The Imperials

Gospel and Contemporary Christian Vocal Group

For the gospel group backing Elvis Presley, see Imperials Only use when credited without Little Anthony. Otherwise please use Little Anthony & The Imperials. New York vocal harmony group Little Anthony & The Imperials signed with the End record label in 1958, and scored a huge success right out of the gate with their first single "Tears on My Pillow". Other successful records followed, including 1960's 'Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko Ko Bop'. 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 Anthony's 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 ; on those records, the group consisted of Clarence Collins, Ernest Wright, Jr, Sammy Strain, and George Kerr. By the end of 1963 Little Anthony returned to the group, having found little action as a solo act.