When Glen Payne and George Younce of the Cathedrals decided in 1999 to retire, they decided to do one last tour to not only say goodbye to the fans and give them a chance to see them again, but also to give the other three members in the group time to plan what they would do after their retirement. Roger Bennett and Scott Fowler decided to form a group.
Founded in 1999, shortly after the Cathedrals' long career ended, Roger Bennett, who considered Glen Payne his mentor, was interested in continuing to tour with a gospel group, and former Cathedrals baritone Scott Fowler shared that interest. Bennett played piano and occasionally sang, and Fowler changed position from baritone singer back to lead singer (as he had been prior joining the Cathedrals), while newcomers Josh Cobb, Scott Howard and Glenn Dustin filled out the rest of the group, singing tenor, baritone and bass, respectively.
The group immediately became a popular southern gospel act, and they traded heavily on the memories Bennett and Fowler shared of touring with gospel legends Glen Payne and George Younce.
The group was quite traditional in approach and particularly enjoyed performing classic southern gospel songs. To date they have released three "table projects" labeled their Heritage Series that are a collection of gospel standards.
The group has experienced little turnover in membership, except for the tenor position. Fowler, Howard and Dustin are still touring today. Tenor Josh Cobb left in 2000; he was replaced by Tony Jarman, who stayed with the group until 2004. Frank Seamans has been with the group since 2004.
In 2002, Bennett was again diagnosed with leukemia and spent some time off the road while the rest of the group continued touring. He was diagnosed several years ago. He was in remission several times, and in 2005 was diagnosed with lymphoma. He had three bone marrow transplants since he was diagnosed. Roger Bennett continued to record with the group when he could and appeared at some of their concerts when his health allowed.
Tim Parton, a pianist who produced the group's recent albums, officially joined the group in October 2006, originally to substitute for Bennett. Following Bennett's death on March 17, 2007, from complications related to leukemia, Fowler responded affirmatively when Danny Jones, the editor of Singing News, asked if the group would search for another pianist. [1] Eight days later, Parton's "interim" tag was removed, as the group officially named him the regular pianist.
They have performed with the Gaither Homecoming Friends as well as being a regular feature at the National Quartet Convention.
They have been nominated for 40 Singing News Fan Awards. At the 2004 Fan Awards, the group won in the categories of Traditional Quartet, Baritone, Bass and Pianist.
One of their best-known songs, "Heroes of the Faith", was composed by Roger Bennett, in honor of Glen Payne.
The group is currently at work on another album entitled Know So Salvation due out in summer 2007.
Discography
* Strong in the Strength (1999)
* Songs We Used to Sing (2000)
* Heroes of the Faith (2001)
* Heritage Vol. I (2001)
* Heritage Vol. II (2002)
* London (2003)
* Live At The Palace with Greater Vision(2003)
* Heritage Vol. III (2004)
* Monuments (2004)
* A Little Taste of Heaven (2005)
* A Capella (2006)
* Live in Music City (2006)
* Friday Night Favorites (2007)
* Know So Salvation (due out 2007)
The old rugged cross
Legacy Five Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The emblem of suff'ring and shame;
And I love that old cross, where the Dearest and Best,
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
'Til my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
It's shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He'll call me someday to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I'll share.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
'Til my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.
The lyrics of Legacy Five's song "The Old Rugged Cross" are a powerful reflection on the significance of the cross in Christianity. The first verse describes the physical location "on a hill far away" where the cross stood, serving as a symbol of suffering and shame. Despite its negative connotations, the singer affirms their love for the cross, understanding that it represents the sacrifice of Jesus for the salvation of sinners.
In the chorus, the singer declares their commitment to "cherish" and "cling" to the cross throughout their life, exchanging it for a crown in the afterlife. In doing so, they recognize the importance of remaining faithful to Christ, even in the face of difficulty and persecution. The second verse continues this theme of perseverance, as the singer vows to remain true to the cross despite any shame or reproach they may face. They look forward to the day when they will be called home and share in Christ's eternal glory.
Overall, the song celebrates the power of the cross as a symbol of redemption and salvation. It encourages listeners to remain faithful to Christ and to always remember the sacrifice he made on the cross.
Line by Line Meaning
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
In a distant place up in the hills, there was an old and rough cross, which symbolized pain and humiliation.
The emblem of suff'ring and shame;
The cross symbolized the torment and disgrace that one had to endure.
And I love that old cross, where the Dearest and Best,
I cherish that old cross where the most beloved and valuable person in my life, Jesus, was sacrificed.
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
He was killed for the sake of mankind, who were helpless and had gone astray.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
I will treasure that old rough cross always.
'Til my trophies at last I lay down;
Until I surrender all my achievements and possessions.
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
I will hold onto the old rough cross.
And exchange it someday for a crown.
And someday get the reward of a crown for bearing the struggle for the cross.
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
I will be faithful and loyal to the old and rough cross.
It's shame and reproach gladly bear;
I will gladly carry the humiliation and reproach along with the cross.
Then He'll call me someday to my home far away,
Someday He will summon me to my distant home.
Where His glory forever I'll share.
In that place I will share His everlasting glory.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Therefore, I will always treasure that old and rough cross.
'Til my trophies at last I lay down;
Until I give up all my rewards and possessions.
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
I will hold onto the old rough cross.
And exchange it someday for a crown.
And someday get the reward of a crown for bearing the struggle for the cross.
Contributed by Samuel P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
André Pagani
Legacy Five is amazing! And this is one of the best hymns ever written. Praise the Lord!
BeatlesManiac15
I saw them in concert :) And at my grandpa's funeral they had a band sing this ♥ RIP Grandpa
everoque
lindooo
Traian Gherga
the public sings? ghives me chills, why didn't you post full version, it's cut at the end... didn't they show the auditorium?
Selrisitai
@hugedell What are you talking about? Sincerely.