Rock and Roll Hall of Famer celebrates 70 years in music with timeless hits, unforgettable stories, and new music.

At 85 years old and with 70 years in the music business, Little Anthony proved Sunday night that his legendary voice still has plenty left to give. Performing at The Cutting Room in New York City on October 18, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer delivered an intimate evening of timeless hits, new music, humor, and fascinating stories from a career that helped shape rock and roll.

Born Jerome Anthony Gourdine in Brooklyn, Little Anthony rose to fame in the late 1950s with Little Anthony and The Imperials, recording classics including “Tears on My Pillow,” “Goin’ Out of My Head,” “Hurt So Bad,” and “I’m on the Outside (Looking In).”

Nearly seven decades later, his unmistakable voice remains remarkably strong. His soaring vocals and emotional delivery were on full display throughout the evening. Despite acknowledging that he was battling allergies, Anthony sounded amazing, effortlessly reminding the audience why his voice remains one of the most recognizable in music.

The evening felt less like a traditional concert and more like spending time with an old friend who happens to be a rock and roll legend. Anthony frequently paused between songs to share stories, crack jokes, and reflect on his extraordinary career.

Before performing “Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko Bop,” Anthony admitted that despite the song selling more than a million copies, it was never one of his favorites. “More than a million records in 1960, and I still think it’s stupid,” he joked, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Backing Anthony was a talented four-piece band featuring Mark Peterson, guitarist Tanner Ritter, drummer Jon Poli, and keyboardist Harry Miller, providing a polished musical foundation that allowed his vocals and storytelling to shine.

The audience also included some notable names from the music industry. Paul Shaffer, longtime musical director for David Letterman, was in attendance and shouted, “You still got it!” during the performance. Also in the crowd were Johnny Farina of Santo & Johnny, best known for the instrumental classic “Sleep Walk,” and Grammy-winning producer Russ Titelman, whose credits include Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood.

One of the evening’s most fascinating moments came when Anthony shared a story involving Frank Sinatra. He recalled how producer Don Costa wanted to record The Imperials but discovered Anthony was still under contract with Roulette Records, run by the notoriously difficult Morris Levy. According to Anthony, Costa eventually secured his release, and years later he learned how it happened.

Costa had reportedly made a phone call to Sinatra.

The story offered a rare glimpse into the music industry of the 1960s and the relationships that helped shape some of The Imperials’ biggest recordings. Anthony also reflected on advice he received from Sammy Davis Jr. and the influence of artists like Ella Fitzgerald.

“I stand on the shoulder of giants,” he told the audience, acknowledging the performers who came before him.

New Music and Grammy Recognition

While the evening celebrated Anthony’s remarkable past, it also highlighted an exciting new chapter in his career.

Anthony is promoting his new four-song EP, Never Say Never, with its title track submitted for consideration in the Best Pop Solo Performance category for the 2027 Grammy Awards.

The project was written and produced by Scott Caudill, also known as Scooter Page, and Peter James Iuretig, and mastered by Mike Tucci. Anthony also presented a music video for the new material during the show.

Discussing the meaning behind Never Say Never, Anthony explained that the title reflects his determination to continue doing what he loves.

“The attitude that I have is, I never felt I couldn’t do what I was gifted by God to do, and that’s to perform and to sing,” he told the audience.

His team, including George Dassinger, is also working to secure additional recognition for Anthony’s contributions to American music through a Recording Academy legacy award campaign. Already inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, Anthony continues to demonstrate that his career is far from over.

Another personal moment came with “A Higher Place,” a song Anthony described as reflecting who he truly is. Speaking openly about his faith and gratitude, he gave the audience a glimpse of the man behind the legendary voice.

As the evening drew to a close, Anthony thanked the crowd for supporting him throughout his career. Rather than delivering a rehearsed production, he preferred to improvise, share memories, and speak from the heart, making the performance feel particularly personal.

Sunday night’s show was more than a nostalgic trip through rock and roll history. It was a reminder that some voices and musical legacies simply cannot be replaced.

And as Paul Shaffer so perfectly put it from the audience, Little Anthony still has it.