Browse A-Z by Artist Profile

#A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


	Keyword search Music News		Browse by Genre

Sunday 14th March 2004

Armond Morales leaves The Imperials, Ian Owens joins.

AFTER 40 years with The Imperials, bass singer Armond Morales is retiring. Ian Owens, who previously sang with the Cumberland Quartet, becomes the new bass voice for the group. The Imperials were hugely popular in Southern gospel circles (performing regularly with Elvis Presley) before becoming one of the pioneering acts in CCM in the '70s and '80s. Morales was the only remaining original member of The Imperials. He plans to move to Hawaii and sing, on limited dates, with The Classic Voices, an act that comprises other retired members of The Imperials.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Reader Comments

Posted by Jeff Hardesty in Ontario Califonia @ 08:15 on Nov 28 2009

I have been following you for as far back as the Weatherford Quartet. There isn't a smoother voice I'd rather listen to than yours. One of my favorite songs from the Weatherfords was Rock A My Soul .

[reply] [report abuse]

Posted by Josh Marihugh in Pryor, OK @ 18:28 on Mar 29 2009

My first exposure to the Imperials (that I remember), was the classic _Priority_ album. We played our cassette of that one nearly to death, waking up to the sounds of "The Trumpet of Jesus" (which I now do again). I have always loved Armond Morales' bass voice. Not as deep as Big John Hall, but very listenable and smooth!

[reply] [report abuse]

Posted by Fred Martin in canada @ 23:38 on Mar 16 2008

Is Armond a "Great Grandfather" How is his health,or is that confidential? Will he be featured on a Gaither video?

[reply] [report abuse]

Posted by Judy Kelly in Lucasville OH @ 01:40 on Feb 27 2008

I was a young teenager when I first heard Armond and have been a fan ever since and I am now 60. I am glad to hear he will continue to sing. I will be in Hawaii in 2009 and will definitely try to get info about where he might be singing. Thanks Armond for many years of wonderful singing and memories of seeing you in concert!

[reply] [report abuse]

Posted by Ron Tabor in Kentucky @ 02:33 on Jun 17 2007

I became a fan of the Imperials back in 1972, experiencing a new contemporary sound to Southern Gospel that I had grown up with. The harmonic blend of Armond and tenor Jim Murray was irreplacable forming a foundation to which any lead and baritone could sound exceptional. Don't stop singing Armond and thank you for 40 wonderful years of Christian music.

[reply] [report abuse]

Posted by EDWARD ASHMORE in PENSACOLA, FLORIDA @ 00:14 on Jan 22 2006

UNDOUBTABLY THE SMOOTHEST, MELLOW, AND ENJOYABLE BASS VOICE IN THE HISTORY OF GOSPEL QUARTET MUSIC. HE GAVE US MANY YEARS OF REAL AND WONDERUL BLESSING. GOD BLESS ARMOND.

[reply] [report abuse]

The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

Morales Leaves The Imperials

Armond Morales leaves The Imperials, Ian Owens joins.

Reader Comments

Add your comment

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.