pop charts throughout the 1960s. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 4, 2009, 23 years after the group's first year of eligibility for induction.

Early years, "Tears on My Pillow", and "Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop" (1957–1961)

In 1957, a doo-wop group known as "The Chesters" was composed of Collins, Tracey Lord, Nathaniel Rodgers, and Ronald Ross. Anthony Gourdine, a former member of The DuPonts, whose falsetto had been inspired by Jimmy Scott, joined as lead vocalist. Ernest Wright took over from Ross, and the group recorded briefly for Apollo Records.
The Chesters were later signed by End Records, owned by George Goldner. According to a biography of the group published by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, End Records renamed the group "The Imperials", as the group "want[ed] a name more regal than the Chesters." Legendary rock and roll DJ Alan Freed gave Gourdine the nickname and stage name "Little Anthony" because of "the youthful quality in [Gourdine's] voice". Freed and another DJ/promoter, Murray Kaufman (more well-known as Murray the K) helped the group's career by playing their records and booking them for concerts.
Their first single with their new name was 1958's "Tears on My Pillow×Tears on My Pillow17 August 2018 · Album · CompilationSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 34 tracks1Tears on My Pillow2:182Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop2:113This Love of Mine2:434I'm Still in Love With You2:315Traveling Stranger2:046I've Got a Crush on You2:437Wishful Thinking2:428Two People in the World2:379Gonna Fix You Good (Every Time You're Bad)2:3110Don't Get Around Much Anymore2:5311The Diary2:3312Better Use Your Head2:5413Dream2:2914So Near and Yet So Far2:5815So Much2:2516I'm Alright2:2617They Say It's Wonderful2:5618My Empty Room2:3119River Path2:5620Please Say You Want Me2:4821Over the Rainbow2:1622I'm Taking a Vacation From Love2:0423A Prayer and Juke Box2:2924I'll Never Smile Again2:4425Undecided1:5926A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening2:2927If You Are but a Dream2:5028All or Nothing at All2:5029Oooh! Look-A There, Ain't She Pretty2:4130I Couldn't Sleep a Wink Last Night2:4331Oh Yeah2:2332Love Is a Many Splendord Thing2:1833Cha Cha Henry2:1934What Did I Do2:46", one of the biggest hits of the year. It sold over one million copies, and the group was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA. Its B-side was "Two People in the World".
Their next several singles flopped, despite the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum's view that they were "strong" choices for singles. Their 1960 single, the uptempo "Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop×Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop1959 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAShimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop2:07BI'm Still in Love With You2:21", was their next hit.

Gourdine briefly departs and classic lineup forms (1961–1969)

When their success dwindled in 1961, Gourdine left to attempt a solo career and pursue acting. Original Imperials member Nate Rogers was drafted into the service, and fellow original member Tracey Lord left the group to get married. The lineup then became Collins, Wright, Sammy Strain (a childhood friend who had grown up together with the Imperials in Brooklyn), and George Kerr. Kerr was replaced by Kenny W. Seymour after a short time. This line-up had little success and primarily performed for two years at resorts in the "Borscht Belt" in the Catskills region of New York State.
Gourdine returned in 1963, replacing Seymour. The group's classic line-up – Gourdine, Wright, Collins, and Strain – was now complete. With the help of record producer/songwriter Teddy Randazzo (a childhood friend of the group), the Imperials found success on the new DCP (Don Costa Productions) label and were able to compete with the British Invasion and Motown with several dramatic pop-soul records "I'm on the Outside (Looking In)×I'm on the Outside (Looking in)1964 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracksA1I'm on the Outside (Looking in)3:05A2Where Did Our Love Go?1:58A3People2:56A4The Girl From Ipanema2:41A5Make It Easy on Yourself2:40A6Walk on By2:41B1Tears on My Pillow2:14B2Exodus1:50B3Funny3:18B4Please Go1:56B5Our Song2:54B6A Letter a Day2:31" (1964), "Goin' Out of My Head×Goin' Out of My Head1965 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracksA1Goin’ Out of My Head2:30A2What a Difference a Day Made2:19A3Reputation2:27A4Hurt2:07A5It’s Just a Matter of Time2:26A6Never Again2:17B1Hurt So Bad2:15B2Where Are You2:10B3Take Me Back2:34B4Who’s Sorry Now?3:12B5I Miss You So2:33B6Get Out of My Life2:00" (1964), "Hurt So Bad" (1965), "I Miss You So" (1965), "Take Me Back" (1965), "Hurt" (1966), "Better Use Your Head" (1966), and "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" (1969). "Goin' Out of My Head" and "Hurt So Bad" were consecutive top 10 pop hits on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching #6 and #10, respectively. Around this time, they were the first contemporary "pop" and R&B group to perform at the Copacabana nightclub in New York City.
In 1965, the Imperials appeared on the CBS-TV special Murray The K – It's What's Happening, Baby, where they performed "I'm Alright" before a live audience in New York at the Brooklyn Fox Theatre. At the height of their career, the group made two appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, at the time television's top talent entertainment showcase, on March 28, 1965, and again on January 25, 1970. They also performed on Shindig!, Hullabaloo, Kraft Music Hall, Soul Train, American Bandstand, The Midnight Special, and The Tonight Show.

