The Imperials

In early 1976, just shortly after the release of "Just Because", Terry left due to the death of his father, needing to be home with his family. Dave Will was hired as the new baritone, beginning a 23-year stint with the group, making him the longest-lasting group member other than Armond himself. Sherman left the group in late 1976 being replaced by Russ Taff becoming the new lead singer. His dynamic, distinctive voice became the voice of the group. At this point the group began to leave their trademark tight harmonies and became less a "quartet" and more of a four-man vocal band. In the twelve year contract with The Benson Company they produced 22 albums. The next twelve years the group signed with Word Records and recorded 13 albums. The stage was now set for this extraordinary combination of singers to take their place in the anthology of The Imperials. Armond and Jim now joined by Dave, and Russ, would embark on a quest that would land them in the center of a growing Christian Music Industry. They broke down all of the musical barriers and helped lead the Contemporary Christian Music industry toward record breaking "record" sales, combined with a strong and enduring concert schedule. This combination has the distinct banner as one of the best Christian groups of all time. No one could predict the impact these four men would have on the Christian Music industry, on churches, and on the Body of Christ. The albums released by this lineup include "Sail On" (1977), "Imperials Live" (1978), "Heed the Call" (1979), "One More Song for You" (1979), "Priority" (1980) and finally, "Christmas With The Imperials" (1980). "Heed the Call", "One More Song for You" and "Priority" each are considered modern classics from the group and contain many of the group's hit singles. In 1981, Russ Taff left to pursue his solo career, and his time with the group produced many of Gospel music's favorite songs, which are forever locked in the history of this organization. His replacement was Paul Smith. Smith provided the group with an opportunity to get back to a four part vocal sound, and, although he had the edge of Taff, the group took a more direct approach to vocal harmony and purposeful ministry. He debuted with the group on the 1982 album "Stand By the Power". In 1983, the group released an experimental album called "Side By Side", which featured a double album with each member singing on their own side. Returning to their roots with the 1984 album "The Imperials Sing the Classics", which featured a return to the four-part harmony that made the group famous. A return to the rock style of the "modern" Imperials was prevalent on their 1985 release "Let the Wind Blow", which was the last recording for both Smith and Murray in 1985. Paul Smith left The Imperials in 1985. The below picture features his replacement Danny Ward, who unfortunately wasn't with The Imperials long enough to record. By mid 1986, Murray had sold his share of the group to Armond Morales and left the group to pursue a solo career. Jim Murray was replaced by Ron Hemby. This group was just getting off the ground when Ward left, and was replaced by Jimmie Lee. It was at this point that the group took a drastic turn into contemporary music. Leaving all their musical roots, Word produced two projects led by the voices of Hemby and Lee that launched the group deeper into the rock and alternative Christian music categories. At this time they did what no group had done before. They had crossed all lines of traditional music and established themselves as the leader of change. Their look and sound became more identified with those in the hard rock category. The 1987 album "This Year's Model" featured high energy guitars and a strong rhythm to the likes of Petra or Whiteheart. The album was met with a skeptical audience, and although it had a difficult time the marketplace, it's place in history finished with critical acclaim. This recording remains a favorite of many fans around the world and still has a relevant message both lyrically and musically. They answered with a second release by this group, 1988's "Free the Fire", which was more easy-listening. Lee left shortly after completing that recording for a solo career, and David Robertson replaced him. Robertson was only with the group long enough to record one album, 1990's "Love's Still Changing Hearts", with six of the songs in the top ten play list. For a more complete history of the The Imperials, see their website at http://www.theclassicimperials.com/ Source: The Imperials website URL: http://www.theclassicimperials.com/in...