The name "Imperials" has long been synonymous with class and dignity in the gospel music world. The name "Imperial Quartet" was first used by Marion Snider and his Imperial Quartet in the mid-1940's. Prior to forming the Imperial Quartet, Snider's resume included tenures with the Rangers Quartet, the VO Stamps Original Quartet, and the Blackwood Brothers. Snider formed a new quartet that quickly attracted the ears of a radio sponsor: The Imperial Sugar Company. The new quartet became the Imperial Sugar Quartet, and began a long association with the Texas Quality Radio Network. The Imperial Sugar Quartet was very popular for nearly a decade as they performed both on the airwaves and concert stage throughout Texas and surrounding areas.
Mr. Snider was recently inducted into the SGMA Hall of Fame. Although the name "Marion Snider and the Imperial Sugar Quartet" was retired in the early 1950's, Mr. Snider continues to perform today as he reaches into his ninth decade. However, the Imperial story doesn't stop here!
The
Statesmen Quartet was on top of the gospel music world in the early 1960's.
In spite of their popularity, lead singer Jake Hess had aspirations to form
his own group. He wanted to lead a quartet that would enter the field of gospel
music at the very top of the game. Jake retired from the Statesmen Quartet
December 7, 1963 to put all of his efforts into this all star quartet. He had
many ideas to make the group unique. Jake realized the importance of an appropriate
name for this hand-picked group. He contacted Marion Snider and requested permission
to use the name "Imperials". After receiving Mr. Snyder's blessings, "Jake
Hess and the Imperials" was born.
Jake Hess and former Weatherford Quartet pianist Henry Slaughter put their collective minds together and hand-picked all-star quartet. Sherrill Nielsen(tenor), Jake Hess (lead), Gary McSpadden (baritone), Armond Morales (bass), and Henry Slaughter (pianist) were chosen for this new quartet. At the time, all of the members were active in other major gospel quartets. Nielsen had recently joined the Speer Family, McSpadden was singing baritone with the Oak Ridge Boys, and Morales was the bass singer for the Weatherfords. Morales and Slaughter had spent many years on the stage together with the Weatherfords and had formed a close relationship.
Henry Slaughter had spent several months writing songs and arranging music that would fit the individual voices of this chosen quartet. When the group converged in late 1963, the arrangements had been prepared and the work began. The Imperials had a special sound integrating Slaughter's unique arrangements highlighting those four all-star voices. The Imperials began their life as a quartet as one of the premire groups in gospel music. There wasn't a weak link in the chain, neither vocally or instrumentally.
The Imperials soon developed a vast repitore. They could sing quartet classics, hymns, inspirational songs, original tunes, spirituals, and anything in between. Their program was so diverse that they could sing for two hours and never encore a song. If the audience wanted more, the Imperials simply sang another song. This became a trademark of the Imperials and something that set them apart from all other quartets in the industry. Another item that set the group apart was the establishment of a morals clause for any member of the Imperials. In short, they lived what they sang.
Promotion was important to the Imperials. The Imperials were presented with several recording contracts as news of their formation reached the recording companies. The Impeials released five recordings simultaneously to coincide with their debut. They soon began their own newspaper, "The Imperial Times", to herald their arrival on the gospel music scene. Their performances had been polished, and they were poised to take the gospel music world by storm. However, there was another storm that the Imperials didn't forsee brewing in the distance.
As noted earlier, Jake Hess and the Imperials Qt. was formed by "hand picking" members from other established groups in gospel music. This soon became quite a burden for the Imperials. There were groups that didn't want to appear with the Imperials. In his book, "Nothin' But Fine", Jake details their struggles on the gospel music circuit because of their unusual formation.
The Imperials were finally accepted by the influential promoters. They soon began to break down musical barriers in the 1960's much as the Statesmen had done in the 1950's. Instrumentation was added to their recordings and live appearances. Their youthful sound led the Imperials to previously unheard of bookings on college campuses around the country as they spread the Good News.
In keeping with their trend-setting ways, the Imperials were soon hired to sing backup for Elvis Presley. Elvis had idolized Jake, and was thrilled to sing on the same recordings with his hero. The classic Elvis recording, "His Hand in Mine", prominently features Jake Hess and the Imperials.
Sherrill Nielsen was the first Imperial to leave the group, and he was replaced by Jim Murray. Jim had sung with the Stamps Trio, Inspirationals and Orrell Quartet prior to joining the Imperials. Slaughter was the next to depart. He was replaced by Joe Moscheo. Joe previously played with the Harmoneers and Prophets. They continued the sound that made the Imperials famous.
Jake Hess began experiencing the first of many health problems in 1966. These health problems brought about his retirement from the Imperials. Gary McSpadden also retired from the group at the same time as Jake, leaving Jim Murray, Armond Morales, and Joe Moscheo to reform the group.
Change in gospel quartets in inevitable, but few groups handle the change
as well as the Imperials. The year of 1967 dawned with a new group of Imperials.