The Imperials then joined United Artists Records and were assigned to its Veep Records subsidiary, and then to the parent label itself, where they recorded "World of Darkness", "It's Not the Same", "If I Remember to Forget", "Yesterday Has Gone", and the Thom Bell-produced "Help Me Find a Way (To Say I Love You)".
Albums from this era include: Reflections×Reflections1967 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracksA1Don't Tie Me Down2:49A2My Love Is a Rainbow2:40A3If I Remember to Forget2:46A4Keep It Up3:02A5Hold on to Someone2:13A6Yesterday Has Gone2:55B1Trick or Treat2:32B2Lost in Love3:03B3In the Mirrors of Your Mind2:46B4I Love You2:22B5Better Off Without You3:08B6A Thousand Miles Away2:32, Payin' Our Dues×Payin' Our Dues1966 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracks1Better Use Your Head2:552Call Me the Joker2:473Good for a Lifetime3:084Cry My Eyes Out2:595You Better Take It Easy Baby2:326Hungry Heart2:057It's Not the Same2:208The Wonder of It All2:439Gonna Fix You Good (Everytime You're Bad)2:3010Lost Without You2:5811You're Not That Girl Anymore3:2812Your Own Little World2:52, Out of Sight, Out of Mind (named after their hit cover of The Five Keys' song), and Movie Grabbers, which included a rendition of "You Only Live Twice", the James Bond motion picture theme. This song was originally recorded by The Imperials – expressly for the film and its soundtrack – but was later given instead to Nancy Sinatra for the film, due to her father Frank's greater influence.

Numerous lineup changes, final hits, and frequent live performances (1969–1992)

In 1969, Wright left the group; he joined former The Platters lead singer Tony Williams' spinoff group. Wright was replaced briefly by a returning Kenny Seymour and then later by Bobby Wade. Wade had previously been based in Cleveland and had been a solo artist on local labels there.
In the early 1970s, they recorded three singles for Janus Records including "Father Father", which they later performed on the Merv Griffin Show.
Strain left in 1972; he was replaced the group's choreographer Harold Jenkins, who had previously worked with former member Kenny Seymour in a group called the Impacts. (Strain later joined the O'Jays as the replacement for original O'Jays member William Powell, who left the group due to illness.) Jenkins was also appointed the group's musical director.
The group later moved to Avco Records in the early-to-mid-1970s and recorded the album On A New Street×On A New Street1973 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 11 tracksA1I’m Falling in Love With You3:51A2Lazy Susan2:48A3The Loneliest House on the Block3:54A4I Don’t Have Time to Worry3:20A5La La La at the End4:10B1That’s What Love Is All About3:35B2What Good Am I Without You3:15B3Sooner or Later3:00B4Loving You Won’t Hurt as Much Tomorrow3:15B5Heartaches Never Entered My Mind3:38B6Easier Said Than Done4:15, and charted with the songs "La La La (At the End)" and "I'm Falling in Love with You". This album was produced by both Bell and Randazzo. The latter was their last moderate hit on the Billboard R&B Singles chart, peaking at #25. A second LP for Avco Records, entitled Hold On, was withdrawn from sale in the US, after the sales failure of the title track and Avco's subsequent financial difficulties.

In 1975, Gourdine left for a second (and more successful) attempt at a solo career. The trio of Collins, Wade, and Jenkins continued as "the Imperials". They spent the mid-to-late 1970s "getting steady work in the [sic] Las Vegas lounges and on cruise ships". Collins left in 1988, and was replaced by Sherman James. They then toured as "Bobby Wade's Imperials". James left in 1992, and was replaced by Ron Stevenson.

