It's the dawning of a new millennium and one can only imagine what the 21st century will bring. No doubt much uncertainty lies ahead. But one thing is certain - as the New Year begins, a rich tradition and a genuine legacy will continue - thus the formation of Legacy Five.
In early 1999 the Southern Gospel Music world was saddened to learn of the upcoming retirement of the legendary Cathedral Quartet. However, shortly following this announcement came the word that the group's longtime pianist, Roger Bennett and baritone Scott Fowler would soon organize their own quartet, continuing the rich Cathedral legacy with a few new members and a brand new name.
"During 1999, we had bittersweet emotions," stated Roger Bennett amidst the Cathedral's yearlong Farewell Tour. "We are sad that the Cathedrals are no longer going to be traveling, yet excited about what we believe God is going to do."
Quite obviously mixed emotions filled these two talented individuals, who each possess several walls filled with awards, honors and accolades. Yet Roger and Scott soon realized that the time had come for them to begin to put into practice the knowledge they had gleaned from two of Gospel Music's legendary men. "Glen Payne and George Younce taught us so much," Roger explains. "They taught us about performing and connecting with the audience and they taught us the importance of being surrounded by positive influences. Obviously you become whom you associate with. "Having this thought in mind, Roger and Scott began to make decisions regarding their support team."
As continued success is anticipated for these two seasoned veterans, the future also looks very bright for the three newcomers who will help to carry on this legacy. Even though Scott has served as baritone for the Cathedrals for the past decade, with the formation of Legacy Five, Scott moves to the position of lead vocalist. Filling the baritone position is Scott Howard, a resident of Franklin, TN. Serving as the group's tenor is Frank Seamans, while Louisiana native Glenn Dustin completes the quartet, serving as the group's bass vocalist. "We spent several months searching for just the right people," Scott explains. "We wanted to find men who were totally new to the Southern Gospel Music world.
Although each of them have been longtime fans and have actually been singing for quite some time, they have never been a part of a full-time group. We believe God has brought each of these guys to this ministry. They're excited to be here and we're thrilled to have them."
With five men committed to carrying on a rich legacy, quite obviously the new millennium, as uncertain as it may seem to some, looks and sounds extremely exciting. So Southern Gospel Music lovers take comfort, forget those new millennium uncertainties, turn up the stereo and enjoy the music of the new millennium, the new legacy and Legacy Five.