The Imperials Meet The Classic Imperials, Feature Article

Apr

2006

The Imperials Meet The Classic Imperials

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Not long ago, I had a chance to catch up with Armond Morales and The Imperials and see what was going on in their world.

SoGospelNews: Armond, The Imperials was a household name from its start in 1964 until the early 1990's. At that point many fans lost track of the group until the current group showed up a couple of years ago. Can you tell us what was going on with The Imperials during that time?

Armond: Well, I basically put the group on sabbatical in 1993. I felt that God wanted us to focus more on ministry so I decided to reorganize and refocus the group. The Imperials had re-defined themselves musically many times over the years and now we needed to re-define the group in terms of ministry focus. We pretty much left the industry paradigm behind and started a non-profit ministry focused on ministering to the body of Christ in local church settings. While I know that God called the group to minister to the body of Christ, I also realize that the body of Christ has been ministering to The Imperials over the past decade and what a blessing that has been. God used this time to teach the group how to be ministers and not just singers. As had been the case even when the group was more in the public eye, we had some "turnover" in the group personnel and as we had always done, I replaced the singers who left with new, young talent. I guess I remained the constant in the group throughout the years.

SoGospelNews: In the fall of 2003, you retired from The Imperials after 40 years. Tell us about how you found the current group of guys.

Armond: In 1999, we found the current tenor, Jeremie Hudson, in a church where we were in concert. He sang some special music before we sang and what he didn't know is that we were looking for a tenor singer because Steve Ferguson, our tenor for the previous 6 years was planning to get married and start a solo ministry. We were blown away by his talent and so he was with me for 4 years. About a month later, we had an opening at baritone and my son, Jason Morales, asked if he could audition for the part. I was shocked because, though he had worked for the group as our sound man since the early 90's, he had never shown an interest in singing and quite frankly, I didn't even know if he could. Come to find out, he has a great and very smooth baritone voice and was a great addition to the group. In the fall of 2002, we had an opening for a lead singer and we called Shannon Smith who had been recommended to us by Steve Ferguson. All of that to say, Jeremie, Jason and Shannon were a part of my singing and ministry team for quite a while before I stepped down. When I decided to retire, I told them they could pick my replacement but as soon as I heard Ian Owens sing, I told the guys they could listen to a thousand bass singers and never find one as good as Ian. Not only is the guy a great, young bass singer, he has a great heart for God and he fits in with the other three guys like he was intended to be here (and of course, we believe he is)!

SoGospelNews: Do you still own the group?

Armond: No. I turned the ownership of the group over to these four guys shortly after I left. I felt that if they were called and anointed by God to continue this ministry that they needed to be able to get a vision for it and run it with their whole heart. They have gathered a great board of directors around them to help them run the ministry with clear vision and integrity and I support what they are doing whole-heartedly. Let me just take this chance to say without reservation - They are The Imperials! They have my blessing and when people get a chance to hear them, they will know that they are The Imperials. I and the guys that I'm currently singing with are the Classic Imperials, but the young guys are The Imperials! The group has always been about more than just the personalities in it and they are God's team for this ministry as we move further into the 21st century.

SoGospelNews: Well, guys, how does it feel to be The Imperials - not just the singers, but the owners of such a legendary group?

The Imperials: Great! And humbling! It's a somewhat daunting task but one we feel God has called us to and because of that, we believe we're up to it. We are all equal partners in the ownership of the group. We've had a serious learning curve over the past couple of years. There's a lot more to owning and managing a group than just getting on stage and singing.

SoGospelNews: What is your vision both for now and the future?

The Imperials: Our immediate vision is to let people know that The Imperials are still here and that God has given us something to sing about! We are all ordained/licensed ministers and we really want to use the platform we've been given to let people know how much God loves them and wants them to know Him. We have a shared vision to build on the legacy we've been entrusted with by continuing to make great music that 1) glorifies God and His working in people's lives, 2) edifies and encourages His body, and 3) calls people into relationship with Him.

SoGospelNews: We know you're in the process of making a new album - The Imperials' first in almost 5 years. Tell us how that's coming and what we can expect.

The Imperials: Well, this has been a really difficult process. We've hit a lot of road blocks and learned a lot of hard lessons, but it does look like we will be finished with the album in late April (we're really skittish about making promises after all of the delays we've been through). We are very excited about this, not just because it's our first album but also because we feel like it is going to have some great stuff on it! As with most of the great Imperials albums of the past, it will be quite eclectic stylistically. We think there will be something for almost everyone. It seems to us that the musical landscape is such that people aren't as concerned about specific styles so much as just great music that presents the great message of the Good News in Jesus Christ. For more information on the details of the album, people should be sure to check out the "Making of an Album with The Imperials" segments on http://www.sogospelnews.com.

