he Imperials Welcome Scott Allen and Perry Jones to Group
Scott and Perry are replacing longstanding members Shannon Smith and Jeremie Hudson as lead and tenor vocalists. Both Shannon and Jeremie resigned from the group to pursue jobs in church ministry.
Shannon Smith said, “While the guys in The Imperials didn't want me to leave, they have been supportive of me following the Lord in this direction, and I'm really grateful to them for that. It's been somewhat of a tough transition emotionally because the four of us have been like brothers over the past several years, and we've really come to love each other. I know that we'll remain friends but we're so used to being together all the time that this will take some getting used to for all of us! They have a great vision for the future and some great things are happening. I'm excited to see where the Lord leads them!”
Shannon has taken a church in Miami, Florida. He and his family have already moved there and are excited about their future there.
Jeremie Hudson has taken a position in a church in Alabama.
“I have loved my time in The Imperials for these nine years! I thank GOD, Armond Morales, all our fans, pastors and all the friends I made. I also want to say a huge thank you, and I'll miss you, to Jason, Ian and Shannon. We went through a lot together. I pray that we will remain close as we go in separate directions,” said Jeremie. “It was always my desire to see people's lives changed. I can only hope and pray that I have lived up to the calling that GOD placed on my life while in The Imperials. God bless you all!”
Scott Allen, the group’s new lead vocalist, has been filling in for Shannon since he announced his resignation last April. Allen spent time on the road with Mercy’s Mark before joining The Imperials.
Perry Jones replaces Jeremie Hudson on the tenor spot. Perry Jones most recently sang with up and coming trio Brothers Forever.
Jason Morales of The Imperials said, “While it is always a sad thing to see members of a group who are like family leave, Ian and I can’t help but have high expectations for the future of The Imperials. We are so excited to see where God is going to take this group as we enter a new chapter in The Imperials’ history.”
More information on the group’s new members will be updated on the The Imperials’ website shortly.
The Imperials’ latest single, “We’ve Got a Great Big Wonderful God”, recently became the group’s latest Top 20 hit. The song is the first Top 20 hit for the group from their latest critically-acclaimed and award-winning release, Back to the Roots. “We’ve Got a Great Big Wonderful God” came in at #16 for the upcoming August 2008 issue of the Singing News Top 80 chart.
Back to the Roots was awarded Album of the Year at the 2008 SGN Music Awards Celebration earlier this year.
Posted by on 08/21/08 at 01:40 PM