When The Imperials hit the music scene more than four decades ago, they had a sound that immediately changed the entire Gospel music world. As the times changed, so did the group’s personnel, musical direction, and performance style. But the vision that Armond Morales and Jake Hess held to back in 1964 remained the thread that continually kept The Imperials at the forefront of Gospel music. Over the course of their 40 album releases, The Imperials launched the careers of 18 different singers, to say nothing of the countless other performers who toured with them all over the world. Though their endless string of radio hits — including 14 number one singles — span almost every musical style, it’s The Imperials’ original, traditional Gospel style that they are best known for today.

Since they returned to their roots over their last few releases, Gospel music’s first international super-group have reignited the passion and admiration that they enjoyed when they first started recording. You don’t have to be a fan of Gospel music to recognize and remember many of The Imperials’ biggest hits. But for the millions who have followed them over the decades, the songs featured on their Gospel Legacy Series defines not just The Imperials’ best songs — but the best, most memorable, and most loved moments in Gospel music history.