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Little Anthony and the Imperials: A Doo-Wop Legend Who Still Shines Bright

In the golden age of American music, few voices soared as high—or cut as deep—as that of Little Anthony.

Born Jerome Gourdine in Brooklyn, Little Anthony became one of the most distinctive and emotional falsettos in soul, doo-wop, and classic pop music history.

As the lead singer of Little Anthony and the Imperials, his voice helped define an era, touching hearts with hits like “Tears on My Pillow,” “Goin’ Out of My Head,” and “Hurt So Bad.”

His music not only broke chart records but also broke barriers between genres, blending doo-wop harmonies, soul grooves, and pop sensibilities in a way that left a lasting mark on American R&B history.

Before the spotlight, Little Anthony grew up in a neighbourhood immersed in gospel and street-corner harmonies. Young Jerome began singing doo-wop as a teenager. He joined a vocal group called The Duponts, who released a single in 57.

His big break came when he joined The Chesters, a vocal group that would soon rename itself The Imperials.

With Jerome now taking center stage as “Little Anthony”—a nickname given by a legendary due to his youthful appearance and high-pitched voice—the group’s sound clicked immediately. His natural falsetto became their signature.

In 58, the group signed to a label. Their debut single, “Tears on My Pillow,” exploded on the charts. With its raw emotion, aching falsetto, and lush harmonies, the song became an anthem of teen heartache and a pillar of 1950s American pop.

From that point, Little Anthony and the Imperials embarked on a journey that would bring them lasting fame. They followed up with hits like “Shimmy Shimmy Ko-Ko Bop,” “I’m on the Outside (Looking In),” “Goin’ Out of My Head,” and “Hurt So Bad.”

It was Little Anthony's voice that made the group stand out during the changing tides of 60s music, when the British Invasion and Motown were reshaping the industry.

Songs like “Goin’ Out of My Head” became pop-soul classics, covered by countless artists across genres—from Frank Sinatra to The Lettermen.

Their sound matured in the 60s, becoming more orchestrated and polished. Working with producers like Teddy Randazzo, they crafted sophisticated, adult-oriented pop-soul that prefigured the lush soul ballads of later decades.

In 2009, Little Anthony and the Imperials were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The induction was presented by Smokey Robinson, who praised Anthony’s emotive voice and the group’s groundbreaking blend of genres.

Unlike many of his peers, Little Anthony has remained active well into his 80s, still taking to the stage with the same passion and charisma that made him a star in the 50s. Whether singing at doo-wop revival shows, soul festivals, or headlining his own concerts, Little Anthony still delights audiences wherever he goes.

His presence remains strong on platforms like PBS specials, oldies cruises, and classic soul tours, where fans young and old gather to hear the voice that made them fall in love with music in the first place.

Little Anthony’s music is more than a nostalgic reminder of the past—it’s a living, breathing testament to the power of vocal harmony, heartfelt songwriting, and soul-stirring performance. His contributions helped shape not only the sound of doo-wop but also the emotional core of American soul and pop. His hits continue to be rediscovered by younger audiences and sampled in modern tracks, proving the timeless appeal of his work.

As the frontman of one of the most influential vocal groups of all time, Little Anthony remains a legend—not just for his voice, but for his passion, resilience, and devotion to the music.

In this episode, we explore the life and career of Kenney Jones, the legendary drummer who played a crucial role in shaping the sound of British rock music during the '60s and '70s. From his early days with The Small Faces, through the raucous years with The Faces, to his tenure with The Who, Jones's rhythmic prowess and adaptability made him a sought-after musician in the evolving rock landscape.

Born in Whitechapel, London, Kenney Jones grew up immersed in the vibrant music scene of post-war Britain. Influenced by the burgeoning British Invasion, Jones was drawn to the energetic rhythms of bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, as well as the soulful sounds of American R&B. His early exposure to these genres laid the foundation for his distinctive drumming style, characterized by a blend of precision and flair.

In 65, Jones co-founded The Small Faces alongside Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane, and Jimmy Winston. The band quickly became emblematic of the Mod movement, delivering hits like "Itchycoo Park," "Tin Soldier," and "All or Nothing." Their music, a fusion of psychedelic rock and soulful melodies, resonated with a generation seeking a fresh, dynamic sound.

Jones's drumming provided a solid backbone for the band's intricate arrangements. The Small Faces' influence extended beyond their music, impacting fashion and youth culture in '60s Britain.

