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| * Ron Hemby | * Ron Hemby | ||
| * ] | * ] | ||
| * Rod Fletcher | |||
| ⚫ | * Lonnie Ott | ||
| | past_members = | | past_members = | ||
| * ] | * ] | ||
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| * ] | * ] | ||
| * Jason Beddoe | * Jason Beddoe | ||
| * Jonathan Pierce | * ] | ||
| * Greg Gordon | * Greg Gordon | ||
| * ] | * ] | ||
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| * Shannon Smith | * Shannon Smith | ||
| * Danny Ward | * Danny Ward | ||
| * Jimmie Lee Sloas | * ] | ||
| * David Robertson | * David Robertson | ||
| * Jason Beddoe | * Jason Beddoe | ||
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| * Brian Comeaux | * Brian Comeaux | ||
| * Bill Morris | * Bill Morris | ||
| * Gus Gaches | |||
| * Steven Ferguson | * Steven Ferguson | ||
| * Jeff Walker | * Jeff Walker | ||
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| * Perry Jones | * Perry Jones | ||
| * Robbie Hiner | * Robbie Hiner | ||
| ⚫ | * Lonnie Ott | ||
| * Michael Schlee | * Michael Schlee | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| '''The Imperials''' |
'''The Imperials''' is an American ] group that has been active for over 55 years. Originating as a ] quartet, the innovative group would become pioneers of ] in the 1960s. There have been many changes for the band in membership and musical styles over the years. They would go on to win four ], 15 ], and be inducted into the ]. | ||
| == Group history == | == Group history == | ||
| ===Jake Hess and the Imperials=== | ===Jake Hess and the Imperials=== | ||
| The band had its genesis when long-time ] member ] retired from that group on December 7, 1963.<ref name="sogospelnews.com">{{cite web |url=http://sogospelnews.com/index/features/comments/117/ |title= |
The band had its genesis when long-time ] member ] retired from that group on December 7, 1963.<ref name="sogospelnews.com">{{cite web |url=http://sogospelnews.com/index/features/comments/117/ |title=SG History 101 - the Imperials, SG History 10 - SoGospelNews.com |access-date=June 12, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203144603/http://sogospelnews.com/index/features/comments/117/ |archive-date=February 3, 2009 }} Southern Gospel News.com article Accessed May 5, 2008</ref> Hess wanted to start a new group recognized as "king" of the Southern gospel field and thought the "Imperials" would be a good moniker. After getting the go-ahead from Marion Snider for permission to use the name (Snider had previously operated an Imperial Quartet named after its sponsor ]), he gathered together pianist ] from the ], ex-] baritone ], the Weatherford Quartet's bass singer Armond Morales and ] tenor Sherrill (Shaun) Neilsen to join him.<ref name="sogospelnews.com"/> After signing with ] in 1964, the group recorded their first of many albums on the ] label. The following year, the quartet organization moved from ] to ].<ref name="Nielsen">{{cite web|last=Gospel|first=Absolutely|title=A Beautiful Love Story |url=http://david.sogospelnews.com/index/content/articles/2502/|publisher=sogospelnews|access-date=June 11, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716102117/http://david.sogospelnews.com/index/content/articles/2502/|archive-date=July 16, 2011}}</ref> After two years with the group, tenor Nielsen was first to go and Jim Murray would replace him. Murray's past included stints with The Melodares, the Stamps Trio, Inspirationals, and Orrell Quartet. About this time, Slaughter also departed with Joe Moscheo of the Harmoneers replacing him at the keyboard. | ||
| ===The Elvis years=== | ===The Elvis years=== | ||
| In late 1966, Henry Slaughter left the group and Hess assembled a new, more contemporary band to accompany the quartet. Joe Moscheo on piano, Larry Benson on drums, keyboard bass and miscellaneous other instruments along with Dave Mathis on electric guitar formed this new sound behind the group. Ron Hamm replaced Mathis on guitar within a few months. In late mid |
In late 1966, Henry Slaughter left the group and Hess assembled a new, more contemporary band to accompany the quartet. Joe Moscheo on piano, Larry Benson on drums, keyboard, bass, and miscellaneous other instruments along with Dave Mathis on electric guitar formed this new sound behind the group. Ron Hamm replaced Mathis on guitar within a few months. In late mid-1967, Hess began having heart issues and by the end of the year left the road, under doctor's orders, turning the reins of the group over to Morales, Moscheo, and Murray. McSpadden chose to leave around this time in 1967 also.<ref name=Powell/> With new members Roger Wiles (from family group the Melodaires) and former ] member, ],<ref name="sogospelnews.com"/> the group became known as ''The Imperials'' (rather than "Jake Hess and the Imperials") and adopted a more contemporary sound on the 1967 album ''New Dimensions''. It also brought them their first of many awards: "Male Quartet of the Year" in 1969 from the ].<ref>1969 Dove Awards</ref> | ||
| ] had long harbored a love for gospel and Jake Hess in particular. The group recorded with Elvis in sessions from May 1966 to June 1971. This included his last two ]-producing albums: '']'' (which won a Grammy for the title song and featured a duet with Hess on the classic Statesmen song "If the Lord Wasn't Walking by My Side") and '']'' (which used many of the songs that The Imperials had recorded on their own albums and, again, won a Grammy for the title song). In 1969, Elvis hired the group to perform in concert with him after the ] had turned down Elvis' invitation to play ] and tour because, as studio singers, they did not feel they could afford to be away from Nashville that much. At the same time the Imperials appeared with ], live and on his television show. ] auditioned for the group in the fall of 1970, then got the call to sing with them in early 1971 backing Jimmy Dean in Las Vegas. However, his tenure with the group would last for less than a month. With the help of ], he and his wife moved to Nashville to begin a career in country music. He was replaced by Greg Gordon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://3www.sghistory.com/index.php?n=I.Imperials |title=The Imperials}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://theboot.com/larry-gatlin-dottie-west-song/|title=Larry Gatlin Remembers His First Time on the Radio: 'I Nearly Passed Out!'