The Imperials

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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	Christian contemporary Christian gospel Southern gospel
Years active	1964–present
Labels	Heart Warming Impact Dayspring Myrrh Lamon StarSong
Members	Rick Evans Ron Hemby Paul Smith Rod Fletcher
Past members	Jake Hess Gary McSpadden Terry Blackwood Jim Murray Joe Moscheo Henry Slaughter Sherrill Nielsen Pam Morales-Dietz Armond Morales David Will Roger Wiles Danny Ward Russ Taff Jason Beddoe Jonathan Pierce Greg Gordon Sherman Andrus Larry Gatlin Shannon Smith Danny Ward Jimmie Lee Sloas David Robertson Jason Beddoe Mark Addock Brian Comeaux Bill Morris Steven Ferguson Jeff Walker Steve Shapiro Barry Weeks Peter Pankratz Jeremie Hudson Jason Hallcox Jason Morales Richie Crook Shannon Smith Ian Owens Scott Allen Perry Jones Robbie Hiner Lonnie Ott Michael Schlee
Website	theclassicimperials.com

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.