Roger Bennett, member of Legacy Five, passed away this morning after a long battle with leukemia. He was 48 years old.
Pianist and vocalist Roger Bennett joined the Cathedrals in November of 1979. This represented the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for Roger. Southern Gospel Music was truly his desire in life. Over the years Roger received many awards presented by his fans and peers, but the most special and memorable thing for him was the outpouring of love and prayers when he was diagnosed with leukemia in 1995. "My family and I literally depended on God everyday to get us through. And God used our music family to keep us encouraged. Our lives have been touched so much by their love and concern." Roger and his wife Debbie lived in Thompson's Station, TN, with their children Chelsea and Jordan.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
UPDATE: Read Debbie Bennett's message here.
Daywind Press:
Legendary pianist and Daywind Recording artist, Roger Bennett passed away this morning from complications resulting from a long battle with leukemia. At the age of 48, he died peacefully at MD Anderson in Houston, TX.
Roger is well known from his years as the pianist for the Cathedral Quartet. After the Cathedrals’ retirement in 1999, Roger, along with fellow Cathedrals’ member, Scott Fowler, formed a brand new quartet, Legacy Five. “Roger is my best friend, and I will miss him terribly; but I am glad he is finally free from the prison of disease,” stated Scott.
“Roger exemplified true Christianity, true musicianship and true leadership in his time here. We will miss our dear friend, and we look forward to the time when we will all be together again in Eternity,” said Ed Leonard, President of Daywind Music Group.
Norman Holland, Vice President of Daywind Music Group, remembers Roger by saying, “I have never seen a more courageous person than Roger. He was a shining star and true hero. I consider it a privilege to have been associated with him from when I first met him 25 years ago with the Cathedrals and then with Legacy Five. I had the opportunity to go to London with Roger, Debbie and Legacy Five. It was a time when I got to know Roger and Debbie even more, and it was a special time to spend with him that I will always cherish. Roger truly lived up to a higher standard, and always carried himself with great class.”
“I first met Roger 25 years ago when he was with the Cathedrals, and I had began working in the industry as a booking agent. One of the things that I will always treasure is the times when Roger and I would have lunch or breakfast together, and he would always talk about Chelsea and Jordan and what they were accomplishing. Roger was always so proud of his family. He also had a deep respect for the pioneers of the industry and their contributions to Southern Gospel music. Roger is definitely now, in his own words, a Hero of the Faith,” shared Ed Harper of The Harper Agency.
Roger is survived by his wife, Debbie; two children, Chelsea and Jordan; and his father, Doug. No arrangements have been made at this time. Details will be made available as soon as possible.
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 03/17/2007
| 
Category: News & Scoops
Comments: 29
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Very sad day in Gospel Music. I know where Roger is now, but that does not make it easier. We will be praying for his family.
Since I heard this morning I have walked around all day singing the song "Healing" that he wrote. The great physician truly brought healing to his soul. The Cathedrals are now talking reunion tour on the streets of gold. My prayers are with his family.
I got the e-mail from Legacy Five this morning...my heart is truly saddened at the passing of Roger Bennett but I know that he is rejoicing with Glenn & J.D. and George and Rex and Brock and his dear friend Anthony Burger 'round the throne...
Godspeed, Roger.....we love you and miss you.....
Another one of our giants has gone home. He will be greatly missed. Praying for his precious family and his Legacy Five family.
My heart goes out to Debbie & the kids as well as Doug. Even though they were living with this possiblity it doesn't make it any easier. May God strengthen them & comfort them. Praying for the guys in L5, too.
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
What a mixture of emotions!
I thank God that Roger used his talents and abilities to serve the Lord. He brought a lot of joy to southern gospel music fans everywhere. Last September, my wife and I attended the National Quartet Convention for the first time to hear a group perform a song I had written. Even though Roger was weak in body, he was still strong in spirit. Our prayers will be with his family. I know it's hard for them, but we know Roger is in a place where there is no more suffering. Each time a saint of God (like Roger) enters eternity, Heaven becomes an even sweeter place. (Randy & Faith Mobley)
So sad to hear of Roger Bennett's passing. His wife, children and family will be in my prayers.
Amazed in His presence and humbled by His great love!