|last=Gallagher|first=Pat|website=The Boot }}</ref> In November 1971, because of scheduling conflicts, they decided to stop performing with Elvis. The following year the group quit performing in concert with Jimmy Dean.<ref name="Blackwood">{{cite web|last=James|first=Gary|title=Gary James' Interview With Terry Blackwood of The Imperials |url=http://www.classicbands.com/ImperialsInterview.html |publisher=classicbands.com|access-date=June 15, 2010}}</ref> | ] had long harbored a love for gospel and Jake Hess in particular. The group recorded with Elvis in sessions from May 1966 to June 1971. This included his last two ]-producing albums: '']'' (which won a Grammy for the title song and featured a duet with Hess on the classic Statesmen song "If the Lord Wasn't Walking by My Side") and '']'' (which used many of the songs that The Imperials had recorded on their own albums and, again, won a Grammy for the title song). In 1969, Elvis hired the group to perform in concert with him after the ] had turned down Elvis' invitation to play ] and tour because, as studio singers, they did not feel they could afford to be away from Nashville that much. At the same time, the Imperials appeared with ], live and on his television show. ] auditioned for the group in the fall of 1970, then got the call to sing with them in early 1971 backing Jimmy Dean in Las Vegas. However, his tenure with the group would last for less than a month. With the help of ], he and his wife moved to Nashville to begin a career in country music. He was replaced by Greg Gordon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://3www.sghistory.com/index.php?n=I.Imperials |title=The Imperials}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://theboot.com/larry-gatlin-dottie-west-song/|title=Larry Gatlin Remembers His First Time on the Radio: 'I Nearly Passed Out!'|last=Gallagher|first=Pat|website=The Boot |date=March 16, 2017 }}</ref> In November 1971, because of scheduling conflicts, they decided to stop performing with Elvis. The following year the group quit performing in concert with Jimmy Dean.<ref name="Blackwood">{{cite web|last=James|first=Gary|title=Gary James' Interview With Terry Blackwood of The Imperials |url=http://www.classicbands.com/ImperialsInterview.html |publisher=classicbands.com|access-date=June 15, 2010}}</ref> | ||
| ===From pioneers to headliners in CCM=== | ===From pioneers to headliners in CCM=== | ||
| The Imperials surprised gospel music fans in February 1972 by hiring ], a former member of ] and the Disciples to replace Greg Gordon. This made them the first interracial Christian group America had ever seen,<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Williams|first1=Bill|title=1st Integrated Gospel Act|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yygEAAAAMBAJ&q=the+imperials+biggest-selling+albums+gold&pg=PA3 |magazine=Billboard|date=February 26, 1972}}</ref> which Andrus jokingly referred as: "to boldly go where no black man had gone before".<ref name="Powell">Powell, Mark Allan. 2002. ''The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music''. Hendrickson Publishers, Inc. P. 39, {{ISBN|1-56563-679-1}}</ref> The lineup of the group stayed stable with Andrus and Terry Blackwood sharing lead vocals through 1976 when Joe Moscheo left just after recording of ''Follow the Man with the Music''. The following year, the pair themselves left to form ] act ].<ref name="Powell"/> | The Imperials surprised gospel music fans in February 1972 by hiring ], a former member of ] and the Disciples to replace Greg Gordon. This made them the first interracial Christian group America had ever seen,<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Williams|first1=Bill|title=1st Integrated Gospel Act|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yygEAAAAMBAJ&q=the+imperials+biggest-selling+albums+gold&pg=PA3 |magazine=Billboard |date=February 26, 1972}}</ref> which Andrus jokingly referred as: "to boldly go where no black man had gone before".<ref name="Powell">Powell, Mark Allan. 2002. ''The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music''. Hendrickson Publishers, Inc. P. 39, {{ISBN|1-56563-679-1}}</ref> The lineup of the group stayed stable with Andrus and Terry Blackwood sharing lead vocals through 1976 when Joe Moscheo left just after the recording of ''Follow the Man with the Music''. The following year, the pair themselves left to form ] act ].<ref name="Powell"/> | ||
| <!-- Commented out because image was deleted: ] --> | <!-- Commented out because image was deleted: ] --> | ||
| In early 1976, the group hired baritone David Will, (who sang lead for the Keystone Quartet and the Statesmen,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://3www.sghistory.com/index.php?n=D.DavidWill |title=David Will Biography}}</ref> and would stay on for 23 years with the Imperials) and soulful ] ] as their new lead vocalist. The Taff-led outfit is heard on the albums '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', ''Christmas with The Imperials'', and '']''. It was during this era that the group found their biggest success, both with awards and on the charts.<ref name=Powell/>{{rp|913}} Also in this group were Jim Murray and Armond Morales. | In early 1976, the group hired baritone David Will, (who sang lead for the Keystone Quartet and the Statesmen,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://3www.sghistory.com/index.php?n=D.DavidWill |title=David Will Biography}}</ref> and would stay on for 23 years with the Imperials) and soulful ] ] as their new lead vocalist. The Taff-led outfit is heard on the albums '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', ''Christmas with The Imperials'', and '']''. It was during this era that the group found their biggest success, both with awards and on the charts.<ref name=Powell/>{{rp|913}} Also in this group were Jim Murray and Armond Morales. | ||
| Line 86: | Line 86: | ||