SoGospelNews: Armond, you mentioned something earlier about "The Classic Imperials" and we've recently heard something about an upcoming album. Who are "The Classic Imperials" and what can we expect from this group?

Armond: When I turned The Imperials over to the current group of guys, part of our agreement was that I could use the name "The Classic Imperials" for some ministry ventures that I felt God was opening up for me. Jim Murray (the Imperials tenor singer from 1966 to 1986 and also my partner in owning the group during that time) and I were living in Hawaii at the time and we were doing some limited singing together. Since that time, we have been joined by former Imperials baritone, David Will, and a new lead singer, Rick Evans. We really don't have any long term intentions of touring like The Imperials do. We are working on doing some conference events. The mission of The Classic Imperials is to reach a 21st Century generation with the life changing message of Jesus Christ and to develop Christ-centered leaders with effective ministry skills, tools, and resources.

SoGospelNews: Do you see any conflict or confusion with there being two "Imperials" groups?

Armond: No - not as long as we are clear in our communication with the public. This world and the Kingdom are bigger than that. We do want to be sure that there is no confusion in the minds of the fans and I will say again what I said before: These young guys are The Imperials! We are The Classic Imperials. They will reach an audience that we never can and we may reach an audience that they can't. Not only that, but we really don't have any plans to tour the way these young guys can. We're too old for that! These young guys are going to be here much longer than we will be - they are the future! We have sung with them a few times and we always introduce them as The Imperials - we really believe in them.

SoGospelNews: Are there any plans for the two groups to do other events together? I'd really like to hear and see that!

The Imperials: Maybe…we're certainly open to doing it if enough interest is expressed. We are honored to carry on this legacy and it's always a big honor to be on the stage with them or just to hang out with them. Inquiries about a joint event like this should be directed to The Imperials' office: 615.445.8651 or .

SoGospelNews: Visit The Imperials website at http://www.theimperials.com

Reader Comments

Wow ...alot of fun to read this. I appreciate very much the integrity of Armond and how he has handed the paton so to speak to these great young men of God. I have followed the Imperials for 22 years now...and I know the difference between the real Imperials and the Classic Imperials. The real Imperials...Jason,Jeremie,shannon,and ian...are anointed singers and the perfect men to continue the legacy of the group. The classic Imperials are just a wonderful group of guys who (three of which )formerly sang with the imperials. It is nice to see them still involved together in ministry. And ofcourse we know that they are not the imperials but can use the title Classic Imperials for the sake of ministering the gospel. It is nice to know that this agreement was made between them to further the gospel ...not to expoit a legendary name in the history of christian music....and I commend the members of both groups for their integrity and dedication to serving Jesus! The blessing of the Lord be on both groups and may the be productive for God's kingdom! Real excited about the new album coming out from THE IMPERIALS! You guys are the best example of God's love and integrity in the business...and great examples of perseverence when things sometimes don't go your way. You all are the best!

Commented by On 04/02/2006

I can't wait to hear the Classic Imperials! Like many of us, I grew up with the Imps starting in the Russ Taff era, and especially through what was MY favorite era with Ron Hemby and Jimmie Lee Sloas (to this day, I would pay LARGE MONEY just to hear Ron Hemby sing the phone book!!).

Rick Evans has been a staple in Gospel music in SoCAL since the 70's beginning with the Crownsmen and then with the Californians, Dennis Agajanian and others. Rick is one of the best lead singers I've ever heard, anywhere! I'll never forget the first time I heard him sing JD's "The Touch Of His Hand", it tore me to pieces! I think he'll be a fantastic addition to the Classic Imperials.

db

Commented by Doug Brown On 04/03/2006

I began following the Imperials ever since I bought my first album, their calypso-rythymed, syncopated offering they called "Love Is The Thing."

The first time I heard the Imperials live was at a 1972 concert at Milligan College (TN)... the last time I heard them live was in the summer of 1990, when I booked them for a concert at the Centennial Celebration of the Opera House Theater in McConnelsville, OH.

I must admit that I haven't heard much from them since then, but I am heartened to hear that "The Imperials: The Next Generation" are going strong.

I am especially glad to know that Armond Morales and Jim Murray are reunited and holding down the bass and tenor corners of "The Classic Imperials"!

