Little Anthony & the Imperials

American rhythm and blues, doo-wop, vocal harmony and soul vocal group from New York City, formed in the 1950s. They evolved out of The Chesters and The Duponts and signed with the End record label in 1958. They scored huge milion selling successes right out of the gate. But by 1961, they'd hit a down period in their popularity, so lead singer Little Anthony (Anthony Gourdine) left the group to try his luck at a solo career. Following his departure, The Imperials changed some of their personnel and recorded a few singles for the Carlton label, which did not fare too well on the charts. By the end of 1963 Little Anthony returned to the group, having found little action himself. The group's classic line-up of Gourdine, Wright, Collins and Strain soon reconnected with success via a string of hits between 1964 and 1969. Though the success has waned in the 1970s and beyond, they have remained active over the decades, in different line-ups. They were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2009 (Performer).