Back in the ‘60s, a young singer and songwriter named Teddy Randazzo composed a group of love letters. Three of Teddy's heartbreaking post-breakup songs became major hits for a vocal group out of Brooklyn, New York.
Jerome “Little Anthony” Gordine was born January 8, 1941. and grew up in the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn. In 1957, he joined a group called the Chesters, one of the hundreds of R&B vocal groups that flourished in New York City during the ‘50s. New York-based Apollo Records released “The Fires Burn No More” by the Chesters. It wasn't a big hit when it was first released, but in later years it became a favorite among collectors and on the playlists of oldies radio shows across the U.S.
With the help of the legendary radio DJ Allen Freed, The Chesters changed their name to Little Anthony and the Imperials. They had a number of hits between 1958 and 1961, including “Tears on My Pillow,” “Shimmy Shimmy KO KO Bop,” and “Traveling Stranger.”
After a few years without any chart action, Little Anthony joined forces with childhood friend Teddy Randazzo, who would produce and write some of their biggest hit records. The songs “I'm On the Outside Looking In,” “Going Out of My Head,” and “Hurt So Bad” were all Top 10 hits for Little Anthony and the Imperials.
The group continued recording and touring in later decades, and made frequent appearances on oldie shows around the country and around the world.
Happy birthday, Little Anthony!
Listen above.
Recommended Listening (other than the great hits mentioned)
“If I Remember to Forget”
“If I Love You”
“Reputation”
“Get Out of My Life”
Deep Cut
“The Fires Burn No More” – The Chesters
