Background Little Anthony & The Imperials' original version was taken from their album, ''Goin' out of My Head''. It was the follow-up to that album's smash-hit title song, and like that song, also became a
Billboard Top 10 hit as well as a Top Five R&B hit. This version reached number ten on the Billboard Hot 100, and number one in Canada. It was also performed by the group on their first appearance on
The Ed Sullivan Show. It was written especially for The Imperials by
Teddy Randazzo, a long-time friend of the group, along with
Bobby Weinstein and
Bobby Hart, and was produced by
Don Costa for his DCP record label, later absorbed by
United Artists Records and re-released on its Veep Records subsidiary. A powerful, dramatic ballad recording, it has become one of The Imperials' best-known songs, and has inspired numerous cover versions.
Personnel • "Little Anthony" Gourdine - lead vocals • Clarence "Wah-Hoo" Collins - baritone/bass • Ernest Wright - second tenor •
Sammy Strain - first tenor • Producer:
Don Costa • Backed by The
101 Strings Orchestra ==El Chicano version==