"The Imperials" (the group headed by Jason Morales) is no more. The group folded in 2010. "The Classic Imperials" (Paul Smith, David Will, Armond Morales & Rick Evans) are keeping the Imperials music alive.
As the video shows, Imperials alumnus Jim Murray was briefly re-united with Armond & Dave, but had to drop out for undisclosed reasons.
My dad is Jim Murray and I personally take offense that anyone thinks the Classic Imperials made money off a dead rock star. Elvis loved gospel music! PERIOD !! I assure you they never lost their testimony when they have done "secular" dates.
Is that Jimmy Murray with them ? WOW !! Very nice . I just saw them in Youngstown , Oh . on Thurs. 6.17.10 and though they didn't sing this song , they did " Eagle Song " and the harmonies were FABS !! Tim , 6.22.10
Ugg. How does this get so messed up. Yu folks should really check your facts before you start throwing rocks at the legends.
those you are defending have been put out of business by Little Anthony and the Imperials. They never had permission from the rightful owners to use the name. And then (surprise to everyone) the young guys went after Little Anthony in court and lost their Trademark. Armond tried to help and warn them. Their answer was the ridiculous lawsuit.
@singntune singntune Wow wayyyy off. Little Anthony and the Imperials has nothing whatsoever to do with the ongoing dispute between Armond Morales and his son Jason Morales over the ownership of the trademark,,Perhaps YOU should get your facts straight first! BTW This particular group was founded a s a gospel quartet by Jake Hess back in the Sixties
Selling the group and using the name again? That is unethical. Period. Christians: Come on guys... You can't do this in the business world. Can you say lawsuit?
Maybe you should rethink your position. These guys were victims not perpetrators. The Imperials are an historic group. You should certainly get your facts straight before you criticize.
I think you all need to watch my video response. There is a LOT of misinformation about the newer members. They are truly great christian men and not deserving of the derision they're getting here.
I'll sound in saying that I think the name should change with each new generation. I've bought at least 1 cd in a rush not paying attention only to find it isn't what i wanted. I want the classic - original stuff because it holds so many dear memories for me. The Imeprials' music got me through those awkward years...and I really appreciate that. From the Lord and them.
To all the Classic Imperial friends. We would like to thank the many who have written for all the wonderful support. It is now time to move the group forward without the negative feedback. The best way to do that is for all to stop bogging about MOSH (the young guys).
The Classic Imperials are looking forward to continuing in the call God has set for the group. So, let's talk about the good things.
Life---I agree. It's so easy to get caught up in they said, they said--I am as guilty of it as anyone. Now it's time to pray for The Imperials and The Classic Imperials and support ALL of them in their Godly ministries.I suspect the future is going to be bright for both groups!!!
This debate is funny. Jim doesn't sing with Armond anymore. Armond has the Classic Imperials. The young guys own nothing. Armond sold them something he didn't own. The lawsuit was ridiculous and having a son sue a father is totally unscriptural. Sad! The young guys are pretty average. Won no awards, yet claim them all. That's dishonest and unethical especially since they lost the lawsuit claiming their ownership of the name, which is legally now and never was theirs.
The MOSH-inspired Imperials will never get to the point of what Armond, David, Jim, Russ and later Paul Smith achieved. Anybody who feels that The Imperials 2008 can hold a candle to the Classic Imperials is pretty messed up; they aren't even close. It's terrible that Jason is still part of the band since the band is suing Armond, I lost my father many years ago and I know that I would feel extremely terrible if I had put him through what Jason is putting Armond through.
You obviously have not read the lawsuit amadeus--the current Imperials have the legal rights here. There has always been new members of this group and the older guys and fans supported them. What is different this time? Nothing! The current group are just as talented as the old guys were when they were young--if not more!!! We are talking about a ministry called The Imperials here--not just some group--remember God is in this thing!!!There is and should be only on group The Imperials-MOSH group!
Nobody is disputing their legal rights BUT I think the new Imperials got it on a silver platter because without the name, talented as they are, they would not be getting the same recognition as they are now without the name. They would be just another very talented SoGo or pop quartet that mat or may not be touring with the Gaithers (being facetious). Armond stated that he was impressed by the younger guys and I think he took his 'selling the name for a $1 out of love thing' a little too far.
