The Imperials

The Imperials have been making music since 1964 and have in that time undergone many personnel and stylistic changes before returning to the gospel songs that originally made them popular. As of the mid-'90s, Armond Morales is the only charter member of the Imperials; he and Jake Hess founded the quintet. Over the years, 18 different singers have come and gone, including such legends as Russ Taff, Paul Smith, and Gary McSpadden.

Related Topics:
1964 - Gospel - 90s - Armond Morales - Jake Hess - Russ Taff - Paul Smith - Gary McSpadden

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Over the years, the Imperials have released over 40 albums and had 14 number one songs. They have also won four Grammy Awards and 13 Dove Awards, making the Imperials, despite (or because of) their many style changes, one of the most popular Christian bands ever.

Related Topics:
Grammy Awards - Dove Awards - Christian

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In 1987, they stirred up controversy and lost many of their oldest fans when they exchanged gospel to adopt a harder rock/techno/pop sound with the album This Year's Model. The subsequent albums Stir It Up and Love's Still Changing Hearts continued in the same vein.

Related Topics:
1987 - Rock - Techno - Pop - This Year's Model - Stir It Up - Love's Still Changing Hearts

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The band have lately scaled down their act, opting for simple accompaniment and more intimate church performances in lieu of stadium and large concert performances. Subsequent albums such as 'Til He Comes have lost the hard edge of earlier albums, and their old fans are slowly starting to return.

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