Roger Wiles and Terry Blackwood were hired to replace McSpadden and Hess. Some
promoters were hesitant to book the "new" Imperials, but their talent
soon overcame the doubters. Recordings such as "New Dimensions", "The
Imperials NOW", and "Love is the Thing" put the Imperials back
on top in the gospel music industry. Terry Blackwood came from the Blackwood
legacy, and had sung with groups such as the Stamps Quartet and the Memphians.
On the other hand, Roger Wiles wasn't as well known in the industry. He had
sung with his family group, the Melodaires. If you can find some of their recordings,
you can hear the early influence of the Imperials in their songs.
The "new" Imperials continued to be trend setters. They won the
1969 Dove Award for male quartet of the year. They continued toward a more
contemporary focus in their music. Roger Wiles left the group in 1970 and was
replaced by Greg Gordon. Gordon is the son of Anna and Howard Gordon of Chuck
Wagon Gang fame. He had previously sung with the Chuck Wagon Gang, Downings,
and Charity's Children and had been an instrumentalist for the Oak Ridge Boys
for several years. He brought a youthful enthusiasm to the Imperials that fit
their persona quite well.
During this time, the Imperials began to record music that was obviously outside the gospel music realm. Popular songs such as "Bridge Over Troubled Waters", "Let it Be", "My Sweet Lord", "Day by Day", "A Thing Called Love", "Teach Your Children", and "Joy to the World" became a part of their stage and recording repitore. Their hair grew longer and their clothes more modern, but the Message remained the same. In 1972, the Imperials began to stage a pop medley from their album "Time to Get it Together". At this time, they became one of the first groups to perform in concert with instrumental soundtracks complimented by Moscheo's piano.
Gordon's tenure with the group was short-lived. In February 1972, the Imperials
shocked the conservative world of gospel music when they became the first interracial
quartet in gospel music. They hired Sherman Andrus, a former member of Andrae
Crouch and the Disciples, to replace Greg Gordon. The energy and stage presence
of the Imperials left little doubt that their direction was moving toward Contemporary
Christian music. They soon hired a band, Solid Rock, to accompany them in their
live appearances.
Joe Moscheo left the road in 1975 to pursue other business interests. In the mid 1970's, Terry Blackwood and Sherman Andrus left the Imperials to form the contemporary Christian group Andrus, Blackwood and Company. They were replaced by David Will and Russ Taff. The group has continued to thrive in Contemporary Christian circles. Personnel changes continued as did their popularity in the Contemporary Christian field.
The group has continued to evolve, with original bass singer Armond Morales continuing at the helm of this trendsetting group, having held this position for nearly forty years.
For more detailed information about the current Imperials and their history in the Contemporary Christian field, visit www.theimperials.org.
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 06/30/2003
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Category: SG History 101
Comments: 40
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Dear John : Always great John.
John,
To: John "Encyclopedia" Crenshaw,
Great article John. I think that the Imperials were probably the biggest factor in attracting young people to SGM. You did a fantastic job of covering them.
Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog
Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown
Great job as usual John. I'm proud to be a student of SG101 under you Dr. Crenshaw.
It is interesting to know the history of the Imperials before the 1970s. The music they produced from about 1975 to 1981 is still, in my opinion, the best Christian music ever produced by anyone. My Imperials "Legacy" CD is my most treasured CD.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
John: Interesting stuff, as usual. Never made the connection between the Imperials and the Imperial Sugar Quartet. Also found the "morals clause" for group members quite interesting! (Trivia: seems like I remember these guys recording one of the versions of the old Daniel Boone TV theme song.)
Another fine article about the first professional SGM group I ever saw. That was at a Pat Boone concert in the early 70s. Someone mentioned Larry Gatlin but, if I recall, Gatlin said in his autobiography that he had a tryout with the Imperials in Vegas when they were backing Elvis but never was offered a permanent job. You mentioned David Will so how about an article on the Keystones whose members in the late 60s included Will and Joe Bonsall and Richard Sterban of the Oaks.
Keith Prater said: "I often wish that the Southern Gospel industry would exibit as much originality and creativity now as the Imperials did then."
Thanks John. Your columns are always informative, well written, and researched. Keep them coming!
J.C.,
I never really appreciated the Imperials UNTIL I read your article. Then I went home and REALLY listened to the 1st album they ever released under Jake Hess. They were really, really good.
John: Great article....very informative and just as I remember the Imperials. Sad that Jake isn't doing well now but he has already lived 20 years longer than he was supposed to. I suppose that to be on attitude, alone.
John.....great articles on the great gospel quartets from the past. Have you done a story on the REBELS? See you in August at the Grand OLe Gospel Reunion.
Interesting that my post follows Jack Clark, who was the pianist for the Harvesters Quartet when I attended my very first gospel sing. That singing, with the Harvesters and the Prophets, hooked me on SGM 40+ years ago. Speaking of the Prophets, does anyone know anything about Jay Berry(Prophets and Rebels-1960's)?
John,
My favorite recording of the Imp's was "No Shortage."