No silver platter with them-- There's the name issue and the Imps have been in shambles for years under Armond's leadership. The current group is trying to bring The Imperials back from the dead. Selling is selling, it was his choice for the dollar. Seems they got wonderful potential for that dollar, but alot of headaches as well considering that the group has almost needed a casket for several years. The current Imps are doing a wonderful job and growing so much, saw them last night.
This is a group of four really professional singers whom I still think of as the Imperials. Even though somebody else may obtained the name [and make mean comments on every "Imp" oriented site on YouTube as a "Fan", in fact their number "1" fan] check out what Armond and also Terry Blackwood have put together on YouTube! Tell me Terry's LIVE version of "Great Gettin' Up Morning" isn't awesome! In a LIVE concert [with no tracks to hide behind] 2 of these groups are still amazing! One isn't...
Jim: voice/aging related issues. I bet Joe M's suing. Armond owns all masters/publishing. "The Imperials" was transfered to Jason and the next gen. Jim, Armond, Terry and Sherman were doing Elvis dates and such for a while. They did that Gospel of Elvis CD. So something happened after that. At previous Imps concerts, Armond called Elvis shows as silly. I bet Joe M, Terry & Sherman are cashing in on Elvis & need the name to market themselves.
Oh yeah, it is all about cashing in, huh? They are not ripping off the name, they made the name memorable by the work THEY already did. I think some others are the ones trying to cash in.
I imagine every group that tours is following the money. If they didn't, they would be out of business. Money isn't the only reason to sing. Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is the paramount goal. Money helps take care of families these men have as responsibilities.
The group The Imperials with Jason Morales son or Armond is THE IMPERIALS, The Classic Imperials are made up of two FORMER members of the group. --Both have great, Godly ministries. The other group of FORMER MEMBERS --Blackwood etc--are not in any type of ministry--they chase Elvis fans and money. Yes, they all must make money--but ministry is one things and entertaining is another.
What do you mean, how the Blackwood bunch run their group? What "ethically" issue are you talking about. They sing "Sweet Spirit" and "He Touched Me" to a secular audience. I find that very commendable. Do you think Jesus would be teaching and preaching to the scribes and pharisees or to the publicans and sinners?
Ethically they should not be using the name The Imperials--in my opinion. They are NOT The Imperials--they are FORMER Imperials. And singing a Christian song does not mean they have ministry, it means they sing a Christian song--that is it. They are after money of fans of a dead rock star--in my opinion!
When you look at schedules now, all the Imperials may be "former" before long. And singing a Christian song in a church for an offering or a flat rate is like preaching to the choir. Are they after the money that church is going to give them? Would they sing if no offering were taken? That is no difference than singing a Christian song to a secular audience. In fact, I imagine more good is accomplished by sharing the gospel with those who don't attend church.
You are correct, it looks like the media war over the name has hurt The Imperials and The Classic Imperials. That was bound to happen. Nothing God can't change Not going to hurt the Blackwood bunch because there are always Elvis fans to con. Sorry, but the other two groups have ministries--the Blackwood group entertains and makes money off of a dead rock star. Period.
I'm curious why you think the Imperials are "conning" Elvis fans. They know who they are. They know who they are. They want to hear them sing their gospel songs. Yes, Elvis is dead. His millions of fans are very much alive. They want to see the TCB Band, the Sweet Inspirations, and the Imperials. What is ministry to you? This seems to be the crux of your problem. Singing in church does not a ministry make. Ministry occurs anywhere someone is used by God to touch another person.
More like wishing they could cash in. All that I know is there are 2 members in each of the 2 groups [the ones regularly being attacked] whom own Multiple Dove awards and have been inducted into the Gospel Hall Of Fame as [dare I say the name...] Imperials.
At this time there are 2 men in "The artists formerly known as the Imperials" that have the awards, Armond Morales and David Will(my father). No one in the current Imperials line up have any awards (Grammys or Doves), except the ones Armond gave them, they did not earn them by singing. Jim Murray and Russ Taff have awards as well, they earned by singing. Their wonderful harmonies are what so many love about the past albums.