Reunion, new albums, and various Hall of Fame inductions (1992–2023)

On January 10, 1992, Gourdine, Collins, Wright, and Strain reunited for a concert (called "Royalty of Rock: The Ultimate Reunion") at Madison Square Garden, alongside Dion & the Belmonts and Ronnie Spector, plus a one-off reunion of several former members of the Drifters (which included Ben E. King, Charlie Thomas, Johnny Moore, and Barry Hobbs). This reunion proved to be a success. When the decision was made for the foursome to tour together again, Wade relinquished the Imperials name, with his group becoming "Bobby Wade's Emperors" when they became the house band at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. At this point, Strain left the O'Jays, and permanently returned to the Imperials. 1992, the year of the group's reformation, was also the 40th anniversary of Dick Clark's American Bandstand, and he invited the Imperials to appear as part of the televised special celebration.
In 1996, they recorded their first live album, Little Anthony & the Imperials – Live: Up Close & Personal. On August 30, 1997, the group was featured on NBC's Today show as part of that show's "Summer Concert Series".
In the early 2000s, they appeared on three popular PBS television specials: Rock, Rhythm, and Doo-Wop and Red, White and Rock in 2002; and Soul Spectacular: 40 Years of R&B in 2003. Also, during this period, they recorded Pure Acapella, an all a cappella CD showcasing the group's vocal talents on several classic 1950s doo-wop songs, including their own hit, "Two People in the World", which was written by Imperials member Ernest Wright. These two recordings marked the first time that the classic line-up had recorded together in over 30 years.
Gourdine, Collins, Wright, and Strain continued touring together until Strain retired in 2004, and Jenkins, for the second time, returned to take his place.
In 2008, Little Anthony and the Imperials released their first new album in several years, entitled You'll Never Know, and they performed on the Late Show with David Letterman on August 26, 2008.
The French electronic music duo Daft Punk sampled the group's 1977 recording of "Can You Imagine" for the track "Crescendolls".
On January 14, 2009, it was announced that Little Anthony and the Imperials had been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Gourdine, Wright, Collins, Strain, and Rogers were present to be honored. Deceased original Imperials member Tracy Lord was inducted posthumously; his sons accepted his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction on his behalf. The group was inducted by Smokey Robinson.
Sammy Strain is one of the few artists in popular music history to be a double Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, having been inducted with the O'Jays in 2005 and the Imperials in 2009.
In October 2009, the group performed "Two People in the World" at the 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert.
In 2010, Jenkins also retired, and was replaced by Robert DeBlanc. In 2012, the Imperials were (along with the Dells), one of the few 1950s-era R&B groups still touring with a majority of their original members (Gourdine, Collins, and Wright). Imperials founder Collins retired from the group in late 2012 due to age and health reasons. He still owns the trademark on The Imperials' name. He and Anthony were once married to twin sisters, Brenda Collins and Linda Gourdine, but Brenda and Clarence have since divorced. The Contemporary Christian Gospel Group The Imperials uses the name with Collins' permission. Gourdine's first wife was Judy Fouseca, with whom he had four children, and four more by his second wife, Linda. Original member Wright is married and has a daughter, Nicole. He is also a songwriter and producer. Original Imperials bass singer Glouster "Nate" Rogers is a cancer survivor. He has been married many years to wife Loretta. Original Imperials member Tracey Lord is deceased.
In early 2014, Gourdine toured the UK with David Gest's Legends of Soul, when he performed "Tears on My Pillow×Tears on My Pillow17 August 2018 · Album · CompilationSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 34 tracks1Tears on My Pillow2:182Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop2:113This Love of Mine2:434I'm Still in Love With You2:315Traveling Stranger2:046I've Got a Crush on You2:437Wishful Thinking2:428Two People in the World2:379Gonna Fix You Good (Every Time You're Bad)2:3110Don't Get Around Much Anymore2:5311The Diary2:3312Better Use Your Head2:5413Dream2:2914So Near and Yet So Far2:5815So Much2:2516I'm Alright2:2617They Say It's Wonderful2:5618My Empty Room2:3119River Path2:5620Please Say You Want Me2:4821Over the Rainbow2:1622I'm Taking a Vacation From Love2:0423A Prayer and Juke Box2:2924I'll Never Smile Again2:4425Undecided1:5926A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening2:2927If You Are but a Dream2:5028All or Nothing at All2:5029Oooh! Look-A There, Ain't She Pretty2:4130I Couldn't Sleep a Wink Last Night2:4331Oh Yeah2:2332Love Is a Many Splendord Thing2:1833Cha Cha Henry2:1934What Did I Do2:46" and "Goin' Out of My Head×Goin' Out of My Head1965 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracksA1Goin’ Out of My Head2:30A2What a Difference a Day Made2:19A3Reputation2:27A4Hurt2:07A5It’s Just a Matter of Time2:26A6Never Again2:17B1Hurt So Bad2:15B2Where Are You2:10B3Take Me Back2:34B4Who’s Sorry Now?3:12B5I Miss You So2:33B6Get Out of My Life2:00". The same year, he released his biography, Little Anthony: My Journey, My Destiny, recounting his life, his memories, and his years with The Imperials.
In 2014, Goldmine magazine inducted the Imperials into The Goldmine Hall of Fame. Editor Phil Marder referred to them as one of the few 1950s doo-wop groups (though the group hated that label) to consistently chart hits during the British Invasion. Goldmine also named Little Anthony and the Imperials as one of The 20 Greatest Doo-Wop Groups of All Time.
In 2018, Little Anthony and the Imperials were inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in Detroit.
As of 2018, The Imperials were still performing. Imperials founder Collins, now retired, has been replaced by Johnny Britt. De Blanc and original members Wright and Gourdine round out the group. When the group is not touring, Gourdine does stage plays and currently also has a one-man show, which he is currently doing to support his recently released biography, and to celebrate his 55-plus years as a performer.
The group's most recent performance took place in May 2022. Since then, Gourdine (with Britt) has performed on the Happy Together Tour headlined by the Turtles in 2023 and 2025.
On April 24, 2023, Little Anthony & The Imperials were inducted into the newly established, Atlantic City Walk Of Fame presented by, The National R&B Music Society Inc. Little Anthony, Clarence Collins, Ernest Wright, Nate Rogers, and Sammy Strain were all in attendance to accept the honor. It was the first time all five were together since The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2009. Norman Burnett of the vocal group The Tymes inducted the group. James Brown, The Delfonics and Grover Washington Jr., were also inducted in the inaugural class.

