Tuesday, March 18, 2008

The Imperials Nominated for Five SGN Music Awards - Interest

Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame inductees The Imperials recently received word that they have been nominated for five SGN Music Awards. The Imperials were nominated in the categories of Album of the Year (for Back to the Roots), Best Live Performer, Traditional Southern Song of the Year (for “All That Matters to the Lord”) and Progressive Southern Album of the Year (for Back to the Roots). In addition, Imperials lead singer Shannon Smith received a nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year. NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame inductees The Imperials recently received word that they have been nominated for five SGN Music Awards.

The Imperials were nominated in the categories of Album of the Year (for Back to the Roots), Best Live Performer, Traditional Southern Song of the Year (for “All That Matters to the Lord”) and Progressive Southern Album of the Year (for Back to the Roots). In addition, Imperials lead singer Shannon Smith received a nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year.

Shannon Smith said, “We are truly honored to be considered for these awards and appreciate all that SoGospelNews.com is doing to promote artists, their music, and their ministries. Thank you!”

“Anyone who has worked in Gospel music over the last few years can’t deny just how much buzz this group has accumulated,” mentioned Deon Unthank, administrator of SoGospelNews.com. “Their new album, Back to the Roots, was really one of the finest records released last year and proved to everyone that this group wears the title of ‘The Imperials’ exceptionally well.”

The nominees for the SGN Music Awards were chosen by the staff of SoGospelNews.com. Voting for the winners started on February 1, 2008 and will continue through February 15, 2008. Fans interested in voting for their favorites can visit http://www.SoGospelNews.com .

The SGN Music Awards Celebration will take place on Tuesday evening, April 29, 2008 in Smyrna, Tennessee. The event is free to the public, and doors will open at 6:00 p.m. More information on the 2008 SGN Music Awards Celebration will be forthcoming, including hosts, performers, sponsors, etc.

The Imperials were recently featured on Southern Gospel’s most prestigious syndicated radio program – The Gospel Greats with Paul Heil. The Imperials were the Featured Artist on The Gospel Greats in syndication on January 18 & 19, 2008 all over the nation.

Fans are encouraged to be listening for the group’s newest single – “We’ve Got a Great Big Wonderful God.” It is the debut single from their critically acclaimed Back to the Roots recording. The song ranked as the #1 New Release for the February 2008 issue of the Gospel Music News Top 100 and the #3 New Release for the upcoming March 2008 issue of the Singing News Top 80.

Friday, February 08, 2008

The Imperials Nominated for Five SGN Music Awards

Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame inductees The Imperials recently received word that they have been nominated for five SGN Music Awards. The Imperials were nominated in the categories of Album of the Year (for Back to the Roots), Best Live Performer, Traditional Southern Song of the Year (for “All That Matters to the Lord”) and Progressive Southern Album of the Year (for Back to the Roots). In addition, Imperials lead singer Shannon Smith received a nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year. NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame inductees The Imperials recently received word that they have been nominated for five SGN Music Awards.

The Imperials were nominated in the categories of Album of the Year (for Back to the Roots), Best Live Performer, Traditional Southern Song of the Year (for “All That Matters to the Lord”) and Progressive Southern Album of the Year (for Back to the Roots). In addition, Imperials lead singer Shannon Smith received a nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year.

Shannon Smith said, “We are truly honored to be considered for these awards and appreciate all that SoGospelNews.com is doing to promote artists, their music, and their ministries. Thank you!”

“Anyone who has worked in Gospel music over the last few years can’t deny just how much buzz this group has accumulated,” mentioned Deon Unthank, administrator of SoGospelNews.com. “Their new album, Back to the Roots, was really one of the finest records released last year and proved to everyone that this group wears the title of ‘The Imperials’ exceptionally well.”

The nominees for the SGN Music Awards were chosen by the staff of SoGospelNews.com. Voting for the winners started on February 1, 2008 and will continue through February 15, 2008. Fans interested in voting for their favorites can visit http://www.SoGospelNews.com .

The SGN Music Awards Celebration will take place on Tuesday evening, April 29, 2008 in Smyrna, Tennessee. The event is free to the public, and doors will open at 6:00 p.m. More information on the 2008 SGN Music Awards Celebration will be forthcoming, including hosts, performers, sponsors, etc.