John,
John,
Jay Berry ,the last that I knew was selling Insurance in Knoxville ,Tenn.I think it
Duke..... You're exactly right! I couldn't locate my gospel Elvis LPs when I wrote the article, and had to rely on my feeble memory. Thanks for the correction.
John, thanks for another wonderful article! As most everyone knows, Jake is my absolute favorite singer, and I so appreciate you highlighting his succeses as well as his struggles with this Quartet that was ahead of its time in many ways. I also appreciate you including the Marion Snider "roots" of the Quartet that many people do not even realize. You are a treasure!
One fine article John! I wish the Imperials would go back to the way they were before. Oh, well. I'm sure they're following God's calling. Thanks John!
Wonderfully written article. I learned some things today about the VERY early years that I didn't know. I can answer about any question asked of me concerning the Imperials from about the Roger Wiles era on. I do have questions about your date of the "Time To Get It Together" album however. That album followed the "Love Is The Thing" album, which was Roger's last. I'm thinking it was more around 1970. Sherman's first album, sometimes referred to as "A Song Of Love", was released in 1971 I think. Oh well.....thanks for a great article. God bless!!!
I heard that Sherman, Terry, and Jim are putting together a quartet again as a part time venture (aside from their solo work) I can hardly wait to hear that.
We were at one of Mr. W.B. Nowlin's 'all night' singings at Will Rogers Auditorium and Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, in November 1963, when the announcement was made that Jake Hess would be leaving the Statesmen and he and Henry Slaughter were forming the Imperial Quartet. I remember how saddened we were with that news. However, we enjoyed the Imperials for the time Jake and Gary were with them.
WOW! 1963... where have those forty years gone???
The Imperials were also the only quartet to back up Elvis on his final Gospel Album in 1972 "He Touched Me"
What a great article. I remember The Imperials coming to Landmark Baptist Temple back in 1965 it was my first time hearing quartet music at the age of 14. It wasn't long after that the Dr. John Rawlings got togeather Mack Evans, Carroll Rawlings, Don Norman, Buddy Lyles and Jack Clark and formed the Landmark Quartet. We had sunday afternoon sings with all the great gospel quartets , the Imperials, Stamps, Blackwoods, Florida Boys, Statesman's what a great time with lots of great memories.
The Imperials ruled the 70"s and most of the 80's. They came to St. Louis every year and it was sold out months in advance. They were so creative. Someone mentioned that groups like that today (Lordsong, The GVB, The MArtins etc) are ostracized by the industry. It is true. That limits the growth of Southern Gospel. When you have a group as good as the GVB or Lordsong and they are never nominated for any award at the NQC, and The McKameys continue to be nominated year after year, somthing's not right!
i remember the time when i first heard one their songs when i became a christian in the early 90's. since then i started looking for more of their songs... as i listen to many of their songs, my interest in searching for more of their songs grew even bigger... i began searching and collecting their albums, looking at every different places even provinces that i went to. to date, i have collected more than 15 of their albums which includes vinyl records, tapes and CDs. i am still looking for more...
I enjoy reading and hearing information about the Imperials, current or historical. On March 3rd, 2005 I got to visit with the new Classic Imperials in Visalia, CA. What a pleasure to hear "the boys" sing again. Terry, Sherman, Jim, and Armond told stories of how God had helped them through personal triumphs. The singing was wonderful, and as you mentioned they are still ministering with a moral clause, maybe unwritten in their agreement, but very much apparent in their performace.
dear mr. larry thompson,
I had the pleasure of accompaning a gospel singing group as a bass player at two concerts where the Imperials were also playing. One that our group sponsored in New York City and the other in New Jersey between 1975 and 1976. I heard Jim Murray sing More Than You'll Ever Know and that really changed my life. I would like to know how could I find Sherman Andrus and Jim Murray, or Mike Kinnard one of their drummers. Also I would like to find the sound track to "More Than You'll ever Know". I had a great time with the group off stage. P.S. the concert in New York we did with Honeytree or Nancy Henningbaum.
Just a note to let you know the url link - http://www.theimperials.org/ is not active.
I was glad to be able to get some details about the starting of the Imperials and the Sugar Imperials. That was new news for me and I had considered myself a big fan of the Imperials. I would like to find out if anyone has a compete list of all the albums that they have recorded over the years, at least up to the time that Armond stepped down because of his cancer. The Classic Imperials, have they recorded any that are available? Are they still singing together? When they were in Visalia a few years back I got to talk to all of them after the concert. What a pleasure to get to visit with the guys that I have had so much respect for over the years. I am pleased that the GVB uses some of the arrangements that the Imperials used years before. Bill Gaither and his group brings back memories of the Imperials. Not to belittle what they have done, but it seems like everyone wants to sound like the Imperials did years ago. I would love to see the Classic Imperials sing on a Gaither Video sometime. Well, enough for today. Blessings,
I'm trying to find a song by Jake Hess. I think the title is "I got the Lord" He sung it with Terry Bradshaw on an old Gaither reunion video. I think he recorded it with the imperials too. Can anyone help?
Scarlet, the title is "That's Enough," and it's found on Jake Hess and the Imperials (1964).
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