Elvis Presley’s Graceland is excited to announce that the next inductees to the Graceland Legends program will be Elvis’ Imperials.
The Imperials were formed by gospel music legend Jake Hess. They worked with Elvis in the recording studio from 1966 to 1971; and from 1969 to 1971, they were his male backing vocal group on stage, including for opening night in Las Vegas in 1969.
Members of Elvis’ Imperials who sang with Elvis in the studio or on stage include Terry Blackwood, Greg Gordon, Armond Morales, Joe Moscheo, Jim Murray, Roger Wiles, Jake Hess, Sherrill Neilson, Gary McSpadden, and Henry Slaughter.
Graceland Legends is designed to honor and recognize the musicians and musical groups who were an integral part of Elvis Presley’s legendary career. In addition to being recognized in a ceremony at Graceland, the honorees will also be added to the Graceland Legends exhibit at Graceland.
Past Graceland Legends inductees include James Burton, Ronnie Tutt, Glen Hardin, Jerry Scheff, Scotty Moore, Bill Black, DJ Fontana, David Briggs, Norbert Putnam, Charlie McCoy, The Jordanaires, and the Sweet Inspirations.
The induction ceremony and recognition will occur at Elvis Week 2025 during Conversations on Elvis on Friday, August 15, with a special appearance by Terry Blackwood, Jim Murray, Roger Wiles, and Greg Gordon.
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