The Imperials were recently featured on Southern Gospel’s most prestigious syndicated radio program – The Gospel Greats with Paul Heil. The Imperials were the Featured Artist on The Gospel Greats in syndication on January 18 & 19, 2008 all over the nation.

Fans are encouraged to be listening for the group’s newest single – “We’ve Got a Great Big Wonderful God.” It is the debut single from their critically acclaimed Back to the Roots recording. The song ranked as the #1 New Release for the February 2008 issue of the Gospel Music News Top 100 and the #3 New Release for the upcoming March 2008 issue of the Singing News Top 80.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

The Imperials Featured On The Gospel Greats With Paul Heil

NASHVILLE, Tenn. Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame inductees The Imperials were recently featured on Southern Gospel's most prestigious syndicated radio program The Gospel Greats with Paul Heil.

The Imperials were the Featured Artist on The Gospel Greats this past weekend. The popular syndicated radio program was aired on January 18 & 19, 2008 all over the nation.

Paul met with Jason, Ian, Shannon, and Jeremie of The Imperials to discuss the group's latest recording "Back to the Roots" as well as the inspiration behind the recording. The group also discussed their recent Top 20 hit All That Matters to the Lord.

Jason Morales of The Imperials said, "We are so honored to be on The Gospel Greats. Paul does a great job with his show. We are excited about this new album and were ecstatic that Paul wanted to feature the album on his show."

The Gospel Greats with Paul Heil radio program is the best-known and most widely-respected syndicated Southern Gospel music radio program, presently airing on more than 200 great radio stations across America, in Canada, on XM satellite and on the internet worldwide each week (through affiliates and on-demand).

The Gospel Great with Paul Heil radio program, recorded and distributed digitally to radio stations, is a fast-paced, entertaining, encouraging, and uplifting two hours each week of music and music-related news and features, produced and hosted by America's best-known Southern Gospel radio personality.

For more information on The Gospel Greats with Paul Heil visit http://www.thegospelgreats.com .

The Imperials recently saw their last single become the group's first Top 20 hit from their self-titled album, The Imperials. The song has also become the group's first Top 20 hit in over 10 years. The single, "All That Matters to the Lord", jumped from #27 to #19 for the January 2008 edition of the Singing News Top 80. The song remained in the Top 20 for the upcoming February issue of the chart.

In addition, the song has also reached #6 on the SoGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart and the Top 20 of the SGUSA Weekly Countdown. The song is also charting on the PowerSource Magazine Southern Gospel Top 100 and Gospel Music News Top 100.

Fans are encouraged to be listening for the group's newest single "We've Got a Great Big Wonderful God." It is the debut single from their critically acclaimed Back to the Roots recording.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Nominated For 2008 CMP Award

The Imperials are nominated for a 2008 CMP Fan Award. Everyone can vote online until January 31, 2008.

Sunday, December 30, 2007

The Imperials Renew Contract with SSE Group

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Imperials, one of Gospel music’s most respected and beloved names, has just renewed their contract with SSE Group. The group has signed on for another year of exclusive publicity from Southern Spin Entertainment. The group will continue to have access to all media publications serviced by Southern Spin Entertainment, as well as marketing possibilities with the organization.

The group’s website will also continue to be maintained and updated by SSE Design Group. A new design for the popular quartet is currently in the works.

“The Imperials have successfully re-entered the Gospel music community over the last couple of years,” mentioned Amy Marie Unthank, co-owner of SSE Group. “They are accumulating more and more buzz every day, and we are so excited to continue our work with this fantastic group.”

Jeremie Hudson of The Imperials said, “We have a lot of really exciting things happening within our ministry. We look forward to another year with SSE.”

The Imperials have had an impressive year in 2007. The Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame inductees recently received news that the group’s current single, “All That Matters to the Lord”, has become the group’s first Top 20 single from their self-titled album, The Imperials. The song has also become the group’s first Top 20 hit in over 10 years.

In addition, the group has made many high profile appearances this year, including the American Gospel Music Thanksgiving Concert at Carnegie Hall in New York this past November.

