January 14 - The Imperials: Years of Impact 1968-1971

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 new book is described as: “Gospel music underwent great changes in the late 1960s with numerous influences from the secular music field becoming prominent in both studio recordings and live performances. Southern Gospel Music was changing from the standard four-part harmony with simple piano accompaniment to sophisticated arrangements and recordings. 

“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.

Jailhouse Rock Vinyl

The Wagram / Music Legends budget label re-issuedtheir 'Jailhouse Rock' LP.

Description: In the "Music Legends" LP series one name is indispensable: the King. The American singer, musician, and actor Elvis Presley is considered the most successful solo artist worldwide, with over a billion records sold across Rock, Pop, Country, Gospel and Blues. 

Presley reached number one on the American Billboard charts with 15 albums and 16 EPs. He is the only musician in U.S. chart history to have number-one hits on Billboard's Pop (18), Country (11), Rhythm and Blues (6) and Adult Contemporary (7) charts. To this day, he tops the list of the 500 most successful artists since 1955. 

By 1978, Presley had been nominated for a Grammy Award 14 times, winning three for his gospel interpretations. Besides Michael Jackson, Presley is the only artist to be inducted into five Halls of Fame: Rock and Roll, Rockabilly, Country, Blues, and Gospel. Furthermore, six of his song interpretations were recognized as historically significant and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Between 1956 and 1969, Presley also appeared in 31 feature films.

(Source: Nigel Patterson)