Little Anthony and The Imperials
Little Anthony and the Imperials formed in the 1950s in New York City as a rhythm and blues, doo-wop, and soul vocal group. The group was founded by Clarence Collins and named partly for lead singer Jerome Anthony "Little Anthony" Gourdine, known for his distinctive high-pitched voice.
Original members included Clarence Collins, Ernest Wright, Gloster "Nate" Rogers, Tracy Lord, and Little Anthony. Rogers and Lord were later replaced by Sammy Strain. Little Anthony, born January 8, 1941, in New York City, grew up in Brooklyn's Fort Greene Housing Projects.
The group gained fame with hits like "Tears on My Pillow" in 1958 and later soul tracks such as "Goin' Out of My Head" in 1964 under producer Teddy Randazzo. They experienced lineup changes, including a temporary disbandment in the early 1960s, but reformed successfully.
Little Anthony and the Imperials were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009 and continue performing. The group remains active into 2026, with core members like Collins and Gourdine preserving their classic sound.
On A New Street
A2 Lazy Susan (Linda Creed, Thom Bell 2:48)
A3 The Loneliest House On The Block (Allan Felder, Norma Harris 3:54)
A4 I Don't Have Time To Worry (Bruce Hawes 3:20)
A5 La La La At The End (James Grant 4:10)
B1 That's What Love Is All About (Souren Mozian, Teddy Randazzo, Victoria Pike 3:35)
B2 What Good Am I Without You (Teddy Randazzo, Victoria Pike 3:15)
B3 Sooner Or Later (Roger Joyce, Teddy Randazzo, Victoria Pike 3:00)
B4 Loving You Won't Hurt As Much Tomorrow (Roger Joyce, Teddy Randazzo, Victoria Pike 3:15)
B5 Heartaches Never Entered My Mind (Souren Mozian, Teddy Randazzo, Victoria Pike 3:38)
B6 Easier Said Than Done (Teddy Randazzo, Victoria Pike 4:15)
Label: Avco – AV-11012-598
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Sweet Soul
Little Anthony & The Imperials - On a New Street (1973) is a pivotal album for Little Anthony & The Imperials, lauded for successfully blending their classic smooth '60s sound with the lush, sophisticated Philly Soul of the '70s, thanks to producers Thom Bell (Stylistics, Spinners) and Teddy Randazzo (their longtime collaborator), offering standout tracks like the ethereal "I'm Falling in Love with You" and the melancholic "The Loneliest House on the Block," though some felt it didn't break through commercially due to market saturation.
The genius pairing of Thom Bell (known for his lush arrangements) and Teddy Randazzo (who guided their earlier hits) elevated the group's sound, notes Dusty Groove and The Second Disc.
Thom Bell Tracks (The "Philly Sound"): These tracks, like "I'm Falling in Love with You," capture the signature mellow, orchestrated sweetness of Philly Soul, akin to The Stylistics, featuring sweeping strings and keyboards.
Teddy Randazzo Tracks: Randazzo's contributions, such as "The Loneliest House on the Block," provided a fuller, almost Manhattans-esque sound, offering a warm contrast, according to Dusty Groove and Amazon UK.
The up-tempo numbers, especially, share the sweet soul vibe of The Spinners, with the group even covering their "Lazy Susan".
Many fans consider it a classic, showcasing the group's versatility and growth. Despite musical quality, the album and its single "Hold On" faced tough competition in the saturated mid-'70s sweet soul market, hindering its commercial success, writes Soul and Jazz and Funk.
Reviewers have given the album high ratings, with an average of around 4.4/5 stars on Discogs. The production by Thom Bell and Teddy Randazzo is a major highlight, with praise for the "slick, smooth, R&B soul" arrangements. The album's style is described as lush and sophisticated Philly soul, featuring the session musicians MFSB and Little Anthony's distinctive vocals. Standout tracks include "I'm Falling in Love with You," "The Loneliest House on the Block," "I Don't Have Time to Worry," and "La La La at the End". Despite not being a major commercial success initially, the album is now considered a "much-sought after" and "essential purchase" for soul music fans.