The Imperials

The Imperials are a pioneering American Southern gospel and contemporary Christian music group founded in 1964, originally organized around singer Jake Hess, who brought together members drawn from groups like the Weatherford Quartet, the Oak Ridge Boys, and The Speer Family. Over their long history the group's lineup and sound evolved considerably, gradually shifting from traditional Southern gospel quartet style toward the emerging contemporary Christian music genre.

The Imperials built a close working relationship with major figures in American popular music, serving as studio and backing vocalists, including work associated with Elvis Presley and Jimmy Dean. In 1972 the group made history in gospel music by integrating, adding Sherman Andrus as a member, a milestone for the traditionally all-white Southern gospel scene of the era. From that point they focused primarily on gospel music, releasing songs such as «Sweet, Sweet Spirit», «Praise the Lord», and «I Just Came to Praise the Lord».

Across their career The Imperials earned multiple Grammy Awards and numerous Dove Awards, reflecting their lasting influence on both Southern gospel and the development of contemporary Christian music. Their willingness to evolve stylistically and diversify their lineup, including welcoming their first female member in the early 1990s, made them one of the more forward-looking and enduring groups in the genre's history, and they are honored members of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.