Sammy Strain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sammy Strain
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| Birth name | Samuel Strain Jr. |
| Also known as | Sam Strain |
| Born | December 9, 1939 Brooklyn, New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals (tenor) |
| Years active | 1956–2004 |
| Associated acts |
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Samuel Strain Jr. (born December 9, 1939) is an American singer known for his amazing voice. He was a member of two very famous music groups: Little Anthony and the Imperials and The O'Jays.
Sammy Strain has a special achievement in music history. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame not once, but twice! He joined with The O'Jays in 2005 and then again with Little Anthony and the Imperials in 2009. This is a rare honor for any musician.
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Early Life and Music Dreams
Sammy Strain was born in Brooklyn, New York City, in 1939. Even when he was young, he loved music. As a teenager, he often visited the famous Apollo Theater. This theater in New York City is known for launching the careers of many legendary musicians.
Sammy was so passionate about music that he left high school at age 16. He wanted to focus on his singing career.
A Career in Music
Sammy Strain began his music journey in 1956. He formed a group called The Chips with some of his friends. Sammy was known for his clear and strong tenor voice.
Joining The Imperials
In 1961, Sammy joined a group called The Imperials. Later, their original lead singer, Little Anthony, rejoined them. The group then became known as Little Anthony and the Imperials. Sammy sang with this popular group for many years, from 1961 to 1972. He later rejoined them from 1992 until he retired in 2004.
Singing with The O'Jays
From 1976 to 1992, Sammy Strain was a member of another very successful group, The O'Jays. He joined them after one of their original members, William Powell, became ill. Sammy helped The O'Jays continue to make great music during this time.
Hall of Fame Honors
As mentioned, Sammy Strain has been recognized twice by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This special place honors the most important and influential artists in rock and roll history. Being inducted twice shows how much impact Sammy had with both The O'Jays and Little Anthony and the Imperials.
Sammy's Family Life
Sammy Strain was married to singer Yvonne Fair. He is currently married to DeBorah and has two sons.
