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Legacy Five: “What Kind Of Man” is Scott Fowler?

Legacy Five with Scott Fowler at the helm

Legacy Five Turns 20

At 20 years of age, the teenager becomes a young adult. The brain is still developing, but otherwise, most human beings are physiologically mature by this age. Gospel quartet Legacy Five enters this age of maturity in January 2020 and is fully embracing this by the release of “Pure Love,” a dynamic re-awakening of the powerful Legacy Five sound first heard in their unofficial debut at the National Quartet Convention in September 1999. Scott Fowler, at the helm, is deftly guiding his group into their adulthood, with Josh Townsend, Matt Fouch, and newcomers Lee Black and Bryan Walker.

September 2019 SGNScoops Magazine

Who Fowler is now, is the result of God working in his life, bringing him into contact with Roger Bennett to form Legacy Five, and prior to that, leading him into ministry with the Cathedrals to sing with Bennett, Ernie Haase, and legends Glen Payne and George Younce. It was the Cathedrals that ignited Fowler’s desire to sing. From that time to this, God has been fulfilling Fowler’s dreams in a way even he could not imagine.

“I have been blessed to sing in a lot of amazing places in my 31 years (of professional gospel singing),” says Fowler. “I’ve sung at many of the churches in America that people would say are important to sing at. We have had United States Congressman and Senators in our audience over the course of 20 years. I have personally sung at a Billy Graham Crusade, in Cleveland, Ohio, where 70,000 people were packed in the Cleveland stadium.”

Fowler relates a particularly poignant memory, “Legacy Five saying on the (Ground Zero) Observation Platform, the day it was dedicated in New York City, just weeks after 911. There was still smoke rising from the site and we stood on the Observation Platform (as) it was dedicated by Rudy Giuliani and we sang the national anthem.” 

With all of these remarkable experiences, certain blessings stand out to the owner of Legacy Five.

Scott Fowler

“I had a husband and wife approach me in the lobby and tell me that they had been married for 46 years, and that they had decided to separate and dissolve their marriage,” Fowler recalls. “She and he both informed me that evening, with tears in their eyes, that after being at our concert, they had decided not to do that and were going to get the help that they needed in their marriage. And what I love about the gospel is, whether it is presented in music or any other package, we didn’t sing one song or say one word that night about how God can restore marriages. And yet he somehow was able to convey that message to that couple that night. And the amazing thing is, that he was able to convey a totally different message, concerning a totally different need, to two totally different people the same night. I love hearing those individual stories from people about what God does for them through our music.”

God has worked through Legacy Five many times to change hearts.

“I think about the young lady a few years ago who came to us after the concert, weeping, saying that her life was a mess and that she had decided to take her life this very week,” Fowler recalls. “But after being at our concert and hearing the message, she was given a new sense of hope.”

The Cathedral Quartet (1964-1999) Members(in picture) (1990-1999) Ernie Haase ( Tenor, 1990-1999), Scott Fowler( Baritone, 1990-1999), Glen Payne ( Lead, 1963-1999, d.1999), George Younce ( Bass, 1964-1999, d.2005), and Roger Bennett (Piano,1986- 1999, d. 2007). Courtesy of Justin Gilmore

Reminiscences over the life of Legacy Five would not be complete without talking about the group’s co-founder Roger Bennett, who passed away March 17, 2007.

“I feel like I learned a lot from Roger,” says Fowler. “A couple of things that I learned from him were, how possible it was to have a great attitude in the midst of great distress and difficulty.  Roger endured three bone marrow transplants and countless chemotherapy treatments, and I can probably count on one hand the number of days that I feel like he was living defeated that day. He was extraordinarily resilient and optimistic and positive and happy and joyful. He was always, always, always laughing.”

“He taught me to be honest and transparent with myself and others.  He was a remarkable man. He was my best friend. And I still miss him fiercely,” declares Fowler.

Frank Seamans was the tenor with the quartet when Bennett passed. He shares a great memory from this pivotal moment in the history of Legacy Five.

Frank Seamans

“When we lost Roger Bennett to cancer in 2007, we had no idea how to move forward,” Seamans shares. “We were simply trusting God to help us and he certainly did. The first concert date after Roger’s death was quite a challenge. How do we start? What do we say? What do we sing? How do we address our loss on stage? These were all questions we couldn’t answer, but we prayed before going out and just asked God to lead us. We didn’t have a plan, but we decided to sing three of our standards without saying a word and then see where God takes it from there. As we sang those first three songs, we noticed an adorable and very exuberant couple in their late 80’s, sitting in the first row, clapping and singing along with every word. They were such an encouragement to us with their enthusiasm and sweet disposition. We stopped after those three songs and addressed the gentleman: ‘Thank you so much for your enthusiasm, sir. You are such a blessing to us tonight. How many years have you two been married?’ 