| After five years with the group, Taff left for a solo career. ], who while promoting an Imperials concert at ] (while he was a student there), gave Armond Morales a tape of his music. When Morales knew that Taff was leaving, he called Smith. Paul is first heard on 1982's '']''. During Smith's time with the group came another first, a 2-disc album with each member taking a solo side ('']''), which gave them their last Dove Award. Then a return to four-part harmony singing ('']'') before returning to their Christian pop sound on 1985's '']''. | After five years with the group, Taff left for a solo career. ], who while promoting an Imperials concert at ] (while he was a student there), gave Armond Morales a tape of his music. When Morales knew that Taff was leaving, he called Smith. Paul is first heard on 1982's '']''. During Smith's time with the group came another first, a 2-disc album with each member taking a solo side ('']''), which gave them their last Dove Award. Then a return to four-part harmony singing ('']'') before returning to their Christian pop sound on 1985's '']''. | ||
| The group saw its biggest turnover since Blackwood and Andrus' departure when both Smith and long-time tenor Jim Murray left the group. Smith opted for a solo CCM career while Murray sought to perform more traditionally styled gospel music again. |
The group saw its biggest turnover since Blackwood and Andrus' departure when both Smith and long-time tenor Jim Murray left the group. Smith opted for a solo CCM career while Murray sought to perform more traditionally styled gospel music again. Danny Ward replaced Smith, but he left before recording an album with the band. In the end, ] and Ron Hemby were the new members bringing an infusion of youth into the group. Hemby was later a member of the country band ]. | ||
| The Imperials stirred up controversy and lost some of their long-time fans when they exchanged their usually soft pop-rock sound for a more rock sound with prominent electric guitars for the 1987 album '']''. The song "Power of God" became a theme song for Christian bodybuilders ] and new younger fans began to come to Imperials concerts. The album '']'' reverted a bit towards the soft pop sound and after its recording Sloas became the next Imperial to seek a solo career. David Robertson replaced him but following 1990's '']'' he |
The Imperials stirred up controversy and lost some of their long-time fans when they exchanged their usually soft pop-rock sound for a more rock sound with prominent electric guitars for the 1987 album '']''. The song "Power of God" became a theme song for Christian bodybuilders ] and new younger fans began to come to Imperials concerts. The album '']'' reverted a bit towards the soft pop sound and after its recording, Sloas became the next Imperial to seek a solo career. David Robertson replaced him but following 1990's '']'', he opted to go solo with Jason Beddoe and ] (later known as Jonathan Pierce) joining the ranks. As the story goes, ] heard Jonathan sing a solo while he was a member of the Christ Church Choir in Nashville. She then told a member of The Imperials.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/jonathan-pierce-mn0000824210|title=Jonathan Pierce|author=John Bush|work=AllMusic|access-date=January 12, 2016}}</ref> | ||
| In 1991, |
In 1991, the Imperials would surprise fans again by bringing in Armond's sister Pam Morales to the lineup. Although she appeared with the group in the early 1980s as a backup singer, this would be the first time a female was a front member of the quartet. Member and owner Armond Morales decided to bring her in when Beddoe left the group while in the midst of recording for '']''. She remained in the lineup through 1993's '']''. | ||
| ===A new focus on ministry=== | ===A new focus on ministry=== | ||
| 1993 saw the group change and go in a different direction. What once was strictly a set contract agreement to most performances, the Imperials began to re-establish themselves by scaling down their act, opting for simple accompaniment and more intimate church performances in |
1993 saw the group change and go in a different direction. What once was strictly a set contract agreement to most performances, the Imperials began to re-establish themselves by scaling down their act, opting for simple accompaniment and more intimate church performances in place of stadium and large concerts—ministering in local churches for free-will offerings only.<ref name="Imperials vs">{{cite web|title=The Imperials Meet The Classic Imperials |url=http://sogospelnews.com/index/features/comments/5334/|publisher=sogospelnews|access-date=June 11, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107164556/http://sogospelnews.com/index/features/comments/5334/|archive-date=January 7, 2010}}</ref> The Imperials that year performed in over 200 churches, more dates than the previous two years, this they achieved with Brian Comeaux singing lead and a succession of tenors, including Mark Addock, Peter Pankratz and Bill Morris, singing at selected dates. No albums were recorded during this time. | ||
| In 1994, they returned with new members Steven Ferguson and Jeff Walker, both of whom were ordained ministers—as were Armond and Will by this time. They signed a one-project deal with the familiar ], which had |
In 1994, they returned with new members Steven Ferguson and Jeff Walker, both of whom were ordained ministers—as were Armond and Will by this time. They signed a one-project deal with the familiar ], which had been re-acquired by Homeland Records and Landmark Distribution. After a three-year recording hiatus, the release of ''Til He Comes'' marked the change back to a four-part harmony sound—losing the hard edge of previous albums and helping restore their original fans to the fold. | ||
| In 1998, The Imperials were inducted into the Gospel Music Association's ]. All five original members, Hess, Morales, McSpadden, Sherrill, and Slaughter; as well as Blackwood, Andrus, Moscheo, Murray, and Taff were there to accept the induction. | In 1998, The Imperials were inducted into the Gospel Music Association's ]. All five original members, Hess, Morales, McSpadden, Sherrill, and Slaughter; as well as Blackwood, Andrus, Moscheo, Murray, and Taff were there to accept the induction. | ||
| In 2003, the five members of |
In 2003, the five members of the Imperials that toured with Elvis (Murray, Blackwood, Wiles, Morales, and Moscheo) reunited for a 25th Anniversary, ''Elvis Lives'' concert and DVD recording, in ]. | ||
