Strain formed
The Chips with several friends in 1956. He sang with a
tenor voice. In 1961, Strain joined
The Imperials; they later reunited with their lead singer and reformed
Little Anthony and the Imperials. From 1976 to 1992, Strain was part of
The O'Jays replacing original member William Powell as he was diagnosed with colon cancer, he rejoined the Imperials, and sang with them until retiring in 2004. Strain was twice inducted into the
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: in 2005 with the O'Jays and in 2009 with Little Anthony and the Imperials. ==Personal life==