According to their Facebook page, Robbie Hiner has left the Classic Imperials (or whatever they go by now) and has been replaced by former Imperials member, Paul Smith. Smith may be the single greatest vocalist that the Imperials ever had, with power and range like no one else. He frequently sang above Jim Murray when he was in the group previously, even though he was the lead singer. Smith has been serving as Minister of Music at a Baptist church in Texas. That now makes three of the 4 vocalists in this group the same as the group that I grew up with. I’m intrigued to hear what Smith, Dave Will, and Armond Morales sound like together 25 years later.
Classic Imperials Update
July 8, 2009 by burkesbrainwork
I wonder if Robbie will join Nick Bruno at Homeland….???
[...] Church worship leader Robbie Hiner sang tenor for the group. He recently left; yesterday (hat tip, Wes), the Classic Imperials announced that former Imperials member Paul Smith would be rejoining the [...]
Apparently the record company that Robbie helped start has gone under because the website is no longer up.
Yes PS was on “The Imperils sing the classics “album featuring “We shall behold Him”.Marvelous stuff.
I agree Phillip, the classics album was one of the best with this lineup. I wish iTunes would put it on their site.
So, does anyone know where Robbie Hiner went? My husband & I used to be friends with him in 2000. (When he was at TRBC) We have not heard anything about him & where he is now. I would love to get back in contact with him.
For Lynn,
He went to The Pointe Church as Minister of Music
http://www.thepointechurch.net/home
Here he is in action