MUSIC! Legacy Five--Carrying the Legacy

When Roger Bennett joined the Cathedral Quartet in 1979, little did he know that he would one day become the quintessential piano accompanist in Gospel Music, neither did he know that twenty-seven years later he would be carrying on the great Cathedrals tradition in a group he co-founded, Legacy Five. Bennett became nearly an overnight sensation when he joined the famed Cathedral Quartet, which retired from the road in 1999 after dominating Gospel Music for over 30 years.

Bennett is quick to give credit to his beloved mentors, Glen Payne and George Younce, the now-deceased patriarchs of the Cathedrals. When Payne was lying on his deathbed in 1999 after being diagnosed with terminal liver cancer at the age of 72, Bennett describes his last visit with Payne prior to his death, a conversation in which he told Payne, 'Had it not been for you I would have never been given a chance in this business.'

Upon the Cathedrals' retirement Bennett and another overnight sensation from the group, baritone Scott Fowler, embarked upon a new adventure for which they had spent the previous decade training, being schooled under the able guidance of Payne and Younce. They started a brand new group called 'Legacy Five.'

Immediately the group was a hit with the names of Bennett and Fowler at the helm. Their very first concert was at the famed megachurch in Georgia, Atlanta's First Baptist Church. During the concert the guys were surprised by an unexpected phone call which was piped into the sanctuary for all to hear. It was none other than George Younce, who had called to wish the guys well. Although too sick to attend, Younce wanted to give the guys his moral support.

Younce brought the house down, though, when he told Bennett and Fowler, 'You better do good because if you don't, I'm gonna come down there and kick your butt.'

Many accolades have gone to Legacy Five during their short history. They have won the Male Quartet of the Year award from the fans. Bennett has won more favorite pianist awards than any other keyboard artist in Gospel music. Fowler switched from baritone to lead vocalist with the new group, and he has continued to win awards for his vocal skill. The group is rounded out by Frank Seamans on tenor, Scott Howard on baritone, and Glen Dustin on bass...all award winning vocalists.

Legacy Five has appeared with Bill Gaither on the popular 'Gaither Homecoming Series' and has traveled abroad, taking the Gospel in song to appreciative audiences overseas.

To read more about this exciting group, visit their website at:

www.legacyfive.com