The Emperors Story

The Legends of Long Beach, CA

Originally formed in 1962 by Steve Watts and high school friends Mike Elam, Brian Cameron, Luiz Fernandez, Randy Seigers, and Phil Piper, The Emperors (later known as Emperor) have become an iconic piece of Long Beach history. In their early days, the band played local high schools' Teen Canteen programs, teen dances, concerts, roller rinks, and various events across southern California. By 1964, they were the house band for the teen nightclub The Marina Palace, performing original songs alongside popular hits from artists like The Coasters, Stevie Wonder, The Olympics, and The Rivingtons. As popularity grew, The Emperors evolved from a band into a full-fledged entertainment group, even inspiring two prominent fan clubs in the Inland Empire and Long Beach, where fans received membership cards and fun memorabilia.