The Imperials just released their latest recording, Back to the Roots. Back to the Roots features 11 newly recorded classic songs that The Imperials made popular through their rich and varied history. Back to the Roots was produced by award-winning producer Michael Sykes (Gaither Vocal Band, Oak Ridge Boys, Gold City).

Friday, November 09, 2007

The Imperials to Perform at Carnegie Hall

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame inductees The Imperials will be performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City, New York this coming Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

The group will perform on Friday, November 23, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. The Imperials are a featured artist in the American Gospel Music Thanksgiving Concert at Carnegie Hall in the Isaac Stern Auditorium.

“This is such an amazing opportunity for us,” mentioned Shannon Smith of The Imperials. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and all of us in the group are anticipating it greatly.”

In addition to The Imperials, the concert will feature performances from award-winning singer/songwriter Babbie Mason and Southern Gospel favorites Triumphant Quartet. There will also be a supporting chorus of 200 voices accompanied by the American Festival Symphony and Chorale conducted by Eric Dale Knapp. Chorale members will come from churches all across the United States, such as First Baptist, Dallas, Texas; First Baptist, Stephensville, Texas; Omega Ministries, Lexington, Kentucky; and others from various parts of Tennessee and Mississippi.

Jason Morales of The Imperials said, “What a great way to usher in the holiday season! The Imperials are very honored to be able to participate in such a great event!”

This American Gospel Music Premier at Carnegie Hall is being presented by Christian Music Presenters from Nashville, Tennessee.

For more information on the concert, visit http://www.christianmusicpresenters.com

Friday, October 12, 2007

The Imperials’ Latest Single Breaks Top 40 - The Imperials Album Named “Album of the Month”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame inductees The Imperials recently received news that the group’s current single has become the group’s first Top 40 single from their self-titled album, The Imperials.

The single, “All That Matters to the Lord”, made an impressive jump from #73 to #38 on the upcoming November 2007 Singing News Top 80 in only its second month of charting.

In addition, the song has also reached #9 on the SoGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart and the Top 20 of the SGUSA Weekly Countdown.

“We have just been astounded by how well this song has done so far,” mentioned Shannon Smith of The Imperials. “It’s a fun little song, and are glad to see that radio is has liked it so much.”

“All That Matters to the Lord” was written by Marty Funderburk and Twila LaBar. The song can be found on the group’s critically acclaimed self-titled album, The Imperials.

The song was shipped to radio on the Lamon Radio Hits #14 compilation disc, cut #1. The song is being promoted to radio by Theresa Smith-Dillard’s TS Promotions as well as by David Harvell for Royal Communications Radio Promotions.

In addition to the success of “All That Matters to the Lord”, The Imperials album was just named the ”Album of the Month” in the October 2007 issue of PowerSource Magazine.

The review stated: “Plenty of artists have searched for the elusive ground where Southern Gospel, Country, and Contemporary Gospel meet, but with what amounts to a debut album, The Imperials have blown all the categories away. The album rocks with youth and style.”

The reviewer also went on to say, “Don’t miss this landmark album, destined to be a collector’s dream.”

The Imperials also features the SGN Music Award nominated “Arise My Love” - which was the group’s first charting single in over 10 years.

The Imperials just released their latest recording, Back to the Roots. Back to the Roots features 11 newly recorded classic songs that The Imperials made popular through their rich and varied history. Back to the Roots was produced by award-winning producer Michael Sykes (Gaither Vocal Band, Oak Ridge Boys, Gold City).

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

The Imperials CD Featured in Powersource Magazine

The Imperials CD was recently featured in Powersource Magazine.

The review stated:

That’s right, The Imperials. The Gospel group that toured with Elvis, turned out dozens of hits over more than three decades, was founded by Jake Hess, and in its various configurations included such luminaries as Larry Gatlin and Russ Taff. Their torch has been passed to a new generation. What’s more, they’re promising a future befitting their past. These four hand-picked young men turn in a bold, statement-making album at the hands of producer Jeffrey Teague. Plenty of artists have searched for the elusive ground where Southern, Country, and Contemporary Gospel meet, but with what amounts to a debut album, The Imperials have blown all the categories away. This album rocks with youth and style. The songs, contributed by a variety of writers, feature one great melody after another, and lyrical content that’s both fresh as this morning, and familiar as grandma’s Bible. The vocals are astounding. The production is captivating. Above all, The Imperials have given us listening experience that simply sounds great. Don’t miss this landmark album, destined to be a collector’s dream.