At this time there are 2 men in "The artists formerly known as the Imperials" that have the awards, Armond Morales and David Will(my father). No one in the current Imperials line up have any awards (Grammys or Doves), except the ones Armond gave them, they did not earn them by singing. Jim Murray and Russ Taff have awards as well, they earned by singing. Their wonderful harmonies are what so many love about the past albums.
At this time there are 2 men in "The artists formerly known as the Imperials" that have the awards, Armond Morales and David Will(my father). No one in the current Imperials line up have any awards (Grammys or Doves), except the ones Armond gave them, they did not earn them by singing. Jim Murray and Russ Taff have awards as well, they earned by singing. Their wonderful harmonies are what so many love about the past albums.
At this time there are 2 men in "The artists formerly known as the Imperials" that have the awards, Armond Morales and David Will(my father). No one in the current Imperials line up have any awards (Grammys or Doves), except the ones Armond gave them, they did not earn them by singing. Jim Murray and Russ Taff have awards as well, they earned by singing. Their wonderful harmonies are what so many love about the past albums.
Stop fighting..these are the 'Classic Imperials'..there's just one real quartet named The Imperials and that's the group Armond's son is in today...these old boys are just havin'fun..and they sound incredible...the group i also like is the one with Terry/Sherman and Joe and that young tenor...i'd wish all of the Imps Alumni would lay the hatchet down..and put out a Reunion type of video/dvd...man that one would sell like crazy...Bill Gaither should try to get that on tape...
Classic, Vintage whatever! They are 2 of the orginals at least Jim & Armond ARE some of the REAL Imperials as well as Joe & Terry SECOND 2 NONE & THAT'S THE WAY IT IS!
Actually there has been over 20 different singers in the group. In these two groups, Armond was the only original. I am not saying that they were not part of The Imperials at one time. I am saying that Armond, who owned the group, hired the younger guys, then sold them the group!
Not sure who Impfan1 is, but I think Armond and Dave still has the respect of true Imperials fans. Instead of running him down, we should all applaud him for standing back up and bringing this kind of quality to Gospel Music. We have so few Icons that can truly make a difference. We love you Armond and Dave.
Saw a recent veido, Rick Evans should act his age, sorry he sold out
TimMacik 2 months ago
I recogniz Jim, David & Armond...is that Paul SMith?
CadillacL 3 months ago
This group I like to see in concert
johndoe590 6 months ago
"The Imperials" (the group headed by Jason Morales) is no more. The group folded in 2010. "The Classic Imperials" (Paul Smith, David Will, Armond Morales & Rick Evans) are keeping the Imperials music alive.
As the video shows, Imperials alumnus Jim Murray was briefly re-united with Armond & Dave, but had to drop out for undisclosed reasons.
bewarethedecks 10 months ago
tnmusicman---Amen....I'm 50 yrs old, have met your Dad many times over the years after Imperials concerts. Your dad is a class act........
captainscott2 1 year ago
My dad is Jim Murray and I personally take offense that anyone thinks the Classic Imperials made money off a dead rock star. Elvis loved gospel music! PERIOD !! I assure you they never lost their testimony when they have done "secular" dates.
tnmusicman1 1 year ago
Is that Jimmy Murray with them ? WOW !! Very nice . I just saw them in Youngstown , Oh . on Thurs. 6.17.10 and though they didn't sing this song , they did " Eagle Song " and the harmonies were FABS !! Tim , 6.22.10
musicman5709 1 year ago
@musicman5709 where did you see them at, I didn't know that they had any concrete tour dates yet. That's cool.
amadeus1756 1 year ago
wish they didnt sell there name.
johndoe590 1 year ago
Selling it for a dollar including the rights to the CMA's and Grammy awards...one should still be able to use the name in some way don't you think.
wayfarer123 2 years ago
Ugg. How does this get so messed up. Yu folks should really check your facts before you start throwing rocks at the legends.
those you are defending have been put out of business by Little Anthony and the Imperials. They never had permission from the rightful owners to use the name. And then (surprise to everyone) the young guys went after Little Anthony in court and lost their Trademark. Armond tried to help and warn them. Their answer was the ridiculous lawsuit.