The departure of Steve Marriott in '69 marked a turning point for the band. The remaining members—Jones, Lane, and keyboardist Ian McLagan—joined forces with Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood, both from the Jeff Beck Group, to form The Faces.

The Faces quickly gained a reputation for their electrifying live performances and unpretentious style. Albums like "A Nod Is As Good As a Wink... to a Blind Horse" and "Ooh La La" captured their energetic spirit and musical prowess.

Rod Stewart's simultaneous solo career, particularly the success of "Every Picture Tells a Story" and the hit single "Maggie May," brought additional attention to The Faces. However, this dual focus eventually led to tensions within the group.

The Faces' blend of rock, soul, and blues, combined with their charismatic stage presence, earned them a devoted fan base. Tracks like "Stay with Me," "Cindy Incidentally," and "Ooh La La" became anthems of the era, showcasing the band's versatility and Jones's dynamic drumming.

Despite their success, internal tensions and the members' individual pursuits led to the band's dissolution in '75.

In '78, following the death of drummer Keith Moon, Jones was invited to join The Who. His tenure with the band included contributions to albums like Face Dances and It's Hard, as well as performances at significant events such as Live Aid in '85.

While his drumming style differed from Moon's, Jones brought a steady, reliable rhythm to the band's music during a period of transition. His professionalism and experience were invaluable assets to The Who during this time.

Beyond his musical endeavours, Jones authored an autobiography titled "Let the Good Times Roll: My Life in Small Faces, Faces, and The Who", providing an in-depth look at his life and career.

Kenney Jones's contributions to music have been recognised with inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of both The Small Faces and The Faces. His influence continues to inspire musicians and fans alike, ensuring his legacy endures in the annals of music history.

Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Kenney Jones, exploring his impact on British rock music and the enduring legacy of The Small Faces, The Faces, and The Who. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his story, this episode offers a comprehensive look at one of rock's most influential drummers.

#thesmallfaces #thefaces #thewho #britishinvasion

Mike Skill from The Romantics discusses the rise of '80s New Wave. Dive into his journey in the Detroit music scene.

The Romantics, a band synonymous with the vibrant energy of American rock and the catchy hooks of '80s new wave, havea story deeply rooted in the musical landscape of Detroit.

At the heart of this narrative is Mike Skill, the band's founding lead guitarist and a principal songwriter, whose journey before and during his time with The Romantics showcases a blend of influences, adaptability, and a passion for music thatcontinues to resonate with audiences today.​

Mike Skill grew up on the east side of Detroit, a city pulsating with musical innovation. The '60s brought the British Invasion,with bands like The Kinks, The Who, The Beatles, The Hollies, and The Rolling Stones capturing the imagination of young musicians worldwide.

Skill was no exception; he found himself captivated by the raw energy and melodic sensibilities of these British acts. This fascination wasn't just about the music—it was about the attitude, the style, and the revolutionary spirit that these bands embodied.

But Detroit had its own musical heartbeat. The city was a melting pot of sounds, from the soulful rhythms of Motown to the gritty garage rock of local bands. Influences like the MC5, the Stooges, and early Bob Seger were instrumental in shaping Skill's musical outlook. He absorbed the sincerity, irony, spontaneity, and volume that characterised Detroit's late '60s rock scene, blending it with the melodic hooks of theBritish bands he admired.​

By the mid-70s, Skill was ready to channel his influences into something original. In 1977, he joined forces with Wally Palmar, Rich Cole, and Jimmy Marinos to form The Romantics—a name befitting their debut on the day of love. Their mission was clear: to create music that was fresh yet familiar, blending the infectious energy of British pop with the raw power ofAmerican rock.​

Detroit's music scene was both a challenge and aninspiration. The city was teeming with talent, and standing out required not just skill but also a unique identity. The Romantics distinguished themselves with their short hair, tailored suits, and high-energy performances. They favoured concise, punchy songs that got straight to the point—a reflection of both their punk influences and the pop sensibilities of the British Invasion.

The Romantics' relentless gigging paid off and they recorded their self-titled debut album with British producer Pete Solley.

Released in 1980, this album marked the dawn of a new decade and introduced the world to "What I Like About You."​ With its infectious beat and catchy chorus, the song became a defining track of the era.

