Introduction:
Released in 1958, “Tears On My Pillow” is a doo-wop ballad that cemented the place of American vocal group Little Anthony & The Imperials among the greatest acts of the genre. The song, penned by Emil Stern and George Motola, was produced by Teddy Randazzo. “Tears On My Pillow” became a phenomenal success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and achieving number one status in numerous countries around the world.
Little Anthony & The Imperials consisted of singers Anthony Gourdine, better known by his stage name Little Anthony, Clarence Hewlett, Ernest Wright Jr., Sammy Strain, and Gerry Groomes. The group formed in 1957 out of two existing doo-wop acts, The Duponts and The Harborlites. Signed to Teddy Randazzo’s record label, Tee Gee Records, Little Anthony & The Imperials found immediate success with their debut single, “Tears On My Pillow.”
Doo-wop, a subgenre of rhythm and blues that emerged in the 1940s among African American vocal groups, is characterized by its focus on smooth, intricate harmonies and often features dramatic lyrics about love and loss. “Tears On My Pillow” perfectly embodies these characteristics. The song tells the story of a heartbroken man lamenting a lost love. The melancholic melody is punctuated by the group’s signature doo-wop backing vocals, creating a sound that is both catchy and emotionally resonant.
“Tears On My Pillow”s impact extended far beyond the charts. The song is widely considered a doo-wop classic and helped propel the genre into the mainstream. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Beach Boys, The Four Seasons, and Kylie Minogue, whose 1990 rendition reached number one in the UK Singles Chart. “Tears On My Pillow” continues to be a beloved song, featured in countless movies, television shows, and commercials. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s timeless themes and Little Anthony & The Imperials’ exceptional vocal performances.
Video:
Lyrics:
You don’t remember me, but I remember you‘Twas not so long ago, you broke my heart in twoTears on my pillow, pain in my heartCaused by you, you
If we could start anew, I wouldn’t hesitateI’d gladly take you back, and tempt the hand of fateTears on my pillow, pain in my heart, caused by you
Love is not a gadget, love is not a toyWhen you find the one you loveShe’ll fill your heart with joy
If we could start anew, I wouldn’t hesitateI’d gladly take you back, and tempt the hand of fateTears on my pillow, pain in my heart, caused by you
You (oh oh oh)You (oh oh oh), you (oh oh oh)You (oh oh oh) you (oh oh oh)