Little Anthony & The Imperials – Rock & Roll Royalty
Little Anthony & The Imperials – Rock & Roll Royalty
One of the most enduring and influential vocal groups of the 20th century, Little Anthony & The Imperials helped define the sound of doo-wop and R&B from the late 1950s into the soul-driven 1960s.
Founded by Clarence Collins, the group rose to prominence with the unmistakable falsetto of Jerome “Little Anthony” Gourdine, whose emotive, high-pitched voice became the group’s trademark. Their breakthrough single, “Tears on My Pillow” (1958), was a million-seller and remains a cornerstone of early rock and R&B.
Key Members Over the Years:
Little Anthony Gourdine – lead vocals
Clarence Collins – founder, tenor
Ernest Wright – baritone
Sammy Strain – later added, also a member of The O’Jays
Gloster “Nate” Rogers & Tracy Lord – original members
Throughout the 1960s, they evolved beyond their doo-wop roots, releasing lushly arranged soul-pop masterpieces like: “Goin’ Out of My Head”
“I’m On the Outside (Looking In)”
“Hurt So Bad”
These emotionally rich songs tackled heartbreak, longing, and the ache of unrequited love—often backed by sweeping orchestration that made their sound timeless.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction – 2009
Though overdue, their induction honored a group that paved the way for countless vocal acts to come—blending raw emotion with vocal sophistication. Few groups transitioned as gracefully from the doo-wop era into the polished soul-pop of the ’60s.
Legacy:
Little Anthony & The Imperials didn’t just make hits—they made standards. Their harmonies, stage presence, and emotional delivery set a gold standard for vocal groups that followed. From Motown to modern R&B, their fingerprints are everywhere.