“‘He grinned and answered, ‘We’re not married, we’re on a date.’ The whole place erupted in laughter, and the rest of the concert was so light and fun, we never had to think about any of those questions,” Seamans concludes. “God knew exactly what we needed that night and we believe He placed that little couple on the front row just for us.”

Laughter is something everyone needs and Fowler and his group often deliver that during their performance. Tim Parton learned this during his time as pianist for the quartet.

“Scott Fowler taught me about having fun on stage, and when I have fun, the audience can too,” says Parton. “Scott also taught me that nothing happens by accident; you only see results when you’ve planned for results. Scott is a machine, but you’d never know it because he makes it look like he’s just having a good time.”

“Be who you are, there’s an audience for almost everyone,” Parton continues. “Enjoy the journey, support your friends, love people, love God. Fall, get back up. And forgive. “

Tim Parton

“I had a super time with L5 and I don’t think I ever laughed so hard than when I was on stage with them and Scott Howard forgot his words and made up an entire verse without skipping a beat,” laughs Parton. “I couldn’t see the piano keys for the tears.”

As Parton recalls, the gang was full of hijinks, and even the boss wasn’t exempt from the jokes.

“I recall hiding in Fowler’s closet after a concert and waiting until he changed clothes to scare the daylights out of him,” says Parton. “But one never does anything to Scott without him returning the favor, so I kept the shenanigans to a respectful level.”

Parton concludes his recollections with this comment: “Being with L5 was such a super time  in my professional life when all heck was falling apart at home. So grateful for Scott, Glenn Dustin, Scott Howard, Frank Seamans, and Gary Buckner. We were Legacy Five.”

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Congrats to The Walkers….

From Bryan Walker:

We welcomed the most precious baby boy yesterday! Meet Bingham Walker, world! Words can’t explain the love…we pray you grow to know Jesus baby boy. We thank HIM for the gift of you!! Bryan Walker

Congrats Bryan and Bethany

Congratulations Bryan and Bethany

We at SGN Scoops would like to say congratulations to (former Perry’s vocalist), Bryan Walker and his lovely wife Bethany!

According to Bryan’s Facebook….. It’s a BOY!

Prayers for your family as you begin yet another beautiful journey together!

Prayers for Bryan Walker

We at SGN Scoops are praying for you Bryan.

Bryan posted this on facebook yesterday.

My sweet Mom Mom has finished her fight here. At 4:41 she met my Pop Pop in Heaven’s grandeur! I cannot stop thinking about all of the wonderful peace she has now, and of all the sights she is beholding! Most of all she is worshipping our Savior Jesus!! She left a fantastic loving and forgiving legacy to all of us! I cannot wait to see her again!! What a blessed hope to know that I will see her again!!! Praise the wonderful name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, and my
Mom Mom’s Savior! I hope that you know Jesus as your Savior too.

More southern gospel news here

SGN Scoops at NQC on Thursday Night: Canton Junction, Greater Vision, Mark Trammell Trio, More!

Canton Junction

At SGN Scoops, we love Southern Gospel music and its artists; not sure if you knew that or not! NQC has a lot of them and we have pictures.

Daniel Ashmore-The Old Paths

Canton Junction, Greater Vision, Old Paths, the Perrys, Mark Trammell Quartet, the Mylon Hayes Family, Joseph Habedank, Nick Trammell, Loren Harris, Bryan Walker, Mike Bowling, Troy Peach, Libbi Perry Stuffle, Tracy Stuffle and the Voices of Lee are all shown here!

Tim Rackley – Old Paths

SGN Scoops is so proud of all of our contributors every month. Do you know we have artists that share their hearts with us in every issue? Kelly Nelon Clark, David Staton, Dusty Wells, Sherry Anne, Laurette Willis, and the legendary Lou Wills Hildreth all have monthly articles.  We are so thankful for them! If you see them at NQC, tell them how much you enjoy their writing.

The group whose picture is on the top of this feature, Canton Junction, was

Doug Roark-The Old Paths

the cover feature in our August edition. Craig Harris wrote the feature and he also provides us with these terrific photographs.

