RICK EVANS, INC.
VENICE, FLORIDA

Our Mission Mission Statement The mission of The Classic Imperials is to reach a 21st Century generation with a life-changing message of hope. The Classic Imperials will live purposely to accomplish our “Mission Statement” of hope for the generation, which is anchored in our combined Faith in God and His Son Jesus Christ. Jake Hess formed a unique group in a couple of respects. Firstly, they had a "Morals Clause" that meant all the members had to live what they sang. Secondly, they had a large repertoire that enabled them to sing all day without repeating a song. The group signed with Benson Records and as a signing bonus the record company bought their first bus. They were very prolific, with three more albums released in their first year alone. They were "Introducing the Illustrious Imperials”, "Fireside Hymns", and "Blends & Rhythms". In 1965, they released "Talent Times Five", "Slaughter Writes - Imperials Sing", “Happy Sounds Of The Imperials”, “He Was A Preachin’ Man”, and “Slightly Regal”, but by 1966, Sherrill Nielsen had moved on, and a young tenor singer by the name of Jim Murray became a partner in the already popular group. For the next twenty years, Jim Murray would provide the other anchor of the group's trademark sound, and has become what many believed to be the greatest Tenor singer of his time. In early 1976, just shortly after the release of "Just Because", Terry left due to the death of his father, needing to be home with his family. Dave Will (far right below) was hired as the new baritone, beginning a 23-year stint with the group, making him the longest-lasting group member other than Armond himself. Sherman left the group in late 1976 being replaced by Russ Taff (second from right below) becoming the new lead singer. His dynamic, distinctive voice became the voice of the group. At this point the group began to leave their trademark tight harmonies and became less a "quartet" and more of a four-man vocal band. In the twelve year contract with The Benson Company they produced 22 albums. The next twelve years the group signed with Word Records and recorded 13 albums. The stage was now set for this extraordinary combination of singers to take their place in the anthology of The Imperials. Armond and Jim now joined by Dave, and Russ, would embark on a quest that would land them in the center of a growing Christian Music Industry. They broke down all of the musical barriers and helped lead the Contemporary Christian Music industry toward record breaking “record” sales, combined with a strong and enduring concert schedule. This combination has the distinct banner as one of the best Christian groups of all time. No one could predict the impact these four men would have on the Christian Music industry, on churches, and on the Body of Christ. The albums released by this lineup include "Sail On" (1977), "Imperials Live" (1978), "Heed the Call" (1979), "One More Song for You" (1979), “Priority” (1980) and finally, “Christmas With The Imperials” (1980). "Heed the Call", "One More Song for You" and "Priority" each are considered modern classics from the group and contain many of the group's hit singles. In 1981, Russ Taff left to pursue his solo career, and his time with the group produced many of Gospel music’s favorite songs, which are forever locked in the history of this organization. His replacement was Paul Smith (second from right below). Smith provided the group with an opportunity to get back to a four part vocal sound, and, although he had the edge of Taff, the group took a more direct approach to vocal harmony and purposeful ministry. He debuted with the group on the 1982 album "Stand By the Power". These three legends of Gospel music were then joined by Rick Evans, formally with the Dennis Agaianian Band, Billy Graham, Joined by Rick Evans (lead/tenor and general manager) whose resume includes some of the nation’s most recognized Christian platforms (Dennis Agajanian Band, Greg Laurie and The Harvest Crusades, Billy Graham Organization, Promise Keepers, and Franklin Graham Festivals) unites with these patriarchs as Out of retirement, Armond Morales, Paul Smith, and Dave Will reunite as “The Classic Imperials”.  Together with Rick Evans they will once again step back into the national spotlight with their trademark sound that led the Christian Music Industry for more than 4 decades. Rick Evans – Lead/Tenor Rick Evans is no stranger to Music. In full-time ministry since age 22, Rick brings his accomplishments to The Classic Imperials, as both a member of the Dennis Agajanian Band for 13 years, and as a featured team-member of the Franklin Graham Crusade Team. Rick has been around the world in association with some of the largest ministries in modern times, including Harvest Crusades (Greg Laurie), Promise Keepers, and Billy Graham, and adds his experience, and unique sound, to expand the already well established history of The Classic Imperials. 6. Heaven Help Us All,