| ===The next generation=== | ===The next generation=== | ||
| In September 2004, Armond Morales transferred ownership of The Imperials to the lineup at the time: son Jason Morales, Jeremie Hudson, Ian Owens and Shannon Smith.<ref name="Imperials vs"/> This version of the group released two albums on ], ''The Imperials'' (2006) and ''Back to the Roots'' (2007), which is a collection of new versions of classic Imperials songs, and brought the group's first top 20 song in more than 15 years. The Hudson-Smith-Morales-Owens lineup of the group also performed at ] (the first time the Imperials ever appeared at that venue). | In September 2004, Armond Morales transferred ownership of The Imperials to the lineup at the time: son Jason Morales, Jeremie Hudson, Ian Owens, and Shannon Smith.<ref name="Imperials vs"/> This version of the group released two albums on ], ''The Imperials'' (2006) and ''Back to the Roots'' (2007), which is a collection of new versions of classic Imperials songs, and brought the group's first top 20 song in more than 15 years. The Hudson-Smith-Morales-Owens lineup of the group also performed at ] (the first time the Imperials ever appeared at that venue). | ||
| In 2008, the Imperials were inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame. Taff was inducted for his contributions separately but performed with the Imperials and made the acceptance with them for the broadcast.<ref name="urlWelcome to the Christian Music Hall of Fame and Museum.">{{cite web|url=http://hallmuseum.com/ |title=Welcome to the Christian Music Hall of Fame and Museum. |author=Christian Music Hall of Fame |publisher=CMHOF |archive-date=December 29, 2010 |quote=The Imperials Inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame |access-date=December 1, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101229220325/http://hallmuseum.com/ }}</ref> In April 2008, The Imperials received the Southern Gospel News Awards' Album of the Year award for ''Back to the Roots''.<ref name="SGN Music Awards">{{cite web|title=The Imperials Win Album of the Year for Back to the Roots|url=http://sogospelnews.com/index/features/rss-comments/9013/|access-date=June 11, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716102512/http://sogospelnews.com/index/features/rss-comments/9013/|archive-date=July 16, 2011}}</ref> In early 2010, the Imperials, consisting of Jason Morales, Ian Owens, Scott Allen, and Perry Jones, disbanded. | In 2008, the Imperials were inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame. Taff was inducted for his contributions separately but performed with the Imperials and made the acceptance with them for the broadcast.<ref name="urlWelcome to the Christian Music Hall of Fame and Museum.">{{cite web|url=http://hallmuseum.com/ |title=Welcome to the Christian Music Hall of Fame and Museum. |author=Christian Music Hall of Fame |publisher=CMHOF |archive-date=December 29, 2010 |quote=The Imperials Inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame |access-date=December 1, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101229220325/http://hallmuseum.com/ }}</ref> In April 2008, The Imperials received the Southern Gospel News Awards' Album of the Year award for ''Back to the Roots''.<ref name="SGN Music Awards">{{cite web|title=The Imperials Win Album of the Year for Back to the Roots|url=http://sogospelnews.com/index/features/rss-comments/9013/|access-date=June 11, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716102512/http://sogospelnews.com/index/features/rss-comments/9013/|archive-date=July 16, 2011}}</ref> In early 2010, the Imperials, consisting of Jason Morales, Ian Owens, Scott Allen, and Perry Jones, disbanded. | ||
| ===Classics return as The Imperials=== | ===Classics return as The Imperials=== | ||
| Returning from a restless retirement and a short-lived legal scrimmage for control of the "Imperials" name, Armond Morales, along with Imperials alumni Smith and Will, joined Robbie Hiner and Rick Evans – the group's ] and lead singer – to continue the legacy of ''The Imperials''. Morales – the only still-performing original member – along with the rest of the reunited foursome, released ''Still Standing'' in 2010, their first project with Smith in 25 years.<ref>{{cite web|title=Legendary gospel group The Classic Imperials are 'Still Standing'|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/legendary.gospel.group.the.classic.imperials.are.still.standing/26711.htm|publisher=Today Christian|access-date=February 23, 2011}}</ref> | Returning from a restless retirement and a short-lived legal scrimmage for control of the "Imperials" name, Armond Morales, along with Imperials alumni Smith and Will, joined Robbie Hiner and Rick Evans – the group's ] and lead singer – to continue the legacy of ''The Imperials''. Morales – the only still-performing original member – along with the rest of the reunited foursome, released ''Still Standing'' in 2010, their first project with Smith in 25 years.<ref>{{cite web|title=Legendary gospel group The Classic Imperials are 'Still Standing'|date=September 16, 2010 |url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/legendary.gospel.group.the.classic.imperials.are.still.standing/26711.htm|publisher=Today Christian|access-date=February 23, 2011}}</ref> | ||
| ===Accomplishments=== | ===Accomplishments=== | ||
| Line 117: | Line 117: | ||
| * First Christian group to use cordless microphones | * First Christian group to use cordless microphones | ||
| * First Christian group to use a live band on stage | * First Christian group to use a live band on stage | ||
| * Recorded the theme song for the ] television series | * Recorded the theme song for the ] television series (third version)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.danielboonetv.com/index.php?page=theme_song_lyrics |title=Daniel Boone Theme Song |access-date=March 20, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305071819/http://www.danielboonetv.com/index.php?page=theme_song_lyrics |archive-date=March 5, 2010 |df=mdy }}</ref> | ||
