News & Scoops
Roger Bennett Passes Away
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Written: 03/17/2007 
Author: SGN
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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.
Reader Comments
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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What a mixture of emotions!
I am so thankful that his earthly battle is finished. And my heart is full of prayers and sympathy for the family, all of his family.
But my heart is soaring for I imagine the Great Reunion that is taking place in Heaven at this very moment!!
Roger, thank you for a life of beautiful testimony and faith. -
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)
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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
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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
Tom Strickland
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