Our History
Jake Hess
Hess' career started at the age of 16, when he joined the popular John Daniel Quartet in 1943, making his recorded debut on "Just a Prayer Away". (He had previously sung with Louie Auten and the Tennessee Valley Boys.)After that, he sang with three of his brothers in the Hess Brothers Quartet. He also sang with the Sunny South Quartet and their rival, the Melody Masters Quartet. In the latter part of his life, Hess sang with The Old Friends Quartet which was featured on the Bill Gaither Homecoming videos.
Upon leaving the Statesmen Quartet at the end of 1963, Hess formed his "dream" group, the Imperials. Although they were not immediately accepted by his peers because of their innovative use of electric guitars and drums, they went on to become pioneers in Contemporary Christian Music, and would eventually be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. They backed Elvis Presley from 1966 to 1971. Elvis has been quoted as noting Hess as his favorite singer. Hess left the Imperials in 1967 due to health problems.
Russ Taff
Hailed by Billboard magazine as “the single most electrifying voice in Christian music,” Russ Taff has garnered six GRAMMY® Awards, 16 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, and was Inducted into the Gospel Music Association (GMA) Hall of Fame an unprecedented three times— as a soloist, and as a member of The Imperials as well as the Gaither Vocal Band. Award-winning albums include Medals, Russ Taff, and Under Their Influence featuring the classic singles “We Will Stand,” “I Cry,” “Not Gonna Bow” and “Farther On.”. Taff’s lyrics, co-written with his wife Tori, authentically chronicle his deeply personal spiritual path. The 2018 documentary “Russ Taff: I Still Believe” saw a nationwide release in over 700 theaters and chronicled his journey growing up in an abusive household, creative success, and finally his victory over alcoholism. Russ’s career has spanned over four decades and touched millions of lives.
Larry Gatlin
Larry Wayne Gatlin is an American country and Southern gospel singer-songwriter. As part of the Gatlin Brothers trio that included his younger brothers, Steve and Rudy, he achieved considerable success within the country music genre, performing on 33 top 40 country singles, a total inclusive of his recordings as a solo artist and with the group.
David Will
David O. Will died at age 78 on March 4 in Hendersonville. He was best known as a 23-year veteran of The Imperials. During his tenure with the group, it won three Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
While Will was in The Imperials, they were nominated for Grammy Awards 11 times and won for their recordings Sail On (1977), Heed the Call(1979), and Priority (1981).
Jonathan Pierce Hildreth
Jonathan Pierce Hildreth, known professionally as Jonathan Pierce was an American CCM, a gospel singer from Odessa, Texas, and an interior designer in Nashville. Pierce used his first and middle name while omitting his last name for career purposes. Pierce released several albums on Curb Records. In 1999, he was nominated for five Gospel Music Association's Dove Awards for Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year for "I Believe In Christ", Inspirational Song of the Year for "Farther Than Your Grace Can Reach", and Male Vocalist of the Year. His 2000 release, Sanctuary, hit No. 35 on the Billboard Top Contemporary Christian Albums chart.
Jimmie Lee Sloas
Jimmie Lee Sloas, born in Ashland, Kentucky, grew up in Fairborn, Ohio, and Isonville, Kentucky. His father, Dave, was a member of the popular bluegrass group, The Sloas Brothers. His older brother, David, served as Tammy Wynette's lead guitarist from the early 1980s until her death.
Sherrill Nielsen
ATLANTA (AP) — Sherrill "Shaun" Nielsen, a gospel singer who performed with Elvis Presley, has died at age 68.
Nielsen's publicist, Aaron Crisler, says Nielsen died Friday of lung cancer.
Nielsen sang with Elvis on the Grammy-nominated song "Softly as I Leave You" and performed with a number of gospel groups over his career including the Singing Speer Family and Voice.
Nielsen is survived by his wife Brenda Hall Nielsen. His funeral is scheduled for Thursday in Cullman, Ala.
Sherman Andrus
Sherman Andrus is an American gospel singer, who is probably best known as the man who broke the "color barrier" by becoming the first African-American lead singer of a mainstream Christian music group (The Imperials). He has been a very prolific artist who has been involved in one way or another with forty gospel albums to date
Gary McSpadden
Gary McSpadden was an American pastor, singer, songwriter, record producer, television host, and motivational speaker. He had musical roots in quartet music and Southern gospel with The Statesmen, the Oak Ridge Boys, the Imperials, the Bill Gaither Trio, and The Gaither Vocal Band. McSpadden's songs include "Jesus Lord To Me", "Hallelujah Praise The Lamb", and "No Other Name But Jesus". He has produced albums for numerous groups. In 1987, he co-hosted PTL Today after Jim Bakker resigned. McSpadden went on to produce television programs, including the "Jubilee" concert series filmed at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. He also produced and starred in several live music shows in the Branson area during the 1990s and 2000s.
Armond Morales
Armond Morales is an original member of The Imperials / Classic Imperials and was at the helm of management for 40 years. His smooth rich tone helped define the group's sound throughout its long history. Armond's tenure includes travel to 21 countries, 42 recorded projects, 17 Dove Awards, and 4 Grammy Awards. Armond passed away on December 5th, 2022.
