The rich history of The Imperials is found in their members, Armond Morales, Paul Smith, and Dave Will, who pioneered for decades in the Christian Music Industry. Armond, Paul, and Dave, were too busy to get caught up in the accolades, and are only now aware of the historical value the achievements hold.

Joined by Rick Evans (lead/tenor and general manager) whose resume includes some of the nation’s most recognized Christian platforms (Dennis Agajanian Band, Greg Laurie and The Harvest Crusades, Billy Graham Organization, Promise Keepers, and Franklin Graham Festivals) unites with these patriarchs as The Classic Imperials. We can only expect a continued track of excellence as they launch this group to reach the next generation.

The Classic Imperials are proud of the history of their members. Their combined achievements of this group are still unprecedented in Christian Music. The following list contains a few of the landmarks they will be remembered for:

• Nominated 13 times for Grammy Awards – Won 4 times

• Nominated 58 times for Dove Awards – Won 17 times

• 1969 first year of Dove Awards and won for male group of the year

• 1981 first Dove for Artist of the Year

• 1998 inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame

• First group to have #1 song (Oh Buddha) on all three charts for 12 weeks (Contemporary – Inspirational – Southern Gospel)

• 32  number-one songs in Christian Music

• Number-one song in four consecutive decades (1960, 1970, 1980, 1990)

• Performed with: Jimmy Dean, Elvis Presley, Carol Channing, and Pat Boone

• Movie with Elvis called “That’s The Way It Was”

• National television appearances: Grammy Awards (the first Christian group to appear) 700 club, Trinity Broadcasting Network, Praise The Lord, 100 Huntley Street, 20/20, The Mike Douglas Show, The Merv Griffith Show, The Joey Bishop Show, CNN – Take Two, Acts TV Network, the Magnificent Gospel Music Machine, TNN Nashville Network

• Traveled to 21 countries: Canada, England, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, East Germany, France, Israel, Holland, Faeroe Island, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti, Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.