The 60-Year Heartbreak: Little Anthony and Brooke Moriber Bridge Generations with a Stunning Duet
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Artist Context: The Meeting of Soul Legend and Broadway-Born Country
This rendition of “Hurt So Bad” is a collaboration between two artists from seemingly disparate musical universes. Little Anthony (Jerome Gourdine) is a foundational pillar of R&B and soul music, known for his signature, soaring falsetto and his tenure as the frontman of Little Anthony & The Imperials, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees. His voice defined the emotional intensity of the original 1965 hit, a timeless standard of heartbreak.
His partner, Brooke Moriber, brings a powerful, multi-faceted background to the track. A native New Yorker, Moriber began her career on Broadway at age eight (as Young Cosette in Les Misérables) before finding her authentic voice in the Nashville country-pop scene. Her journey, rooted in raw emotional songwriting following a personal health battle, positions her as a contemporary powerhouse vocalist known for blending classic vocal clarity with modern country sensibilities. This duet, celebrating the song’s 60th anniversary, represents a magical pairing of a living legend and a rising star determined to honor his legacy.
The Single: A Reimagined Anthem of Vulnerability
“Hurt So Bad” (2025) is far more than a simple cover; it is a meticulously produced, generational dialogue. Produced by veteran Fred Mollin, the track trades the dramatic pleading of the original 1965 arrangement for a lush, cinematic soundscape that feels both polished and raw.
The production employs rich instrumentation, featuring a strong rhythm section and sweeping orchestral textures (often sampled and arranged) that give the track an almost filmic gravitas. The blending of genres is seamless, maintaining the original’s soulful core while injecting elements of contemporary country-pop polish—a testament to how great songs transcend era and category. The result has the warmth of a classic soul track but with the crystal-clear polish of a modern 2020s ballad.
Vocal Analysis: A Conversation in Heartbreak
The true brilliance of this rendition lies in the structural choice to turn the song into a conversation between two wounded parties. Instead of harmonizing throughout, Moriber and Little Anthony engage in a call-and-response structure, transforming the singular agony of the original into a shared, dynamic sorrow.
Little Anthony retains his legendary “operatic gravitas,” delivering his lines with the decades of heartache and passion that defined his early career. His voice is a soulful anchor, setting the pleading, desperate tone. Moriber steps in with “exquisite, yet sorrowful vocals,” her clear, expressive voice providing a haunting counterpoint that bridges the 60-year gap. Together, they articulate the raw vulnerability of heartbreak, confirming that the iconic lyrics cut just as deep today as they did six decades ago.
Conclusion: Bridging the Divide
“Hurt So Bad” by Little Anthony and Brooke Moriber is a masterclass in anniversary tributes. It is a powerful testament to the enduring genius of the original song and a remarkable display of vocal collaboration. By pairing an R&B legend with a country-pop talent, the track successfully appeals to both the nostalgia of long-time fans who cherished The Imperials and a new generation discovering the song’s timeless emotional power. The result is a recording that is truly pure gold—a moving, dynamic duet that honors history while creating new art.