Monday, August 06, 2007

The Imperials’ Back to the Roots Now Available for Pre-Order

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame inductees The Imperials announced today that the group is now taking pre-orders for their highly anticipated new recording, Back to the Roots.

Back to the Roots will feature 11 newly recorded classic songs that The Imperials made popular through their rich and varied history. Back to the Roots will feature songs from the 1960’s, 1970’s, and 1980’s and range all the way from the Jake Hess years to the Russ Taff era and everything in between.

Back to the Roots will feature production work from award-winning producer Michael Sykes (Gaither Vocal Band, Oak Ridge Boys, Gold City).

The cost of the pre-order is $15.00, plus $5.00 for shipping and handling. The new album is due out by September 10, 2007, in time for the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

Shannon Smith of The Imperials said, “We’re excited to be offering pre-sales and orders for the new album because that means that we are that much closer to having the final product in our hands.”

“The feedback that we have gotten from this album so far is outstanding,” mentioned Ian Owens of the Imperials. We had a lot of fun making this album, and we know our fans are going to love it.”

A track listing for Back to the Roots includes the following: “Your First Day In Heaven”, “No Shortage”, “I Believe”, “We’ve Got a Great Big Wonderful God”, “Be Still My Soul”, “He’s Everything to Me”, “Praise the Lord”, “My Child, Welcome Home”, “More”, “Water Grave”, and “I’m Gonna Be There.”

Fans can pre-order Back to the Roots at The Imperials’ website.

The Imperials’ latest release, simply titled The Imperials, recently became available on both iTunes and Rhapsody. The Imperials was released nationally to Christian retail this past April through Lamon Records.

The group recently released “All That Matters to the Lord” to Southern Gospel radio as the follow-up to “Arise My Love.” The song was shipped to radio on the Lamon Radio Hits #14 compilation disc, cut #1. In addition, the song is also being promoted to radio by Theresa Smith-Dillard’s TS Promotions.

Thursday, July 05, 2007

The Imperials Complete Vocals for New Recording

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame inductees The Imperials recently completed vocals for their upcoming recording.

Tentatively titled Back to the Roots, the new recording will feature 12 classic songs that The Imperials made popular through their rich and varied history.

“We are so excited about this project!” stated Jeremie Hudson. “This is something that fans have requested of us and that we’ve wanted to do for quite a while now.”

Back to the Roots will feature songs from the 1960’s, 1970’s, and 1980’s and range all the way from the Jake Hess years to the Russ Taff era and everything in between.

Shannon Smith said, “One of the unique things about the current configuration of the group is that we’re all huge fans of all The Imperials groups of the past. We love literally all of the music in our history, and we are both humbled and honored to continue in the great tradition of the group.

“One of our great desires with this project is to pay tribute to the great Imperials groups of the past,” mentioned Jason Morales. “We think all of those guys were great, and we realize that we owe a lot to them.”

Back to the Roots will feature production work from award-winning producer Michael Sykes (Gaither Vocal Band, Oak Ridge Boys, Gold City).

Ian Owens said, “We are so pleased to be working with Michael Sykes. He brings with him an undeniable reputation for being associated with excellence. We knew he was the producer that God wanted for this project, and he has been amazing to work with.”

“Jeremie, Shannon, Jason, & Ian are at the top of their game!” mentioned Michael Sykes. “These guys are a breath of fresh air, but then again, the Imperials always are!”

Back to the Roots has a tentative release date of September 2007.

The Imperials’ latest release, simple titled The Imperials, recently became available on both iTunes and Rhapsody. The Imperials was released nationally to Christian retail this past April through Lamon Records.

The group recently released “All That Matters to the Lord” to Southern Gospel radio as the follow-up to “Arise My Love.” The song was shipped to radio on the Lamon Radio Hits #14 compilation disc, cut #1. In addition, the song is also being promoted to radio by Theresa Smith-Dillard’s TS Promotions.