This new 131-page book is available in softcover and Kindle editions. Not surprisingly, as one of Elvis’ backing groups, the cover image features The Imperials with Elvis, while the back cover includes 12 album covers, five of which are Elvis releases.
The author, Dave Taylor, is a retired journalist and full-time author. His new book is a follow up to his 2025 release the 168-page “Jewels in the Crown: Jake Hess and The Imperials 1963-1967”, also with some Elvis content.
“The Imperials, while continuing to present songs with a clear gospel message, began to introduce vocal arrangements akin to those of numerous secular vocal groups who were at the time topping the popular charts. This era included the rise of praise music, the advent of contemporary Christian music, the California-based Jesus music, and even the start of what would be called Christian rock. Their progressive approach to new musical directions led to backup vocal work with Elvis Presley, Jimmy Dean and Pat Boone.
“While on the cutting edge of the latest developments in musical styles and recording technology, The Imperials continued to present the Message in the most musically proficient, professional and spiritually-uplifting manner befitting the royalty and majesty of their name while representing the King of Kings. Inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 1998, the members of this outstanding vocal group during the years 1968 through 1970 were Armond Morales, Jim Murray, Joe Moscheo II, Terry Blackwood and Roger Wiles. Country singer Larry Gatlin briefly replaced Wiles in 1971 before being succeeded by Greg Gordon, formerly of the Chuck Wagon Gang.”
The book is available from >>> Amazon.
(Source: Nigel Patterson)