Little Anthony

Jerome Gourdine (born January 8, 1941 ), known as Little Anthony, is an American singer, best known for leading Little Anthony and the Imperials, an American rhythm and blues, doo-wop, 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. 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. "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. 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.

In 2008, Little Anthony and the Imperials released their first new album in several years, entitled You'll Never Know, 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.

In October 2009, the group performed "Two People in the World" at the 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert.

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).

In early 2014, Gourdine toured the UK with David Gest's Legends of Soul, when he performed "Tears on My Pillow" and "Goin' Out of My Head". 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 2018, Little Anthony and the Imperials were inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in Detroit.

, 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 Imperials founder Collins, now retired, has been replaced by Johnny Britt.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.

Awards Little Anthony and the Imperials received the Rhythm and Blues Foundation's Pioneer Award in 1993. They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Long Island Music Hall of Fame on October 15, 2006. In 2007, the Imperials were inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame On January 14, 2009, it was announced that Little Anthony and the Imperials had been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; they were inducted on April 4. 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.

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.

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.

Early and personal life Gourdine was born to Victoria Stafford and Thomas Elliot Gourdine. He grew up in the Fort Greene area of Brooklyn in New York City, and attended Boys High School.