| * Only Christian group to have a No. 1 song charting in four consecutive decades (1960s–1990s)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theclassicimperials.com|title=Imperials Trivia |access-date=March 19, 2010}}</ref> | * Only Christian group to have a No. 1 song charting in four consecutive decades (1960s–1990s)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theclassicimperials.com|title=Imperials Trivia |access-date=March 19, 2010}}</ref> | ||
| Line 140: | Line 140: | ||
| *''Fireside Hymns'' (1964) | *''Fireside Hymns'' (1964) | ||
| *''Blends & Rhythms'' (1964) | *''Blends & Rhythms'' (1964) | ||
| ⚫ | *''Live From Charlotte, NC-1964'' ( |
||
| *''Talent Times Five'' (1965) | *''Talent Times Five'' (1965) | ||
| *''Slaughter Writes – Imperials Sing'' (1965) | *''Slaughter Writes – Imperials Sing'' (1965) | ||
| Line 146: | Line 145: | ||
| *''He Was a Preachin' Man'' (1965) | *''He Was a Preachin' Man'' (1965) | ||
| *''Slightly Regal'' (1965) | *''Slightly Regal'' (1965) | ||
| ⚫ | *''Live From Charlotte, NC-1964'' (2008) (CD release only) | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! style="background:#e7ebee;"| 1966 | ! style="background:#e7ebee;"| 1966 | ||
| Line 235: | Line 235: | ||
| *David Will – baritone | *David Will – baritone | ||
| | | | | ||
| ⚫ | *''The Lost Album'' ( |
||
| *'']'' (1977) | *'']'' (1977) | ||
| *'']'' (1978) | *'']'' (1978) | ||
| *'']'' (1979) | *'']'' (1979) | ||
| *'']'' (1979) | *'']'' (1979) | ||
| *''Christmas with the Imperials (1980) | *''Christmas with the Imperials'' (1980) | ||
| *'']'' (1980) | *'']'' (1980) | ||
| ⚫ | *''The Lost Album'' (2006) (recorded 1976) | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! style="background:#e7ebee;"| 1981–1985 | ! style="background:#e7ebee;"| 1981–1985 | ||
| Line 397: | Line 397: | ||
| *Perry Jones – tenor | *Perry Jones – tenor | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | style="background:#e7ebee;"| {{center|''' |
| style="background:#e7ebee;"| {{center|'''2006–2010''' <br>{{Small|(a.k.a. The Classic Imperials)}}}} | ||
| ⚫ | | | ||
| *Terry Blackwood – lead | |||
| ⚫ | * |
||
| *Jim Murray – tenor | |||
| *Sherman Andrus – baritone | |||
| *Joe Moscheo - piano | |||
| ⚫ | | | ||
| *''The Gospel Side of Elvis (with the Stamps)'' (Double CD) (2003) | |||
| *''The Gospel Side of Elvis (with the Stamps)'' (2004) | |||
| *''The Classic Imperials Sing The Gospel Side of Elvis'' (2005) | |||
| ⚫ | |- | ||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | | | ||
| *Terry Blackwood – lead | |||
| *Joe Moscheo - bass/piano | |||
| *Gus Gaches – tenor | |||
| *Sherman Andrus – baritone | |||
| | | |||
| *''Gospel Ship'' (2006) | |||
| |- | |||
| | style="background:#e7ebee;"| {{center|'''2006–2010''' <br>}} | |||
| | | | | ||
| *Rick Evans – lead | *Rick Evans – lead | ||
| Line 425: | Line 404: | ||
| *Dave Will – baritone | *Dave Will – baritone | ||
| | | | | ||
| *''Standing Strong'' (2008) | *''Standing Strong'' (2008; reissued with a new label and as a digital download-exclusive in 2018) | ||
| *''The Ones'' (2008 – #1 hits newly recorded; the album was not able to be released to the public) | *''The Ones'' (2008 – #1 hits newly recorded; the album was not able to be released to the public) | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! style="background:#e7ebee;"| 2010–2017 | ! style="background:#e7ebee;"| 2010–2017 | ||
| Line 445: | Line 423: | ||
| *Robbie Hiner | *Robbie Hiner | ||
| *Lonnie Ott – baritone | *Lonnie Ott – baritone | ||
| ⚫ | | | ||
| | ''Standing Strong'' (re-released under new label) | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! style="background:#e7ebee;"| 2019–2021 | ! style="background:#e7ebee;"| 2019–2021 | ||
| | | | | ||
| *Evans | *Evans | ||
| *Michael Schlee |
*Michael Schlee – bass | ||
| *P. Smith | *P. Smith | ||
| *Ott | *Ott | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! style="background:#e7ebee;"| |
! style="background:#e7ebee;"| 2021–2022 | ||
| | | | | ||
| *Evans | *Evans | ||
| *Ron Hemby |
*Ron Hemby – tenor/lead | ||
| *P. Smith | *P. Smith | ||
| *Ott | *Ott | ||
| ⚫ | |- | ||
| *Schlee | |||
| ⚫ | ! style="background:#e7ebee;"| 2022–present | ||
| ⚫ | | | ||
| *Evans | |||
| *Hemby | |||
| *P. Smith | |||
| ⚫ | *Rod Fletcher – bass | ||
| ⚫ | | | ||
| *''Blessed'' (EP and DVD) (2024) | |||
| |} | |} | ||
| Line 467: | Line 453: | ||
| * Pam Morales-Dietz: (d) August 27, 2005<ref>{{cite web|last1=Unthank|first1=Chris D. |title=Absolutely Gospel Music|url=http://absolutelygospel.com/index.php?/content/articles/4380 |website=absolutelygospel.com}}</ref> | * Pam Morales-Dietz: (d) August 27, 2005<ref>{{cite web|last1=Unthank|first1=Chris D. |title=Absolutely Gospel Music|url=http://absolutelygospel.com/index.php?/content/articles/4380 |website=absolutelygospel.com}}</ref> | ||
| * Sherrill "Shaun" Nielsen: September 10, 1942 – December 10, 2010<ref>{{cite web|title=Sherrill Nielsen Obituary |url=http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Sherrill-Nielsen&lc=7005&pid=147128928&mid=4475383}}</ref> | * Sherrill "Shaun" Nielsen: September 10, 1942 – December 10, 2010<ref>{{cite web|title=Sherrill Nielsen Obituary |url=http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Sherrill-Nielsen&lc=7005&pid=147128928&mid=4475383}}</ref> | ||
| * Joe Moscheo: August 11, 1937 – January 11, 2016<ref>{{cite news|last1=Paulson|first1=Dave|title=Gospel singer Joe Moscheo of The Imperials dies at 78 |url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/01/12/gospel-singer-joe-moscheo-imperials-dies-78/78696280/|access-date=January 13, 2016|work=The Tennessean|publisher=USA Today |date=January 12, 2016}}</ref> | * Joe Moscheo: August 11, 1937 – January 11, 2016<ref>{{cite news|last1=Paulson|first1=Dave |title=Gospel singer Joe Moscheo of The Imperials dies at 78 |url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/01/12/gospel-singer-joe-moscheo-imperials-dies-78/78696280/|access-date=January 13, 2016|work=The Tennessean|publisher=USA Today |date=January 12, 2016}}</ref> | ||
| * Gary McSpadden: January 26, 1943 – April 15, 2020<ref>{{cite web|title=Gary McSpadden passes away |url=http://www.sgnscoops.com/gary-mcspadden-passes-away/|date=April 15, 2020}}</ref> | * Gary McSpadden: January 26, 1943 – April 15, 2020<ref>{{cite web|title=Gary McSpadden passes away |url=http://www.sgnscoops.com/gary-mcspadden-passes-away/|date=April 15, 2020}}</ref> | ||