Cover versions, influence, and legacy

Over the decades, in a measure of their profound influence, several of The Imperials' hit songs have been covered by numerous other artists of many different musical genres, including pop, jazz, MOR, rock, Latin, country, doo-wop, and R&B. Some examples:

"Hurt So Bad" an Imperials' top ten song, was covered by Linda Ronstadt, as well as the Lettermen, Alicia Keys, Grant Green, the Delfonics, Nancy Wilson, Nancy Holloway, the Philly Devotions, Willie Hutch, Arthur Prysock, Tracy Huang, Cathy Carlson, Willie Bovain, Ramsey Lewis, Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass, and Nancy Holliday.
"I'm on the Outside (Looking In)×I'm on the Outside (Looking in)1964 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracksA1I'm on the Outside (Looking in)3:05A2Where Did Our Love Go?1:58A3People2:56A4The Girl From Ipanema2:41A5Make It Easy on Yourself2:40A6Walk on By2:41B1Tears on My Pillow2:14B2Exodus1:50B3Funny3:18B4Please Go1:56B5Our Song2:54B6A Letter a Day2:31", a top 20 hit for the Imperials, has been covered by the Miracles, Johnny Mathis, Amy Winehouse, the Lettermen, and the Jaggerz.
"Tears on My Pillow×Tears on My Pillow17 August 2018 · Album · CompilationSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 34 tracks1Tears on My Pillow2:182Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop2:113This Love of Mine2:434I'm Still in Love With You2:315Traveling Stranger2:046I've Got a Crush on You2:437Wishful Thinking2:428Two People in the World2:379Gonna Fix You Good (Every Time You're Bad)2:3110Don't Get Around Much Anymore2:5311The Diary2:3312Better Use Your Head2:5413Dream2:2914So Near and Yet So Far2:5815So Much2:2516I'm Alright2:2617They Say It's Wonderful2:5618My Empty Room2:3119River Path2:5620Please Say You Want Me2:4821Over the Rainbow2:1622I'm Taking a Vacation From Love2:0423A Prayer and Juke Box2:2924I'll Never Smile Again2:4425Undecided1:5926A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening2:2927If You Are but a Dream2:5028All or Nothing at All2:5029Oooh! Look-A There, Ain't She Pretty2:4130I Couldn't Sleep a Wink Last Night2:4331Oh Yeah2:2332Love Is a Many Splendord Thing2:1833Cha Cha Henry2:1934What Did I Do2:46", the Imperials' first million-selling hit, has been covered by numerous artists, including the McGuire Sisters, Sha Na Na, New Edition, and S Club 8. Clem Snide recorded a cover for the Stubbs the Zombie soundtrack. "Tears on My Pillow" has also been covered by Timi Yuro, Chuck Jackson, Bobby Vee, Lou Christie, Martha and the Vandellas, Bobby Vinton, Johnny Tillotson, Neil Sedaka, Reba McEntire, Jodeci, Lorrie Morgan, Derrick Morgan with Lyn Tait & the Jets, Neils Children, Kylie Minogue, and the Fleetwoods.
"Goin' Out of My Head×Goin' Out of My Head1965 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracksA1Goin’ Out of My Head2:30A2What a Difference a Day Made2:19A3Reputation2:27A4Hurt2:07A5It’s Just a Matter of Time2:26A6Never Again2:17B1Hurt So Bad2:15B2Where Are You2:10B3Take Me Back2:34B4Who’s Sorry Now?3:12B5I Miss You So2:33B6Get Out of My Life2:00", another top 10 hit, and Little Anthony and the Imperials' signature song, has had over 50 different cover versions by other artists, including the Delfonics, Vic Damone, Cilla Black, Petula Clark, Willie Bobo, Sergio Mendes and Brazil '66, Ella Fitzgerald, Lou Christie, Les McCann, the Lettermen, Ramsey Lewis, Luther Vandross, Ray Conniff, Frank Sinatra, Lawrence Welk, Florence Ballard, and the Miracles.
