To mark the 60th anniversary of the classic hit “Hurt So Bad”, Little Anthony, legendary frontman of Little Anthony & The Imperials, has returned with a fresh take on the song that made him a household name. This time, he’s joined by acclaimed pop-country singer and Broadway alum Brooke Moriber, creating a powerful duet that bridges generations and genres. This acts as the follow-up to Little Anthony’s 2023 single “New York State Of Mind” and Brooke Moriber’s single “Proving Me Wrong“.
First released in December 1964, “Hurt So Bad” later became a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 for Little Anthony & The Imperials in March 1965. Six decades later, the song returns in a brand-new light with production by Fred Mollin, whose credits include Johnny Mathis, Kris Kristofferson, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Natalie Cole. This updated version reshapes the track into an emotional back-and-forth between two voices, telling the story of former lovers grappling with heartbreak and the hope of reconciliation. Rich musical layers and expressive harmonies heighten the intensity, allowing the duet to feel both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
Recorded in Nashville’s renowned Sound Stage and Zoomar Studios, the track features contributions from top session musicians, including Larry Paxton on bass, Greg Morrow on drums and percussion, Justin Roller on guitars with Dale Herr and Kerry Marx, and Pat Coil on keyboards, alongside a sampled orchestra arranged by Larry Hall. Engineered and mixed by Dave Salley, with overdubs by Bryce Roberts and mastering by Steve Fallone at Sterling Sound in New York City, the production perfectly fuses Little Anthony’s classic soul with Brooke Moriber’s country-pop clarity.
The duet’s vocal arrangements were crafted collaboratively, with Moriber and Little Anthony turning the song into a dialogue that balances nostalgia with emotional immediacy. They shape the song into an intimate exchange, their voices intertwining to highlight both the longing and vulnerability at its core. The arrangement respects the spirit of the original while adding a fresh emotional layer, making the duet feel timeless yet newly resonant.
What could’ve so easily become a blazé ballad duet, Brooke Moriber and Little Anthony instead display their incredible artistry, effortlessly fusing classic soul with country-pop to create an epic version of this 60-year-old song that is truly unforgettable. Merge that with the brilliant orchestral production, which gives it this live experience feel, and we’ve got this modern contemporary backing track that progresses as the track continues to grow, taking the track to new heights and encouraging the singers to match the energy. In doing so, these two singers showcase their professionalism, hitting those runs with deep emotion and heartfelt truthfulness.
A total wow moment, this is set to make an impact on every listener, both old and young, from each of their fanbases. Worth every second, this version of “Hurt So Bad” just proves that no matter the age gap between performers, there are always the right notes, the right harmonies, the right production, and the right song lyrics that can make any collaboration absolutely flawless.
Brooke Moriber has been carving out a distinctive path in country music, blending her Broadway roots with heartfelt songwriting and powerful vocals. From her debut as Young Cosette in Les Misérables to her emergence as a rising country artist in Nashville, she has built a reputation for bringing emotional honesty and technical skill to every performance. Alongside her recording career, she curates the “Nashville in New York” songwriter series, further cementing her role as a connector between musical worlds. Her versatility and passion make her an inspired choice to stand beside a legend on such an iconic track.
Little Anthony, meanwhile, remains one of the most enduring voices in soul music. Across more than six decades, he has captivated audiences with timeless hits like “Tears on My Pillow”, “I’m On the Outside (Looking In)”, “Better Use Your Head”, “Goin’ Out Of My Head”, and the original version of “Hurt So Bad”. As the leader of Little Anthony & The Imperials, his falsetto helped define the doo-wop and soul era, going on to earn the group an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Even now, his performances continue to demonstrate the emotional depth and artistry that have made him a musical icon, giving this collaboration with Moriber both historic weight and fresh vitality.
“Hurt So Bad”, by Brooke Moriber and Little Anthony, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, via Reviver Records. This duet is more than just a reimagining; it’s a celebration of how music can connect artists and audiences across decades, offering both nostalgia and a renewed emotional resonance.
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