Many great gospel singers -Dave Will among them - sang lead and baritone in that group between 1966 and 1986. It was the uniqueness of Morales' smooth, warm bass and Murray's clear, sweet tenor, however, that gave the Imperials of that era their signature sound. None other like it in all of Gospel music! As an "old guy" like them, I am looking forward to hearing the Classic Imperials ride the soundwaves again... Live! And on CDs!

Commented by Fred Balding On 06/01/2006

It truly excites me to see that the great Imperials are continuing to bring their legacy into new generations, but what I am most enthusiastic about is the mention of the Classic Imperials! I have listened to the Imperials for the entire 23 years that I have been alive, and have been inspired and uplifted time and time again by their music.
It's going to be great to hear the old group back together again, as that is what I was raised on, and is what I still like the best.
Now if we can only get the previous incarnation back together - Sherman Andrus, Terry Blackwood, Armond, Jim Murray, etc. ! That would be truly a dream come true.
Excellent article.

Commented by Matt Baxley On 08/07/2006

I remember in 1963 when the Imperials walked out on the stage at the Moore Theater in Seattle Washington. My wife and I said at that time that this would be one of the gretest groups of all times. We followed their career and personnel changes through the years, but in the 90's seemed to have lost track of them. Occasionaly we would see them on a broadcast on TV, but heard very little of them. Perhaps it is because we are in the corner of the US.

We are glad to hear that both groups are back and look forward to seeing and hearing them.

Commented by On 07/19/2007

I was glad to hear the good news that Armond decided to go on with his music and ministry under the name of "The Classic Imperials", which I feel describes the quartet better than any other name. They are what they are called! I have had the previledge of hosting a number of extended tours in Sweden and the rest of Scandinavia with Armond and the Imperials during the 70-ies and 90-ies, which has meant a tremendous break-through for gospel music in our part of the world. As a matter of fact, they still have a lot of fans and friends over here! And gospel music fans in Finland are using terms like "before The Imperials" and "After The Imperials" talking about the evelution of Christian music in Finland. -
Now, reading about the conflict between Armond and the new group Imperials about the usage of the trademark "The Imperials" makes me sad. I can remember how the younger group started their career on their own in the early 90-ies calling themselves "The New Imperials". I believe that is still the proper and adequate name of their group. Even though they have purchased or been given the trade name "The Imperials", they will never truly be "The Imperials" in the eyes and minds of mature gospel fans knowing the history of gospel music. The substance of a brand name such as "The Imperials" is so much more than the name. I'm surprised that people in the gospel music industry of America did not advise Jason and his friends to stick to the first and most spontanous name "The New Imperials". Neither can I understand how "The New Imperials" can claim the rights of all the nominations and awards achieved by Armond and the "true" Imperials away back in the 60-ies, 70-ies and 80-ies.
If my advice is worth anything, I would recommand Jason Morales and the rest of of his quartet to withdraw the law suit against his father Armond and settle the whole conflict and simply accept that they will never be "The Imperials" but invest all that they have got into their own group of singers and music that they want to make under the name of "The New Imperials". After all they are "The New Imperials".

Commented by Kjell Samuelson On 03/24/2008

Having grown up (as a christian) listening to the "Imperials" starting with the "Sail On" project with Russ Taff I am excited to see the legacy of "The Imperials" carried on by the new generation.

Jason Morales, I am proud of you and will be praying for you and the rest of the group to have success in what I believe GOD has laid on your heart.
Spread Gods love throughout the world for all generation to hear, until Jesus Our Lord returns in Glory.

Armond Morales, I have much respect for you and what you have done in the past with "The Imperials" but, I believe you have gone back on your word to your son and should repent from your actions. You have every right to sing as long as God has given you a voice and commands you to us it but, you have surrendered the helm to your son and his partners and if you should chose to continue to sing, You should change the name of your group to something that does not have the name "Imperials" in it. You surrendered that name when you passed the helm to Jason, Jeremy, Shannon and Ian.

Armond, dear brother in Christ...
I will also continue to pray for you to have your eyes opened so you can see the error of your ways and turn from them. I believe You deserve to receive Gods best plans for your retirement with your wife, please be a real man and settle this with your son.

Commented by On 06/04/2008

Kjell Samuelson, you are way off base here...(don't be mad, just another opinion) if you ever read the bio that Armond and his wife published in 2003, he admits that although the members have changed throughout the years, they remain "The Imperials".

If I understand correctly, Armond actually sold his rights to the "Imperials" name to his son and the other three partners of the group. Money exchanged hands here... (Jason, please correct me if I am wrong) You can see a copy of that bio here:
http://theimperials.com/media/originalbiobyBM.pdf

To anyone reading this, please pray for an amicable solution to this matter.

May Gods will be done.

Commented by On 06/09/2008

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