We have many wonderful writers that do their very best to bring the best of the Gospel music world to you every month. Bethany Cook, Candi Combs, Dan Duncan, Dean Adkins, Erin Stevens, Jaquita Lindsey, Jennifer Campbell, Justin Gilmore, Justin McLeod, Lorraine Walker, Lynn Mills, Marcie Gray, Matt Baker, Paige Givens, Randall Hamm, Robert York, Roger Barkley Jr., Roger Speers, Rhonda Wooten, Selena

Gerald Wolfe and Greater Vision

Day, Sheri LaFontaine, Timmy Williamson, Tina Wakefield, Vivian Belknap, and Vonda Easley all share their talents with us. We are so proud of all that they do!

Thank you for reading SGN Scoops magazine every month. Be sure to share each edition with your friends and family, and to let all of our contributors know how much you enjoy their features!

Joseph Habedank, Nick Trammell, Loren Harris, Bryan Walker, Mike Bowling

For the September edition of SGN Scoops magazine with the cover story on the super Gaither Vocal Band, click

Kennedy Hayes and the Mylon Hayes Family

Wendy and Mylon Hayes

Matt Hagee and Canton Junction

Mike Bowling, Loren Harris, Troy Peach

Nick Trammell, Mike Bowling, Loren Harris, Libbi Stuffle

Tracy Stuffle, Andrew Goldman

Loren Harris

Nick, Charlie, Mark Trammell

here. Look for the October edition

Voices Of Lee

Voices Of Lee

Voices Of Lee

coming soon!

KINGDOM HEIRS NARROW SEARCH

Kingdom Heirs with Andy Stringfield at baritone

By Robert York

Back in September 2014,  the Kingdom Heirs’ baritone singer resigned from the group. Andy Stringfield, pianist for the group, started filling both positions –

Kingdom Heirs with Bryan Walker

singing and playing – during the remainder of the season at Dollywood. Traveling during their off season, the group began the search for a new baritone. The double duty for Andy was a great load for one person to do.

With the opening of Dollywood’s 30th year and Kingdom Heirs’ 30th year singing at the park, they were scheduled for weekend shows

Kingdom Heirs with Loren Harris

during the month of April, which was Dollywood’s International Festival. To make the final decision for the baritone position they brought each of the selected men to sing on four shows per weekend.

Bryan Walker, known for being a contestant on the TV series American Idol and as a member of The Perrys, was the first one to appear on stage with The Kingdom Heirs. Following Bryan came Loren Harris, another of the Perrys’ former members.  The third and final singer to audition, was Brian Alvey, who is known through the music industry.  He sang with Tribute Quartet and is married to

Kingdom Heirs with Brian Alvey

Lauren Talley.

Troy Peach Returns To The Perrys

Troy Peach

“Like a son coming home,” is how Libbi Perry Stuffle makes the announcement describing the return of Troy Peach to the Perrys, a position he last held four years ago.  Troy replaces the departing Bryan Walker, whose resignation was announced two weeks ago.  Troy comes to the group having most recently toured with the Bowling Family.

Troy says, “I’m thrilled to be back with the Perrys!  Libbi and Tracy are literally like family.  We live five minutes from each other.  Jared is like a little brother.  Andrew is among the best talents in our industry.   And who sings better songs than the Perrys?  After four years, it feels good to be back with Tracy and Libbi.  It is my goal to, of course, be that vocal part they need, but also to assist Libbi in all aspects of the group’s ministry.  I do believe in timing and seasons for everything, and I believe that this is the right time to step back on the Perrys bus and do what I can to help the group continue to grow and prosper.”

The transition to the Perrys will take place in the next two weeks.  The Perrys thank everyone for their continued prayers and support during this time.

THE PERRYS ANNOUNCE BRYAN WALKER’S DEPARTURE

Bryan Walker

StowTown Recording artists The Perrys have announced Bryan Walker will be leaving the group. Libbi Stuffle says, “Bryan has given his resignation, and we will be introducing a new vocalist to the Perrys line-up in the near future. We will announce the process to fill the vacancy as soon as plans are finalized.” There is no official final performance date for Bryan at this time.

SGN Scoops at the National Quartet Convention

Clarke Beasley

Gary Casto of Tribute Quartet

Pictures by Craig Harris of SGN Scoops…one of our roving reporters on the scene at the National Quartet Convention!

Connie Hopper of The Hoppers

Bryan Walker of The Perrys

Legacy Five

Ray Dean Reese and The Kingsmen

The Whisnants

The Perrys to release brand new CD April 8th

NASHVILLE, TN (March 20, 2014) – The Perrys, undisputedly one of the most legendary groups in Southern Gospel history, have reached yet another milestone by completing their first recording in the studio with StowTown Records.