| * Jonathan Pierce Hildreth: October 15, 1967 – May 9, 2020<ref>{{cite web|last=McMillen|first=Lynn|title=Jonathan Pierce Obituary |url=http://quadcitiesdaily.com/?p=591418|date=May 12, 2020}}</ref> | * Jonathan Pierce Hildreth: October 15, 1967 – May 9, 2020<ref>{{cite web|last=McMillen|first=Lynn|title=Jonathan Pierce Obituary |url=http://quadcitiesdaily.com/?p=591418|date=May 12, 2020}}</ref> | ||
| * Henry Slaughter: January 9, 1927 – November 13, 2020<ref>{{cite web|title=Henry Slaughter obituary |url=https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/nashville-tn/henry-slaughter-9903791|date=November 17, 2020}}</ref> | * Henry Slaughter: January 9, 1927 – November 13, 2020<ref>{{cite web|title=Henry Slaughter obituary |url=https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/nashville-tn/henry-slaughter-9903791|date=November 17, 2020}}</ref> | ||
| * David Will: October 22, 1943 – March 4, 2022<ref>{{cite web|title=David Will obituary |website=] |url=https://www.tennessean.com/obituaries/ten223472 |date=March 4, 2022}}</ref> | * David Will: October 22, 1943 – March 4, 2022<ref>{{cite web|title=David Will obituary |website=] |url=https://www.tennessean.com/obituaries/ten223472 |date=March 4, 2022}}</ref> | ||
| * Armond Morales: February 25, 1932 – December 5, 2022<ref>{{cite news |title=Armond Morales Passes Away – Absolutely Gospel Music |url=http://absolutelygospel.com/2022/12/06/armond-morales-passes-away/ |work=absolutelygospel.com}}</ref> | |||
| == Accolades == | == Accolades == | ||
Latest revision as of 20:35, 4 October 2024
American Christian music group This article is about the Christian music group. For the R&B/doo-wop group, see Little Anthony and the Imperials. | This biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately from the article and its talk page, especially if potentially libelous. Find sources: "The Imperials" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (August 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| The Imperials | |
|---|---|
 Left to right: Evans, Smith, Will, and Morales | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Jake Hess and the Imperials, The Classic Imperials |
| Origin | Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1964–present |
| Labels | |
| Members |
|
| Past members |
|
| Website | theclassicimperials |
The Imperials is an American Christian music group that has been active for over 55 years. Originating as a southern gospel quartet, the innovative group would become pioneers of contemporary Christian music in the 1960s. There have been many changes for the band in membership and musical styles over the years. They would go on to win four Grammys, 15 Dove Awards, and be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Group history
Jake Hess and the Imperials
The band had its genesis when long-time Statesmen Quartet member Jake Hess retired from that group on December 7, 1963. Hess wanted to start a new group recognized as "king" of the Southern gospel field and thought the "Imperials" would be a good moniker. After getting the go-ahead from Marion Snider for permission to use the name (Snider had previously operated an Imperial Quartet named after its sponsor Imperial Sugar), he gathered together pianist Henry Slaughter from the Weatherford Quartet, ex-Oak Ridge Boys baritone Gary McSpadden, the Weatherford Quartet's bass singer Armond Morales and Speer Family tenor Sherrill (Shaun) Neilsen to join him. After signing with Benson Records in 1964, the group recorded their first of many albums on the Heart Warming Records label. The following year, the quartet organization moved from Atlanta to Nashville, Tennessee. After two years with the group, tenor Nielsen was first to go and Jim Murray would replace him. Murray's past included stints with The Melodares, the Stamps Trio, Inspirationals, and Orrell Quartet. About this time, Slaughter also departed with Joe Moscheo of the Harmoneers replacing him at the keyboard.
The Elvis years
In late 1966, Henry Slaughter left the group and Hess assembled a new, more contemporary band to accompany the quartet. Joe Moscheo on piano, Larry Benson on drums, keyboard, bass, and miscellaneous other instruments along with Dave Mathis on electric guitar formed this new sound behind the group. Ron Hamm replaced Mathis on guitar within a few months. In late mid-1967, Hess began having heart issues and by the end of the year left the road, under doctor's orders, turning the reins of the group over to Morales, Moscheo, and Murray. McSpadden chose to leave around this time in 1967 also. With new members Roger Wiles (from family group the Melodaires) and former Stamps Quartet member, Terry Blackwood, the group became known as The Imperials (rather than "Jake Hess and the Imperials") and adopted a more contemporary sound on the 1967 album New Dimensions. It also brought them their first of many awards: "Male Quartet of the Year" in 1969 from the Gospel Music Association.
Elvis Presley had long harbored a love for gospel and Jake Hess in particular. The group recorded with Elvis in sessions from May 1966 to June 1971. This included his last two Grammy Award-producing albums: How Great Thou Art (which won a Grammy for the title song and featured a duet with Hess on the classic Statesmen song "If the Lord Wasn't Walking by My Side") and He Touched Me (which used many of the songs that The Imperials had recorded on their own albums and, again, won a Grammy for the title song). In 1969, Elvis hired the group to perform in concert with him after the Jordanaires had turned down Elvis' invitation to play Las Vegas and tour because, as studio singers, they did not feel they could afford to be away from Nashville that much. At the same time, the Imperials appeared with Jimmy Dean, live and on his television show. Larry Gatlin auditioned for the group in the fall of 1970, then got the call to sing with them in early 1971 backing Jimmy Dean in Las Vegas. However, his tenure with the group would last for less than a month. With the help of Dottie West, he and his wife moved to Nashville to begin a career in country music. He was replaced by Greg Gordon. In November 1971, because of scheduling conflicts, they decided to stop performing with Elvis. The following year the group quit performing in concert with Jimmy Dean.
