Thursday, July 31, 2008

Armond Morales and MOSH Group, Inc. agree to settlement of legal dispute

Armond Morales and MOSH Group, Inc. (also known as The Imperials) are pleased to announce that they have agreed to terms that will settle their legal dispute. Mr. Morales has affirmed that he did indeed transfer his rights in and to The Imperials over to MOSH Group, Inc. in March 2005 and MOSH Group has agreed to drop the remainder of its lawsuit.

Shannon Smith, of MOSH Group said, "As is often the case in these situations, there had been much miscommunication over the life of this dispute. Recently Mr. Morales and MOSH made a renewed attempt to cut through the misunderstandings and find a resolution to our disagreement. We definitely have always wanted to find common ground and we were able to do that by humbling ourselves and making another attempt to understand each other. We publicly apologize for the hurt and pain we have caused the Morales' and we apologize to anyone that we've offended or if we've in any way brought reproach to the cause of Christ. We humbly ask for the forgiveness of any and all whom we've offended. We believe that our message to the world is not necessarily that Christians never disagree, never make mistakes or even sin; rather our message is of a God who heals, restores and loves unconditionally. Our prayer is that all of us can concentrate more fully on spreading that message. We love and appreciate Armond and Bonnie Morales and we wish them the best as they follow God's leading on their life. We ask for the prayers of the body of Christ."

Armond Morales said: "I'm extremely thankful that an agreement has been reached to end this lawsuit. It's been a difficult and trying time for Bonnie and myself. I've never wanted the MOSH Group not to succeed so we wish them well as they move forward towards their destiny and what God has for them."

In responding to his father's previously released open letter, Jason Morales said, "I love my parents deeply and I know that the public will understand the desire to resolve our family issues privately. I know that both my parents and I will appreciate your prayers and love."

Monday, July 14, 2008

The Imperials Score Big On Multiple Charts with “We’ve Got a Great Big Wonderful GodR

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame inductees 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” will come in at #16 for the upcoming August 2008 issue of the Singing News Top 80 chart.

Ian Owens of The Imperials said, “We are extremely excited that radio has latched on to this song. We cannot believe how favorable this album has been received. We can’t wait to release new singles from the recording!”

In addition to breaking the Top 20 on the Singing News Top 80, the song is currently #5 on SoGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart, #7 on Gospel Music News Top 100 (peaking at #3 in June), #9 on GospelMusicTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart, and #15 on PowerSource Magazine Southern Gospel Top 100.

“We have to say a huge ‘Thank You’ to all radio programmers out there,” mentioned Jason Morales. “We are so grateful for their support!”

“We’ve Got a Great Big Wonderful God” is the second consecutive Top 20 hit for the group. The Imperials’ last single, “All That Matters to the Lord”, also broke the Top 20 for several months.

Back to the Roots were awarded Album of the Year at the 2008 SGN Music Awards Celebration earlier this year.

For more information on The Imperials, the new recording, and their recent television and media appearances, please visit http://theimperials.com

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

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-Dillards 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 collectors dream."

The Imperials also features the SGN Music Award nominated "Arise My Love" - which was the groups 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.