The Imperials

The Imperials, an American contemporary Christian music group, originated in 1964 when Jake Hess, a former member of the Statesmen Quartet, formed the group with pianist Henry Slaughter, Gary McSpadden, Armond Morales, and Sherrill Nielsen. The quartet signed with Benson Records and released their first album on the Heart Warming label. In 1967, after Hess's departure due to health issues, the group adopted a more contemporary sound and became known simply as The Imperials. They recorded with Elvis Presley from 1966 to 1971, contributing to his Grammy Award-winning albums How Great Thou Art and He Touched Me. In 1972, they hired Sherman Andrus, making them the first interracial Christian group in America. Notable members included Russ Taff, who joined in 1976 and remained until 1983, contributing to albums such as Imperials Live and Heed The Call. The Imperials won four Grammy Awards and fifteen Dove Awards, and were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Their discography includes notable releases like Side By Side and Christmas With The Imperials.