"Better Use Your Head", the Imperials' 1966 transatlantic hit, has been covered by Barry Ryan, Robin Wilson, Dennis D'ell, and Marion Ryan.
"Take Me Back", Little Anthony and the Imperials' 1965 top 20 hit, has been covered by Country Music artists Glen Campbell, Ronnie Dove and Sonny James.
"If I Love You", a 1970 song by the Imperials, was later covered by The Stylistics on their first album for Avco Records two years later.
"The Loneliest House on the Block", an early 1970s Imperials tune, from their album On A New Street×On A New Street1973 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 11 tracksA1I’m Falling in Love With You3:51A2Lazy Susan2:48A3The Loneliest House on the Block3:54A4I Don’t Have Time to Worry3:20A5La La La at the End4:10B1That’s What Love Is All About3:35B2What Good Am I Without You3:15B3Sooner or Later3:00B4Loving You Won’t Hurt as Much Tomorrow3:15B5Heartaches Never Entered My Mind3:38B6Easier Said Than Done4:15, was covered by soul vocal group Blue Magic.
The Imperials' 1968 single, "Yesterday Has Gone", was covered by UK band Cupid's Inspiration in 1968 and climbed to number 4 in the UK singles chart; the song was also recorded in 1996 by Marc Almond and P.J. Proby.
"Two People In The World", the hit "B" side of The Imperials' first-million-selling hit, "Tears on My Pillow", has been covered by Paul and Paula, The Dovells, and The Marcels.

In addition, according to songwriter and producer Kenny Gamble, Little Anthony and the Imperials and their music were a major influence in the development of Philadelphia soul, and artists such as the Stylistics, the Delfonics, Blue Magic (who covered the Imperials' tune "The Loneliest House on the Block"), Chicago's Chi-Lites, and other groups. They were also the first contemporary music group to play New York's prestigious Copacabana nightclub, even predating the Temptations and Supremes.

Members

Current members
Jerome "Little Anthony" Gourdine – lead vocals (1957–1961, 1963–1975, 1992–present)
Ernest Wright – backing vocals (1957–1969, 1992–present)
Robert Deblanc – backing vocals (2010–present)
Johnny Britt – backing vocals, trumpet (2012–present)
Former members
Ronald Ross – backing vocals (1957)
Clarence "Wa-hoo" Collins – backing vocals (1957–1988, 1992–2012; one-off non-performing appearance in 2023)
Glouster "Nate" Rogers – backing vocals (1957–c. 1961; one-off non-performing appearance in 2009 and 2023)
Tracy Lord – backing vocals (1957–c. 1961; deceased)
George Kerr – lead vocals (c. 1961)
Samuel "Sammy" Strain – backing vocals (c. 1961–1972, 1992–2004; one-off non-performing appearance in 2009 and 2023)
Kenny W. Seymour, Sr. – lead vocals (1961–1963); backing vocals (c. 1969)
Bobby Wade – vocals (c. 1969–1992)
Harold "Hawk" Jenkins – vocals, musical director (1972–1992, 2004–2010)
Sherman James – vocals (1988–1992)
Ron Stevenson – vocals (1992)