Imperial Cs’ Phil-La of Soul 307, released in November 1967, has become one of the most sought after records on the label -- or from Philadelphia for that matter. Starting out as The Imperial Challengers, this North Philly group consisted of four men and two women, including Evelyn Ross, the songwriter of the Emanons’ "One Heart" and member of the group Unit who released an LP on Toxan in 1980. Their only record, "Someone Tell Her"/“I'll Live On" was produced by their manager Earl Marable.
The Imperial Cs signed with Phil-LA of Soul Records on April 28, 1967 as the Imperial Challengers, consisted of Evelyn Ross, Rosalee Peeler, Harold R. LaBell, William Sessions and Freddie Jordan. Their producer and manager was Earl Marable. "I'll Live On" was the original A side and "Someone Tell Her" was the B side, though Northern Soul fans later chose to reverse those choices. The songs were recorded twice. The first, with piano, was only an archival song originally and was added as a bonus track to the Jamie CD, The Northern Side of Philly Soul. The single came from their October 10, 1967 session, which also included four gospel songs. The sessions were held at 919 Studios, at 919 North Road Street in Philadelphia. The grouyp left the label on February 7, 1968.
