Little Anthony and the Imperials

LITTLE ANTHONY AND THE IMPERIALS
 
 
Little Anthony and the Imperials  is an American rhythm and blues/soul/doo-wop vocal group from New York City, first active in the 1950s.  Lead singer Jerome Anthony “Little Anthony” Gourdine was noted for his high-pitched voice, influenced by Jimmy Scott.  The other original members were:  Clarence Collins (group founder), Ernest Wright, Glouster “Nate” Rogers, and Tracey Lord, the last two of whom were replaced by Samuel “Sammy” Strain.  The group was one of the very few doo-wop groups to maintain 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.  (More from Wikipedia)
 
 

The Imperials (no relation to Little Anthony’s group) were started in 1963 by Jake Hess after he left the venerable Statesmen Quartet.  

 

(July 2014)

 

Last edited: March 22, 2021