From pioneers to headliners in CCM
The Imperials surprised gospel music fans in February 1972 by hiring Sherman Andrus, a former member of Andrae Crouch and the Disciples to replace Greg Gordon. This made them the first interracial Christian group America had ever seen, which Andrus jokingly referred as: "to boldly go where no black man had gone before". The lineup of the group stayed stable with Andrus and Terry Blackwood sharing lead vocals through 1976 when Joe Moscheo left just after the recording of Follow the Man with the Music. The following year, the pair themselves left to form contemporary Christian music act Andrus, Blackwood & Company. In early 1976, the group hired baritone David Will, (who sang lead for the Keystone Quartet and the Statesmen, and would stay on for 23 years with the Imperials) and soulful belter Russ Taff as their new lead vocalist. The Taff-led outfit is heard on the albums Sail On, Imperials Live, Heed the Call, One More Song for You, Christmas with The Imperials, and Priority. It was during this era that the group found their biggest success, both with awards and on the charts. Also in this group were Jim Murray and Armond Morales.
After Taff
After five years with the group, Taff left for a solo career. Paul Smith, who while promoting an Imperials concert at Baylor University (while he was a student there), gave Armond Morales a tape of his music. When Morales knew that Taff was leaving, he called Smith. Paul is first heard on 1982's Stand by the Power. During Smith's time with the group came another first, a 2-disc album with each member taking a solo side (Side by Side), which gave them their last Dove Award. Then a return to four-part harmony singing (The Imperials Sing the Classics) before returning to their Christian pop sound on 1985's Let the Wind Blow.
The group saw its biggest turnover since Blackwood and Andrus' departure when both Smith and long-time tenor Jim Murray left the group. Smith opted for a solo CCM career while Murray sought to perform more traditionally styled gospel music again. Danny Ward replaced Smith, but he left before recording an album with the band. In the end, Jimmie Lee Sloas and Ron Hemby were the new members bringing an infusion of youth into the group. Hemby was later a member of the country band The Buffalo Club.
The Imperials stirred up controversy and lost some of their long-time fans when they exchanged their usually soft pop-rock sound for a more rock sound with prominent electric guitars for the 1987 album This Year's Model. The song "Power of God" became a theme song for Christian bodybuilders The Power Team and new younger fans began to come to Imperials concerts. The album Free the Fire reverted a bit towards the soft pop sound and after its recording, Sloas became the next Imperial to seek a solo career. David Robertson replaced him but following 1990's Love's Still Changing Hearts, he opted to go solo with Jason Beddoe and Jonathan Hildreth (later known as Jonathan Pierce) joining the ranks. As the story goes, Naomi Judd heard Jonathan sing a solo while he was a member of the Christ Church Choir in Nashville. She then told a member of The Imperials.
In 1991, the Imperials would surprise fans again by bringing in Armond's sister Pam Morales to the lineup. Although she appeared with the group in the early 1980s as a backup singer, this would be the first time a female was a front member of the quartet. Member and owner Armond Morales decided to bring her in when Beddoe left the group while in the midst of recording for Big God. She remained in the lineup through 1993's Stir It Up.
A new focus on ministry
1993 saw the group change and go in a different direction. What once was strictly a set contract agreement to most performances, the Imperials began to re-establish themselves by scaling down their act, opting for simple accompaniment and more intimate church performances in place of stadium and large concerts—ministering in local churches for free-will offerings only. The Imperials that year performed in over 200 churches, more dates than the previous two years, this they achieved with Brian Comeaux singing lead and a succession of tenors, including Mark Addock, Peter Pankratz and Bill Morris, singing at selected dates. No albums were recorded during this time.
In 1994, they returned with new members Steven Ferguson and Jeff Walker, both of whom were ordained ministers—as were Armond and Will by this time. They signed a one-project deal with the familiar Impact Records, which had been re-acquired by Homeland Records and Landmark Distribution. After a three-year recording hiatus, the release of Til He Comes marked the change back to a four-part harmony sound—losing the hard edge of previous albums and helping restore their original fans to the fold.
In 1998, The Imperials were inducted into the Gospel Music Association's Gospel Music Hall of Fame. All five original members, Hess, Morales, McSpadden, Sherrill, and Slaughter; as well as Blackwood, Andrus, Moscheo, Murray, and Taff were there to accept the induction.
In 2003, the five members of the Imperials that toured with Elvis (Murray, Blackwood, Wiles, Morales, and Moscheo) reunited for a 25th Anniversary, Elvis Lives concert and DVD recording, in Memphis, Tennessee.
The next generation
In September 2004, Armond Morales transferred ownership of The Imperials to the lineup at the time: son Jason Morales, Jeremie Hudson, Ian Owens, and Shannon Smith. This version of the group released two albums on Lamon Records, The Imperials (2006) and Back to the Roots (2007), which is a collection of new versions of classic Imperials songs, and brought the group's first top 20 song in more than 15 years. The Hudson-Smith-Morales-Owens lineup of the group also performed at Carnegie Hall (the first time the Imperials ever appeared at that venue).
In 2008, the Imperials were inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame. Taff was inducted for his contributions separately but performed with the Imperials and made the acceptance with them for the broadcast. In April 2008, The Imperials received the Southern Gospel News Awards' Album of the Year award for Back to the Roots. In early 2010, the Imperials, consisting of Jason Morales, Ian Owens, Scott Allen, and Perry Jones, disbanded.
Classics return as The Imperials
Returning from a restless retirement and a short-lived legal scrimmage for control of the "Imperials" name, Armond Morales, along with Imperials alumni Smith and Will, joined Robbie Hiner and Rick Evans – the group's GM and lead singer – to continue the legacy of The Imperials. Morales – the only still-performing original member – along with the rest of the reunited foursome, released Still Standing in 2010, their first project with Smith in 25 years.
