Little Anthony and the Imperials is an American rhythm and blues/soul/doo-wop vocal group from New York City, first active in the 1950s. Lead singer Jerome Anthony "Little Anthony" Gourdine was noted for his high-pitched falsetto voice, influenced by Jimmy Scott. The other original members were: Clarence Collins (group founder), Ernest Wright, Glouster "Nate" Rogers and Tracy Lord, the last two of whom were replaced by Samuel "Sammy" Strain. The group was one of the very few doo-wop groups to maintain success on the R&B and pop charts throughout the 1960s. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 4, 2009, 23 years after the group's first year of eligibility for induction.