singntune 2 years ago
Comment removed
darkenedpoet 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@singntune singntune Wow wayyyy off. Little Anthony and the Imperials has nothing whatsoever to do with the ongoing dispute between Armond Morales and his son Jason Morales over the ownership of the trademark,,Perhaps YOU should get your facts straight first! BTW This particular group was founded a s a gospel quartet by Jake Hess back in the Sixties
darkenedpoet 2 years ago
Selling the group and using the name again? That is unethical. Period. Christians: Come on guys... You can't do this in the business world. Can you say lawsuit?
jonlawnman 2 years ago
Hey Jon
Maybe you should rethink your position. These guys were victims not perpetrators. The Imperials are an historic group. You should certainly get your facts straight before you criticize.
singntune 2 years ago
@jonlawnman As it happens there's enough confusion here between father and son...it'll take years to unscramble
darkenedpoet 2 years ago
I recognize Jim Murray, David Will & Armond but, the other guy, I don't think, is Paul Smith.
CadillacL 2 years ago
I think you all need to watch my video response. There is a LOT of misinformation about the newer members. They are truly great christian men and not deserving of the derision they're getting here.
jmparker78 3 years ago
Oh and, a request: I'd love to have you do "I Still Love You Lord (Old Fashioned Way)"
loveclassicCCM 3 years ago
A favorite of mine - thank you!
I'll sound in saying that I think the name should change with each new generation. I've bought at least 1 cd in a rush not paying attention only to find it isn't what i wanted. I want the classic - original stuff because it holds so many dear memories for me. The Imeprials' music got me through those awkward years...and I really appreciate that. From the Lord and them.
Now hush up about this controversy and SING! ;-)
loveclassicCCM 3 years ago
To all the Classic Imperial friends. We would like to thank the many who have written for all the wonderful support. It is now time to move the group forward without the negative feedback. The best way to do that is for all to stop bogging about MOSH (the young guys).
The Classic Imperials are looking forward to continuing in the call God has set for the group. So, let's talk about the good things.
lifebeyondtherain 3 years ago
Life---I agree. It's so easy to get caught up in they said, they said--I am as guilty of it as anyone. Now it's time to pray for The Imperials and The Classic Imperials and support ALL of them in their Godly ministries.I suspect the future is going to be bright for both groups!!!
JohnHansard 3 years ago
This debate is funny. Jim doesn't sing with Armond anymore. Armond has the Classic Imperials. The young guys own nothing. Armond sold them something he didn't own. The lawsuit was ridiculous and having a son sue a father is totally unscriptural. Sad! The young guys are pretty average. Won no awards, yet claim them all. That's dishonest and unethical especially since they lost the lawsuit claiming their ownership of the name, which is legally now and never was theirs.
sgfan1212 3 years ago
The MOSH-inspired Imperials will never get to the point of what Armond, David, Jim, Russ and later Paul Smith achieved. Anybody who feels that The Imperials 2008 can hold a candle to the Classic Imperials is pretty messed up; they aren't even close. It's terrible that Jason is still part of the band since the band is suing Armond, I lost my father many years ago and I know that I would feel extremely terrible if I had put him through what Jason is putting Armond through.
amadeus1756 4 years ago
You obviously have not read the lawsuit amadeus--the current Imperials have the legal rights here. There has always been new members of this group and the older guys and fans supported them. What is different this time? Nothing! The current group are just as talented as the old guys were when they were young--if not more!!! We are talking about a ministry called The Imperials here--not just some group--remember God is in this thing!!!There is and should be only on group The Imperials-MOSH group!
JohnHansard 3 years ago
Nobody is disputing their legal rights BUT I think the new Imperials got it on a silver platter because without the name, talented as they are, they would not be getting the same recognition as they are now without the name. They would be just another very talented SoGo or pop quartet that mat or may not be touring with the Gaithers (being facetious). Armond stated that he was impressed by the younger guys and I think he took his 'selling the name for a $1 out of love thing' a little too far.
amadeus1756 3 years ago
No silver platter with them-- There's the name issue and the Imps have been in shambles for years under Armond's leadership. The current group is trying to bring The Imperials back from the dead. Selling is selling, it was his choice for the dollar. Seems they got wonderful potential for that dollar, but alot of headaches as well considering that the group has almost needed a casket for several years. The current Imps are doing a wonderful job and growing so much, saw them last night.