Henry Slauhter
Henry Thaxton Slaughter was an American Southern gospel pianist and singer-songwriter. He won five Dove Awards and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Since the 1940s, he worked with such memorable groups as the Stamps-Ozark Quartet, The Weatherford Quartet (1958–61), The Imperials (1964–66), and since the 1970s as Henry and Hazel Slaughter, including numerous appearances with Bill Gaither, the Gaither Praise Gatherings, and the Gaither Homecoming series. Slaughter died from complications of COVID-19 on November 13, 2020, at the age of 93.
Brian Comeaux
Brian's journey with The Imperials spans many years, where he has lent his dynamic voice to inspire and uplift countless individuals through music. Now serving as the lead pastor of Kennedy Road Tabernacle alongside his wife Kim, he continues to harness that same passion for ministry. With over 30 years of experience in the faith community, Brian's heart beats for the mission of reaching the city and beyond with the incredible love of Christ. His dedication to spreading this message not only shapes his pastoral approach but also resonates deeply within the hearts of those he serves. Together with Kim, they foster a welcoming environment at their church, encouraging others to experience the transformative power of faith. Brian embodies the spirit of outreach and care that is central to their mission, inspiring a generational impact on their community.
Jim Murray
As the second Tenor for The Imperials there is little doubt there are many people in Gospel music who will not recognize the name Jim Murray. Jim Murray was an instant standout in his field and certainly defined the sound of the Imperials for many decades.
Jim was born in March of 1944. His hometown is Lansing, Michigan and he now resides in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, where he is the Minister of Music and Senior Adults. Jim says he first started to singing with a little children’s choir in Lansing, Michigan at about five years old. His first solo singing engagement was for his Sunday School program when he was about six or seven years old. The rest is Christian music history.
Bill Morris
Through the years The Imperials have gone through transitions and Bill has been available on a few occasions to help fill the void. The Imperials are grateful for his friendship and for sharing his incredible gift with us and those who love and support our music.
Some of Bill’s talents (along with his wife Rene) are writing, composing, directing, producing, and recording. Some of the highlights in their career include performing and directing shows on CBS, NBC, PBS, and TBN networks. National Austin City Limits PBS specials, musical dramas on TBN’s Praise The Lord and Breakthrough Explosion Revival, showcase their contagious, soulful “R & B” style.
Joe Moscheo
Joe Moscheo's career with The Imperials began in 1964 as a singer, keyboard player, and arranger. The group first worked with Presley in the recording studio on several sessions in the mid-'60s. In 1969, Presley invited them to be his backup vocal group at his residency in Las Vegas. That gig lasted until 1971, and their association with "The King" forever changed Mr. Moscheo and his bandmates' careers. Joe passed away at the age of 78.
Terry Blackwood
Terry Blackwood is a contemporary Christian musician who is best known as a singer for the Christian pop act The Imperials. He was with the group for nearly a decade, joining in 1967 and remaining with them through 1976. At that time, he left the group along with fellow Imperial Sherman Andrus to form Andrus, Blackwood, and Company, one of the only racially integrated groups in contemporary Christian music. They recorded 6 albums together between 1977 and 1986.
Roger Wiles
Rev. Roger Wiles joined The Imperials at age 20 and moved from Calfornia to Nashville in the 1960s. When the group was not on the road, they worked as union backup singers in recording studios and concerts for top country acts.
Barry Weeks
Barry Weeks, is a record producer, songwriter, and mixer. As a producer and songwriter, he has garnered multiple Grammy and Dove award nominations, multiple BMI awards, several #1s, and multiple top 10 songs. Barry's songs have been licensed for use on ESPN, NBC, CBS, and many other networks.
Phil Enloe
The first seven years of Phil's musical career were spent as a member of several top-name gospel groups: The Ron Blackwood Singers, The Jr. Blackwood Brothers, a short time with The Imperials, and 23 years with The Couriers. In 1970, Phil began concerts as a soloist and earned a well-recognized name throughout the church world. Together, Phil and Jan are a unique combination of Exciting Music, Audience Participation, and Powerful Words. They sing many styles of songs, enjoyed by all ages and musical backgrounds. PHIL has recorded 14 solo albums, while he and Jan have recorded 7 albums together. Phil has 60 published songs to his credit and is an imaginative author of, "DON'T QUIT, NOW!", sold over 30,000 copies.
Jeremie Hudson
Jeremie Hudson was born to Harold and Sandy Hudson in 1973. He grew up in Cullman, Alabama where he started singing when he was 8 years old. His father, who sang baritone for The Churchmen, was practicing one day and Jeremie just started singing alto with him. “I realized that day there was something special about singing for God”, says Jeremie, who continued singing in church as well as competing in talent showcases. He later won the regional Church of God Teen Talent Contest for the state of Alabama.
Jason Hallcox
Jason Hallcox was a talented singer who performed with the renowned musical group, The Imperials, from 1999 to 2001. During his tenure with the band, he captivated audiences with his powerful vocals and stage presence, contributing to the group's enduring success and popularity.
Jason Morales
Jason Morales is an American singer and the son of one of the original members, Armond Morales, who unfortunately passed away in 2022. Armond Morales was a renowned figure in the music industry, and his legacy continues to inspire his son, Jason, who has followed in his footsteps.