|
Jake Hess
The
Imperials are an American gospel music group. They were
founded in 1964 by Jake Hess. The original line up consisted of
Jake, Henry Slaughter, Gary McSpadden, Armond Morales and
Sherrill (Shawn) Neilsen. Since then, they have undergone many
personnel and stylistic changes. Over the years, 25 different
singers
have come and gone, including Russ Taff, Paul Smith, and Jim Murray. The current Imperials lineup includes Jason Morales
(Armond's son) with Jeremie Hudson, Shannon Smith and Ian
Owens. Over the years, the Imperials have released over 40
albums and had 14 number one songs. They toured with Elvis
Presley from 1969-1972 and recorded two Gospel albums
with him, including his final Grammy Award winning album He
Touched me They have also won four Grammy Awards and
13 Dove Awards on their own, making the Imperials one of
the most popular and respected bands in the history of
Contemporary Christian Music. Their signature songs are
"Sweet, Sweet Spirit" and "Sail On".
On July 31, 1969,
Elvis Presley walked out on the stage of the
Las Vegas Hilton International Hotel for the first time in nine
years and sang before an audience of celebrities and fans from
all over the world. Accompanying him on that momentous evening
was a 40 piece orchestra, conducted by Joe Guercio, the TCB
Band, the Sweet Inspirations, and the Imperials.
For the next three years, the Imperials backed Elvis in Las Vegas
and on road tours. They also recorded such hits as "Suspicious
Minds" and "In the Ghetto" with the king of rock and roll. They
can be seen in his hit movie "That's The Way It Is". Their history
with Elvis is well documented and available to all interested Elvis
fans. Many fans of years gone by and a new generation of Elvis
fans who never saw him are fascinated by this extraordinary man
who made history.
These former members of the Imperials who
were there in 1969 and throughout succeeding years, now have
re-formed and are busy doing concerts and appearances all over
the world to Elvis fans who want to "meet someone who knew
Elvis". Terry Blackwood, lead singer and son of one of the original
Blackwood Brothers Qt., and Joe Moscheo, bass singer and
manager of that original group, have gotten back together. They
have many stories to tell and welcome the chance to sing to Elvis
fans. They are joined by Sherman Andrus, who came to the Imperials
in 1972, just when the group had decided to go back to their gospel
roots. Elvis thought so much of Sherman that he gave him a TCB
necklace and also gave the group his blessings. The tenor, Gus
Gaches has a rich history in gospel music and will thrill you with
his
soaring high notes. They have been featured at the 20th and 25th
anniversary concerts in Memphis commemorating the death of Elvis,
and have toured around the world with "Elvis, the Concert" show,
also featuring the Sweet Inspirations, the TCB Band, and Joe
Guercio, orchestra leader in 1971.
The Imperials surprised
fans
and the nation by becoming the
first interracial Gospel Quartet by bringing in Sherman Andrus, a
former member of Andrae Crouch and the Disciples. In 1998 The
Imperials were inducted into the Gospel Music
Association's Gospel Music Hal of Fame. All five original members,
Jake, Armond, Gary, Sherrill & Henry, as well as Terry Blackwood,
Shermen Andrus, Joe Moscheo, Jim Murray and Russ Taff were
all there to accept their induction.
|
Sherrill Nielsen, Gary
McSpadden,
Henry Slaughter, Jake Hess and Armond
Morales.
Jim Murray, Armond Morales,
Roger Wiles
Terry Blackwood and Joe Moscheo.
Terry Blackwood, Greg
Gordon, Joe
Mosheo, Armond Morales and Jim Murray.
Terry Blackwood, Armond
Morales, Joe
Moscheo, Sherman Andrus and Jim Murray. |