JohnHansard 3 years ago
This is a group of four really professional singers whom I still think of as the Imperials. Even though somebody else may obtained the name [and make mean comments on every "Imp" oriented site on YouTube as a "Fan", in fact their number "1" fan] check out what Armond and also Terry Blackwood have put together on YouTube! Tell me Terry's LIVE version of "Great Gettin' Up Morning" isn't awesome! In a LIVE concert [with no tracks to hide behind] 2 of these groups are still amazing! One isn't...
ViewsonicGirl 4 years ago
i will take these "old" guys over the "young" jerks anyday!
moodyblue77 4 years ago
Does anyone know the exact reason Jim Murray left the Classic Imperials? I've looked around but can't find the reason why.
bewarethedecks 4 years ago
Jim: voice/aging related issues. I bet Joe M's suing. Armond owns all masters/publishing. "The Imperials" was transfered to Jason and the next gen. Jim, Armond, Terry and Sherman were doing Elvis dates and such for a while. They did that Gospel of Elvis CD. So something happened after that. At previous Imps concerts, Armond called Elvis shows as silly. I bet Joe M, Terry & Sherman are cashing in on Elvis & need the name to market themselves.
lowdbrent 3 years ago
This is really funny. Armond did two "Elvis" shows in the past six months. Must not be so silly after all.
rtbwood 2 years ago
Comment removed
JohnHansard 4 years ago
Oh yeah, it is all about cashing in, huh? They are not ripping off the name, they made the name memorable by the work THEY already did. I think some others are the ones trying to cash in.
grniz70 4 years ago
Comment removed
JohnHansard 4 years ago
I imagine every group that tours is following the money. If they didn't, they would be out of business. Money isn't the only reason to sing. Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is the paramount goal. Money helps take care of families these men have as responsibilities.
rtbwood 2 years ago
The group The Imperials with Jason Morales son or Armond is THE IMPERIALS, The Classic Imperials are made up of two FORMER members of the group. --Both have great, Godly ministries. The other group of FORMER MEMBERS --Blackwood etc--are not in any type of ministry--they chase Elvis fans and money. Yes, they all must make money--but ministry is one things and entertaining is another.
JohnHansard 2 years ago
And yes, I have had a change of heart about the Classic Imperials thanks to Rick Evans.
JohnHansard 2 years ago
I think it's interesting that you know everyone's heart and their motives. With that kind of "insight", why aren't you more famous?
sgfan1212 2 years ago
Yes, it is my opinion, but also common sence --take a look at how the Blackwood bunch run their group. Lots of ethically issues there--in my opinion.
JohnHansard 2 years ago
What do you mean, how the Blackwood bunch run their group? What "ethically" issue are you talking about. They sing "Sweet Spirit" and "He Touched Me" to a secular audience. I find that very commendable. Do you think Jesus would be teaching and preaching to the scribes and pharisees or to the publicans and sinners?
sgfan1212 2 years ago
Ethically they should not be using the name The Imperials--in my opinion. They are NOT The Imperials--they are FORMER Imperials. And singing a Christian song does not mean they have ministry, it means they sing a Christian song--that is it. They are after money of fans of a dead rock star--in my opinion!
JohnHansard 2 years ago
When you look at schedules now, all the Imperials may be "former" before long. And singing a Christian song in a church for an offering or a flat rate is like preaching to the choir. Are they after the money that church is going to give them? Would they sing if no offering were taken? That is no difference than singing a Christian song to a secular audience. In fact, I imagine more good is accomplished by sharing the gospel with those who don't attend church.
sgfan1212 2 years ago
You are correct, it looks like the media war over the name has hurt The Imperials and The Classic Imperials. That was bound to happen. Nothing God can't change Not going to hurt the Blackwood bunch because there are always Elvis fans to con. Sorry, but the other two groups have ministries--the Blackwood group entertains and makes money off of a dead rock star. Period.
