Little Anthony (also known as Anthony Gourdine) is one of those singers that when he opens his mouth music magic happens and then even more comes when the other Imperials- Clarence Collins, Ernest Wright, and newest member Robert LeBlanc- join in the medley.

The band started out very humbly in the streets of Brooklyn in the late 50’s and 60’s singing on street corners, hanging off lamp posts in parks, and seeking out the best subway echoes to resonate their passionate sounds.

Little Anthony & The Imperials truly embody an era which is lost within today’s technological world but regardless they have never let go of their desire to make great music. The band is known for many hits such as “Tears On My Pillow” and “Hurt So Bad.” They also have many hidden gems that are definitely worth taking a listen to, songs like “Going Out Of My Head” and my personal favourite “Dream.” Little Anthony & The Imperials’ music is truly a blessing for the world’s ears.

Times Square caught up with Little Anthony before their upcoming shows in New York at Feinstein’s at Loews Regency on February 14^th to 18^th.

Times Square (TS): You’ve said one of your inspirations growing up was Ethel Mannix. What inspired you about her as a music teacher?

Little Anthony (LA): She was a great lady! You don’t see teachers like that anymore. She was passionate about her music classes and because she was so passionate it kind of rubbed off on a lot of us. She was the one to open doors [for me]; she knew that I had something special. She followed my career, obviously she didn’t know it would work out this way, it didn’t work out for everybody in that class but for me it did.

TS: What are your thoughts on the music industry compared to when you were first starting out?

LA: It’s good and bad, just like it was in our day. It hasn’t changed. There’s still a lot of good stuff out there. I mean I have things that I like because it’s good and things that I don’t because it isn’t good. But there isn’t some super difference between the eras except for technology. We didn’t have shows like American Idol, we had to work for it at clubs...we learned to fail where these kids don’t really get that.

TS: So tell me- what advice would you give to young and aspiring musicians?

LA: Whatever you do you have to have a passion for it. Because when you have to rehearse, doing it day-in and day-out, you’d better have a passion for it. It’s got to be something that is driving you inside...telling you that you love music. Don’t imitate anybody...you’ve got to be drawn to it. Something inside you so powerful that you’re compelled to do it. And once you understand that everything works itself out.

TS: Looking back at all the things you’ve accomplished. What are some things you are most proud of?

LA: Well I always tell people that my concert at the Lincoln Center in 1969. The New York philharmonic was behind us, it was an evening of Diane Wall and Little Anthony & The Imperials. It was black-tie and all the dignitaries of the city of New York were there including the mayor. It was a wonderful, magical night.

TS: Yes I can imagine it would have been quite an experience. You met the other Imperials when you guys were 6 years old (or so) in the Ft.Greene Projects. How did you meet each other and when did you realize that you’d make a great band together?

LA: We didn’t know...I don’t think anybody knows. We were just playing kids...playing in the streets, doing this doing that...We never really thought about it. What happened was unbeknown to us, each guy was developing as a singer...I didn’t know Clarence was involved in it, I didn’t know Ernest was in the Glee club [a popular singing group in the 50’s and 60’s]. And in the meantime, I’m singing gospel with my mother taking me places with her choir. It just happened one day [and the rest is history].

TS: Must have been musical destiny. In fact, your area of Brooklyn is quite a breeding ground of famous people. Why do think that is so?

LA: It is now that you mention that...it’s amazing who came out of that place. Jay-Z, Mike Tyson, Barbara Streisand...hundreds of people came out of there. It’s weird that Brooklyn produced that. I think Brooklyn just has that kind of environment.

TS: So I am curious to know, how did you feel when you got the nickname “Little Anthony” by Alan Freed (after all, he thought you were a girl singing). Did you ever think it might hinder your success as an artist?

LA: I had a struggle with that for many, many years. I even changed it to ‘Anthony’ but when you learn that is what you’re recognized as...you should celebrate it and not run away from that, you run towards it. [For instance] Nat Cole didn’t like to be called Nat King Cole so he got rid of the King, but everybody knew him as Nat King Cole. But truth is that is what defines me as unique; it has nothing to do with my size or my height it has to do my stature more than anything else especially now at my age.

TS: When you first were touring in the late 50’s and 60’s it must have been extremely challenging due to the racial prejudices in America. How did you guys maintain the strength and courage to continue on your dream of being successful despite the hardships?

LA: Oh it was real bad. I couldn’t even talk to you in three minutes [about it] it wouldn’t do it justice. But anything we got is by the grace of God.

TS: How did you feel hearing your first big hit “Tears On Your Pillow” on the radio?

LA: Haha, that’s funny. I was in summer school in order to make up the credits so I could get my diploma. We had recorded it in May and it became a big hit by the end of May and June. I didn’t think it was going to that! We used to have a thing called transistor radios, I heard some kids vaguely snickering at something and it was “Tears On My Pillow.” And from that point on everywhere I went I heard it and the rest is history.

TS: Of all the songs/albums you’ve done as a band, which is your favourite and why?

LA: “Hurt So Bad.” The greatest time I had in the studio was with Teddy Randazza and Don Costa from 1964 to 1968. It was more fun than I’ve had in my life because they were creative people. Costa was one of Frank Sinatra’s arrangers...So I got to meet a lot of top people. And Teddy Randazza wrote those songs, he said to me once -you’re going to be my voice. So I understood what he was going through, most of those songs were about his own feeling. So that song means a lot to me. And quite a few top artists have said -we all recorded that song because the way it expressed itself.

TS: In 2009, after 5+ decades in the industry the band finally was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. How did it feel to finally get the award?

LA: I can’t speak for all the other guys, but I know for me...It’s like the old fox thing; he couldn’t get to the grapes and so kept jumping and jumping then he said -meh I didn’t want no grapes anyway. Haha. We were [voted in] almost unanimous...that’s incredible...After so many times not making it...But hey, we’re in! Haha. I’m not going to argue the issue.

TS: The band will be performing a few shows at Feinstein’s at Loews Regency. What can your fans expect?

LA: Yeah it’s one of the last very classy cabarets, not much of those left anymore. We did it one time [before] because Feinstein knew we had the talent and capability to deal with a room that only holds 225 people. Not many people can do that and we came from that era.

TS: Well Little Anthony, it has been an extreme pleasure speaking with you. Good luck at the shows!

LA: Thank you so much my dear! Hope to talk to you again soon.

Photo: (left to right) Robert DeBlanc, Ernest Wright, Clarence Collins and Anthony Gourdine in front.

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