“God makes everything happen at the right time.” (In His Time) Eccl. 3:11
what a joy to see roger on stage,what a great reunion with glen and george. upoor2
So sad for Debbie and his family and the L5 family. But rejoicing that we know he has completed his journey on this earth and is singing in the presence of Jesus. I have had the pleasure of booking L5 the past 4 years in Palatka Florida and Roger was such a pleasure to know and be around. My families prayers and love are with Debbie, children and L5
What a Homecoming for Roger, and sadness for those of us who are left to miss him and the inspriation he was for all. I am sending my heartfelt prayers to Debbie and the family. I only wish there were more we could do to ease the pain of missing him,but I know that you know where he is and who he is with.Much love in Crhist Esther Chenoweth, Wichita Ks
Roger will be missed and we will never forget his excellence in playing the piano for the Cathedrals he is top of my list especially when he accompanied Glen Payne with, "We shall see Jesus"
My heart goes out to brother Roger's family. I have good news though, folks, we haven't lost a thing as long as we know where it is. Praise the Lord!
My heart goes out to brother Roger's family. The good news: we haven't lost anything as long as we know where it is. Praise the Lord!
The address for Roger will now read Roger@Heaven for Eternity.
When I received an E-Mail from Scott Fowler early this morning,I was both shocked and saddened.Roger was a CLASS ACT!A true gentlemen,
and a very talented song writer and pianist.
He lasted a long time with that awful disease,I hoped he would be cured,But sadly no.It really makes you wonder why God didn't help Roger?
I guess it was his time.I'll bet George,Glen and J.D.Sumner were waiting for him on the other side.
Rest in peace Roger.
Skull
I met Roger in the early 1980's at a Cathedrals concert. Being a piano player myself, I admired him for his talent and his dedication. As a promoter, I admired him for his work in starting L5 and for the group's success. After Anthony Burger's passing there now are two piano benches that will sit empty forever. --Terry Dorsey, President Free Spirit Promotions
I first met Roger during a Cathedrals concert in the early 80s and was impressed with his talent. In the past several years I have been impressed with his work with L5. After Anthony Burgers passing there are now two piano benches that will sit empty forever.
I have always looked up to Roger Bennett and He has left quite a legacy. But, I know where He is. May God help His family and Legacy Five especially through this hard time.
What a gracious and special lady Debbie Bennett has become to us all. She not only stayed faithfully by Roger's side throughout this entire 12 year illness....but was his very faithful helpmate and Christian 'rock'.
Roger was a great quartet man, pianist, family man, and man of God. Heaven has another great piano picker to join Anthony Burger, Brother Hovie, and so many more. In his honor, the Legacy Five should change their name to the Legacy Four.
Chris J. Becker
Cedar Rapids, IA
Our Love and Prayers are with the family. Roger was loved and admired by many. What a talent. Elizabeth
Roger will be greatly missed. We are praying for his family.
Cliff Cerce
The Cerces, PO Box 8525, Springfield, MO 65801
417-863-8440
http://www.thecerces.com
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Roger is the epitome of the biblical promise, " I will complete this good work I have begun in you" Rest in Peace and our prayers for the family.
A sad day on earth but happiness in His father's house. We will miss Roger and his testimony by the songs he penned. But I know tho we are sad, he is so happy now, no more pain, only rejoycing . I pray for his wife and children, I know they will let our Lord comfort them, and pray they know how many people care for and are praying for them.
THIS MAN WAS MY HERO AND MY BRO IN CHRIST I WILL MISS HIM DEARLY BUT NOW HE IS LIVING HIS DREAM OF WHAT HE DID HERE ON EARTH YOU SEE HE READ THE BACK OF THE BOOK AND HE WON. PRAISE THE LORD WE WILL DO THE SAME SOME DAY,OUR TIMES WE HAD PLAYING THE PIANO TOGETHER AND IN KY AT THE QT CONVENTION AND MANY CHRUCHES WE HAD WILL BE MISSED ALSO BUT WE WILL AGAIN PLAY FOR OUR LORD EARL BREWER GREENSBORO NC
Good Evening to all. I work at a Southern Gospel station in Dallas, Texas. I was first blessed by Roger's amazing gifts, while he was travelling with the Cathedrals, in the late 90's. He will truly be missed on this earth. If you would like to hear a 'memorium' of songs dedicated to Roger, you can listen on-line at KKGMAM.com, tonight between 10PM-11PM CDT.
Roger's dream was to be a Southern Gospel pianist, and he fulfilled the work he was here to do. His legacy will continue through the recordings of his playing, his songwriting, his testimony, and the life he lived. I imagine God welcomed him with, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Last Saturday was a sad day but happy that Roger was in the hands of the master. My heartfelt prayers are for Debbie and family in the days and months to come. After things settle down from arrangements,etc. the realization and lonliness will take over, so everyone pray for this precious family. Roger is alive and well and having a blessed reunion with the saints.
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