As the musical landscape shifted in the early '80s, the emergence of new wave brought synthesizers, polished production, and a more commercial sound to the forefront. The Romantics, rooted in garage rock and power pop, faced the challenge of evolving without losing their identity.​ Mike Skill's left the band after the 1980 release of "National Breakout."

The lineup change coincided with the band's subtle incorporation of new wave elements into their music. Their 83 album, "In Heat," showcased this evolution, with tracks like "Talking in Your Sleep" blending their signature rock energy with the melodic hooks and production sheen characteristic of new wave. The song became one of their biggest hits.

Despite lineup changes and the ebb and flow ofmusical trends, The Romantics have remained a constant presence in the rock scene. Mike Skill's return to the band in 2010 revitalised their live performances.

The story of The Romantics, with Mike Skill's journey at its core, is the embodiment of the timeless spirit of rock music—a blend of passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the craft.

Mike joins us today to share his story,

#theromantics #musichistory #newwavemusic #80smusic

Kim Carnes discusses her journey as a legendary songwriter and performer, featuring her hit 'Bette Davis Eyes'.

Kim never set out to be a pop star. But life had a way of nudging her toward the spotlight, and before long she was belting out hits that defined an era. Growing up in Los Angeles, Kim was the kind of kid who could lose herself in a song, spending hours at the piano, crafting melodies.

She started as a songwriter, penning tunes for others long before the world ever heard her own husky, unmistakable voice. Her first real break came when she landed a songwriting contract in the late ‘60s. It wasn’t long before people started to notice that this young woman wasn’t just writing good songs—she had a voice that could make them unforgettable.

In the ‘70s, Kim found herself working with some of the best. She teamed up with David Essex. Their friendship led to collaboration.

She also became close with Kenny Rogers. Kim co-wrote Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer with her husband, Dave Ellingson, and when she and Kenny recorded it as a duet in 1980, magic happened.

But it was Bette Davis Eyes that changed everything. The song was originally recorded by Jackie DeShannon in the mid-’70s. But when Kim got her hands on it, she and producer Val Garay transformed it into something completely new. The arrangement was stripped down, the synths were bold, and Kim’s raw, smoky vocals carried a haunting kind of power."When I first heard Jackie’s version, I loved it," Kim says. "But it was so different from what we ended up doing. The minute we started playing around with it, I knew we had something special. That intro, those drums, the way it just pulls you in—I still get chills when I hear it."

When Bette Davis Eyes hit the airwaves in 1981, it was like a shockwave. It climbed the charts fast, sitting at No. 1 for nine weeks—longer than any other song that year. It wasn’t just a hit; it was THE hit.

Even Bette Davis herself loved it, sending Kim flowers and thanking her for the song that made her a household name all over again. "Getting that letter from Bette Davis was surreal," Kim recalls. "She was so gracious, so kind. She told me she played the song at her parties, which just blew my mind."

Kim could have ridden that wave forever, but she was never one to rest on past success. She kept writing, kept recording, and kept working with the people she admired.

One of those people was Barbra Streisand."Barbra is a force," Kim says. "When we worked together on Make No Mistake, He’s Mine, I knew I had to bring my A-game. She has this presence—she knows exactly what she wants, and she’ll work until it’s perfect. And that’s why she’s Barbra Streisand."The song felt like a conversation between two women who knew exactly what heartbreak sounded like. Their voices blended in an unexpected way—Barbra’s controlled precision meeting Kim’s gravelly warmth—and the result was stunning.

Through the ‘80s and into the ‘90s, Kim remained a force in the industry, both as a performer and a songwriter. She wrote for some of the biggest artists out there, proving again and again that she had a gift not just for melody, but for telling stories that stuck with people.

Fast forward to today, and Kim is still making music, still revisiting the songs that made her who she is. In 2024, she released Bette Davis Eyes (Kim’s Version), a new take on her signature song. This wasn’t just a rehash—it was a love letter to the original, re-recorded with some of the same musicians who helped shape it the first time around. "I wanted to do it justice," Kim explains. "I wasn’t interested in just re-recording it for the sake of it. I wanted to feel that magic again."

And the response? Incredible.

Looking back, Kim Carnes' career wasn’t about chasing fame—it was about making music that mattered. Whether writing for others or stepping up to the microphone herself, she’s always been an artist first. And that’s exactly why, all these years later, we’re still listening.