JohnHansard 2 years ago
I'm curious why you think the Imperials are "conning" Elvis fans. They know who they are. They know who they are. They want to hear them sing their gospel songs. Yes, Elvis is dead. His millions of fans are very much alive. They want to see the TCB Band, the Sweet Inspirations, and the Imperials. What is ministry to you? This seems to be the crux of your problem. Singing in church does not a ministry make. Ministry occurs anywhere someone is used by God to touch another person.
sgfan1212 2 years ago
More like wishing they could cash in. All that I know is there are 2 members in each of the 2 groups [the ones regularly being attacked] whom own Multiple Dove awards and have been inducted into the Gospel Hall Of Fame as [dare I say the name...] Imperials.
ViewsonicGirl 4 years ago
At this time there are 2 men in "The artists formerly known as the Imperials" that have the awards, Armond Morales and David Will(my father). No one in the current Imperials line up have any awards (Grammys or Doves), except the ones Armond gave them, they did not earn them by singing. Jim Murray and Russ Taff have awards as well, they earned by singing. Their wonderful harmonies are what so many love about the past albums.
grniz70 4 years ago
At this time there are 2 men in "The artists formerly known as the Imperials" that have the awards, Armond Morales and David Will(my father). No one in the current Imperials line up have any awards (Grammys or Doves), except the ones Armond gave them, they did not earn them by singing. Jim Murray and Russ Taff have awards as well, they earned by singing. Their wonderful harmonies are what so many love about the past albums.
grniz70 4 years ago
At this time there are 2 men in "The artists formerly known as the Imperials" that have the awards, Armond Morales and David Will(my father). No one in the current Imperials line up have any awards (Grammys or Doves), except the ones Armond gave them, they did not earn them by singing. Jim Murray and Russ Taff have awards as well, they earned by singing. Their wonderful harmonies are what so many love about the past albums.
grniz70 4 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
At this time there are 2 men in "The artists formerly known as the Imperials" that have the awards, Armond Morales and David Will(my father). No one in the current Imperials line up have any awards (Grammys or Doves), except the ones Armond gave them, they did not earn them by singing. Jim Murray and Russ Taff have awards as well, they earned by singing. Their wonderful harmonies are what so many love about the past albums.
grniz70 4 years ago
Stop fighting..these are the 'Classic Imperials'..there's just one real quartet named The Imperials and that's the group Armond's son is in today...these old boys are just havin'fun..and they sound incredible...the group i also like is the one with Terry/Sherman and Joe and that young tenor...i'd wish all of the Imps Alumni would lay the hatchet down..and put out a Reunion type of video/dvd...man that one would sell like crazy...Bill Gaither should try to get that on tape...
Ekua
ekua1966 4 years ago 2
i always love seeing armond and jim..they are phenomenal.
moodyblue77 4 years ago 2
Not cool that Armond sold the group then started using the name again.
impfan1 4 years ago
Classic, Vintage whatever! They are 2 of the orginals at least Jim & Armond ARE some of the REAL Imperials as well as Joe & Terry SECOND 2 NONE & THAT'S THE WAY IT IS!
SweetSweetSpirit 4 years ago
Actually there has been over 20 different singers in the group. In these two groups, Armond was the only original. I am not saying that they were not part of The Imperials at one time. I am saying that Armond, who owned the group, hired the younger guys, then sold them the group!
impfan1 4 years ago
Is there a receipt for this transaction? Legal documents? Jake is rolling over in his grave about now!
SweetSweetSpirit 4 years ago
Yes. There is a legal document that Armond signed. The group has been bought and sold several times in its history. This is not the first time.
impfan1 4 years ago
Not sure who Impfan1 is, but I think Armond and Dave still has the respect of true Imperials fans. Instead of running him down, we should all applaud him for standing back up and bringing this kind of quality to Gospel Music. We have so few Icons that can truly make a difference. We love you Armond and Dave.
leartolisten 4 years ago 3
I agreed. Jim, Arnold, are originals. simply stated, they are the best.
chowman007 4 years ago
Quality of the video isn't the best but you can still appreciate the tenor of Jim Murray...."Sail On", one of my favorites!
Godfather1956 4 years ago