Accomplishments
- First Dove Award winner for male group of the year (1969)
- First gospel group to perform live on The Grammy Awards.
- First Dove Award winner for Artist of the Year (1981)
- First group to have a No. 1 song ("Oh Buddha") on all three of the following charts: Contemporary, Inspirational, Southern Gospel
- First Christian group to use four individual microphones on stage
- First Christian group to use cordless microphones
- First Christian group to use a live band on stage
- Recorded the theme song for the Daniel Boone television series (third version)
- Only Christian group to have a No. 1 song charting in four consecutive decades (1960s–1990s)
Discography
Main article: The Imperials discographyMembers
| 1964–1965 (Jake Hess and the Imperials) |
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| 1966 |
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| 1966–1967 |
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To Sing is the Thing (1967) |
| 1967–1970 (Now simply "The Imperials") |
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| 1971 |
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| 1971–1972 |
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| 1972–1975 |
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| 1975–1976 |
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| 1976 |
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| 1976–1981 |
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| 1981–1985 |
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| 1985–1986 |
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| 1986 |
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| 1986–1989 |
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| 1989–1990 |
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| 1990 |
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| 1990–1993 |
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| 1993 |
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| 1993 |
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| 1993 |
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| 1994–1996 |
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Til He Comes (1995) |
| 1996–1998 |
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It's Still the Cross (1996) |
| 1998–1999 |
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Songs of Christmas (1998) |
| 1999 |
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| 1999–2000 |
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| 2000–2002 |
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I Was Made for This (2002) |
| 2002–2003 |
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| 2003–2008 |
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| 2008–2010 |
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| 2006–2010 (a.k.a. The Classic Imperials) |
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| 2010–2017 |
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| 2018 |
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| 2019–2021 |
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| 2021–2022 |
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| 2022–present |
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In memoriam
- Jake Hess: December 24, 1927 – January 4, 2004
- Pam Morales-Dietz: (d) August 27, 2005
- Sherrill "Shaun" Nielsen: September 10, 1942 – December 10, 2010
- Joe Moscheo: August 11, 1937 – January 11, 2016
- Gary McSpadden: January 26, 1943 – April 15, 2020
- Jonathan Pierce Hildreth: October 15, 1967 – May 9, 2020
- Henry Slaughter: January 9, 1927 – November 13, 2020
- David Will: October 22, 1943 – March 4, 2022
- Armond Morales: February 25, 1932 – December 5, 2022
Accolades
| Grammy Awards | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Category | Nominated work | Result |
| 1972 | Best Gospel Performance (Other Than Soul Gospel) | Time to Get It Together | Nominated |
| 1974 | Live | Nominated | |
| 1975 | No Shortage | Won | |
| 1977 | Just Because | Nominated | |
| 1978 | Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary or Inspirational | Sail On | Won |
| 1979 | Imperials Live | Nominated | |
| 1980 | Heed the Call | Won | |
| 1981 | Priority | Won | |
| Year | GMA Dove Awards |
|---|---|
| 1969 | Male Group of the Year |
| 1975 | Male Group of the Year |
| 1976 | |
| Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year: No Shortage | |
| 1978 | Male Group of the Year |
| 1980 | |
| 1981 | Artist of the Year |
| Group of the Year | |
| Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year: One More Song for You | |
| 1982 | Male Group of the Year |
| Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year: Priority | |
| 1983 | Group of the Year |
| 1984 | Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year: Side By Side |
References
- ^ "SG History 101 - the Imperials, SG History 10 - SoGospelNews.com". Archived from the original on February 3, 2009. Retrieved June 12, 2007. Southern Gospel News.com article Accessed May 5, 2008
- Gospel, Absolutely. "A Beautiful Love Story". sogospelnews. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved June 11, 2010.
- ^ Powell, Mark Allan. 2002. The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music. Hendrickson Publishers, Inc. P. 39, ISBN 1-56563-679-1
- 1969 Dove Awards
- "The Imperials".
- Gallagher, Pat (March 16, 2017). "Larry Gatlin Remembers His First Time on the Radio: 'I Nearly Passed Out!'". The Boot.
- James, Gary. "Gary James' Interview With Terry Blackwood of The Imperials". classicbands.com. Retrieved June 15, 2010.
- Williams, Bill (February 26, 1972). "1st Integrated Gospel Act". Billboard.
- "David Will Biography".
- John Bush. "Jonathan Pierce". AllMusic. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
- ^ "The Imperials Meet The Classic Imperials". sogospelnews. Archived from the original on January 7, 2010. Retrieved June 11, 2010.
- Christian Music Hall of Fame. "Welcome to the Christian Music Hall of Fame and Museum". CMHOF. Archived from the original on December 29, 2010. Retrieved December 1, 2008.
The Imperials Inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame
- "The Imperials Win Album of the Year for Back to the Roots". Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved June 11, 2010.
- "Legendary gospel group The Classic Imperials are 'Still Standing'". Today Christian. September 16, 2010. Retrieved February 23, 2011.
- "Daniel Boone Theme Song". Archived from the original on March 5, 2010. Retrieved March 20, 2010.
- "Imperials Trivia". Retrieved March 19, 2010.
- "Jake Hess". Encyclopedia of Alabama.
- Unthank, Chris D. "Absolutely Gospel Music". absolutelygospel.com.
- "Sherrill Nielsen Obituary".
- Paulson, Dave (January 12, 2016). "Gospel singer Joe Moscheo of The Imperials dies at 78". The Tennessean. USA Today. Retrieved January 13, 2016.
- "Gary McSpadden passes away". April 15, 2020.
- McMillen, Lynn (May 12, 2020). "Jonathan Pierce Obituary".
- "Henry Slaughter obituary". November 17, 2020.
- "David Will obituary". The Tennessean. March 4, 2022.
- "Armond Morales Passes Away – Absolutely Gospel Music". absolutelygospel.com.
External links
| The Imperials | |
|---|---|
| |
| Studio albums |
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| Compilation albums | |
| Live albums |
|
