top of page
The Famous foursome rich history is found in their 60 years in unbroken ministry. Their continuing impact is found in the richness of their members.
 
From the beginning, in 1963, The Imperials have stood for excellence and innovation. Paul Smith, and Ron Hemby, who pioneered innovations in the Christian Music Industry, are joined by Imperials alumnus Rick Evans and newcomer Rod Fletcher to offer both a sound that can only be described as “The Imperials”
 
Their combined achievements of this group are still unprecedented in Christian Music.      
 
  • 4 / GRAMMYS
 
  • 15 - DOVE AWARDS
 
  • INDUCTED Into The Gospel Music Hall Of Fame
 
  • 32 - #1 Songs
 
  • #1 song in four consecutive decades
 
  • Pioneer for C.C.M industry
 
  • Travels to many foreign countries

Trivia

​

The rich history of The Imperials is found in their members who helped pioneer the Christian Music Industry. These iconic members never got caught up in the accolades nor the historical value their achievements hold.

 

Award winning Iconic members, Paul Smith and Ron Hemby, are joined by Imperials G.M. Rick Evans (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 and newcomer Rod Flecther, to continue the unbroken history of America's Christian Music vocal group.

 

We can only expect a continued track of excellence as this group reaches the next generation with the legacy started so many years ago. 

 

The 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, C.T.N., Day Star Christian Televison Network, 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, South Africa, Canada, Ireland, and Scotland.

bottom of page