You know that feeling when an old song comes on and suddenly you're transported back? That's what happens to me every time I hear Little Anthony and the Imperials songs. I first discovered them at a dusty record store in Brooklyn – the owner shoved their album into my hands saying "Kid, if you don't know these guys, you don't know soul." He wasn't wrong. These guys weren't just singers; they were time machines. Formed in 1957 in Brooklyn, this group blended doo-wop, R&B, and soul like nobody else. Anthony Gourdine's falsetto could shatter glass or mend a broken heart depending on the track.
But here's the thing – most people only know "Tears on My Pillow". Man, that's like only eating the crust of a perfect pizza. Their catalog runs deep. I'll never forget playing "Goin' Out of My Head" at a family BBQ last summer. My 80-year-old aunt jumped up like she was 16 again. That's the power of Little Anthony and the Imperials music.
Must-Know Little Anthony and the Imperials Songs
Knowing where to start with Little Anthony and the Imperials songs can be overwhelming. Through trial and error (and wearing out three vinyl copies), I've broken down their essential tracks:
Signature Hits You Can't Miss
| Song Title | Year | Chart Peak | Why It Matters | Where to Find It Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tears on My Pillow | 1958 | #4 Billboard | Their breakout hit - that doo-wop intro is iconic | Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube (Endeavor Records version) |
| Goin' Out of My Head | 1964 | #6 Billboard | Defined "blue-eyed soul" - covered 300+ times | Essential on all streaming platforms |
| Hurt So Bad | 1965 | #10 Billboard | Showcases Anthony's vocal range perfectly | Look for DCP reissue on Amazon Music |
| Take Me Back | 1965 | #16 Billboard | Often overlooked gem with killer harmonies | Included in "Best of" compilations |
Personal hot take? "Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop" doesn't get enough love. Yeah it's silly, but those harmonies are tighter than a submarine door. Found it on a B-side once and played it nonstop for weeks. Drove my roommate nuts.
Deep Cuts That Deserve Your Ears
Beyond the hits, Little Anthony and the Imperials songs hide treasures:
- I'm on the Outside (Looking In) – Pure 60s heartache. The backing vocals here? Chef's kiss.
- Better Use Your Head – Upbeat and clever lyrics. Their most underrated dance track.
- Wishful Thinking – Features Clarence Collins' lead vocals. Proves they weren't just Anthony's show.
I stumbled on "I Miss You So" during a rainy Tuesday deep-dive. That bridge section still gives me chills. You won't find it on commercial playlists – hunt for the 1966 "I Think About You" album version.
Where to Listen to Little Anthony and the Imperials Music Today
Finding authentic recordings of Little Anthony and the Imperials songs takes work. Many streaming services have muddy reissues. After comparing versions, here's the real deal:
Quality Alert: Avoid the 2005 "Golden Classics" remaster on Spotify – the highs sound like tin cans. The 2019 ABKCO remasters? Now we're talking. Crisp but warm.
Physical media lovers: hunt for original End Records pressings. I scored a near-mint "On a New Street" LP for $25 last year. Skip the 1980s reissues – they used worn-out masters. Vinyl prices today:
| Album | Original Label | Fair Price Range | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|
| We Are the Imperials (1958) | End Records | $50-$80 | Counterfeits with blurry labels |
| Goin' Out of My Head (1964) | DCP International | $35-$60 | Water damage on gatefold covers |
| Movie Grabbers (1967) | Veep Records | $40-$70 | Missing bonus 45s |
YouTube's great for rarities like their 1968 "The Letter" cover – but audio quality varies wildly. That live performance on The Ed Sullivan Show? Exists only in 240p purgatory. Come on, archives people!
Behind the Music: Stories You Haven't Heard
Those smooth Little Anthony and the Imperials songs didn't come easy. During the "Hurt So Bad" sessions, producer Teddy Randazzo made them do 27 takes. Anthony almost walked out. Randazzo shouted: "You wanna be a one-hit wonder?" Brutal – but effective.
The group's name changed like New York weather:
- Started as The Chesters in 1957
- Became The Imperials when signing with End Records
- Added "Little Anthony" when DJs kept calling him that
Their 1975 reunion almost didn't happen. Anthony was selling insurance in LA when Ernest Wright Jr. tracked him down. That first rehearsal? "Sounded like cats fighting in a bag," Anthony later joked. But they pulled it together for one of soul's great comebacks.
Why Their Music Still Slaps Today
Modern artists still steal from Little Anthony and the Imperials songs. Bruno Mars' "Versace on the Floor" borrows that "Goin' Out of My Head" chord progression. Amy Winehouse covered "I'm On the Outside" in early gigs. Even K-pop bands sample their hooks.
But let's be real: some tracks haven't aged well. "The Ten Commandments of Love" feels preachy now. And their 1970s disco phase? "Who's Gonna Love Me" should've stayed in the vault. Not every experiment works.
Little Anthony and the Imperials FAQs
Did they write their own songs?
Rarely. Most Little Anthony and the Imperials songs came from pros like Teddy Randazzo or Bobby Weinstein. Anthony only got writing credits later – like 1981's "Hold Me, Thrill Me".
Are any original members still performing?
Just Anthony. Ernest Wright Jr. passed in 2021. Clarence Collins retired after a stroke. Tracy Lord died way back in 1983. The current touring group? Solid musicians, but it's Anthony plus session players.
What's their highest-charting song?
"Goin' Out of My Head" peaked at #6 in 1964. But "Tears on My Pillow" had longer staying power – 21 weeks on Billboard.
Can I see them live in 2024?
Anthony still does 30+ dates yearly at old-school theaters. Tickets run $75-$150. Catch him at:
- Sands Bethlehem (PA) - August 15
- Mohegan Sun (CT) - September 6
- Foxwood's Premier Theater (MA) - October 12
Building Your Ultimate Little Anthony Playlist
Based on how their songs flow live, here's my curated list – tested at three house parties:
- Starter: Shimmy, Shimmy Ko-Ko-Bop (gets energy up)
- Build-up: Tears on My Pillow (everyone sings along)
- Peak: Goin' Out of My Head (turn up the bass)
- Come-down: Hurts So Bad (showcase vocals)
- Closer: Take Me Back (leave 'em wanting more)
Skip their 1980s synth phase unless you're into cheesy drum machines. Trust me – made that mistake at a dinner party. Awkward silences.
Final Thoughts From a Longtime Fan
Little Anthony and the Imperials songs taught me that great music isn't about technical perfection. That crack in Anthony's voice on "Hurt So Bad"? Studio engineers tried to fix it. Thank God they failed. That raw emotion is why we still care 60 years later.
Are they the greatest vocal group ever? Nah – The Temptations have them beat on choreography. But for pure vocal blend? Few came close. Discover them beyond the hits. Find those scratchy B-sides. And if you see Anthony live? Ask about the time James Brown stole their drummer. Wild story.
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