The impact that Roger Bennett has made on Gospel music will never be forgotten. My story is one of many that can't say enough about the kindness and generosity of this legend and friend.

I was first exposed to quartet music when I was 15 years old, when I attended my first Gospel concert--the Cathedrals. That night, I met the pianist who would make a big impact in my desire to play Gospel music. After hearing Roger Bennett play, I was hooked.

When the concert was over, I went to the product table and introduced myself. Roger had never heard of me or ever heard me play, but he gave me his full attention. That made a great impression on a fifteen-year-old redheaded pianist. He gave me his "Heavenly Highway Hymns" solo CD, and the Cathedrals "Radio Days" CD. I took them home and tried my best to pattern my playing after his. I wanted to be just like Roger Bennett.

Soon after, I made my own CD in which I recorded several of his piano solo arrangements. Then I mailed a copy to him. A few days later, I received a call from my hero! I can't put into words how that made me feel.

From that time on, Roger sort of took me under his wing. About a year later, Roger was holding a piano workshop in Nashville, and he called and asked if I would come up and play some of his arrangements with his tracks for the students. In 1998, Roger arranged and produced my first professional recording, and then helped me get my start in this business. But the support he gave me didn't stop there. Anytime I had a decision to make or had a question, he was there to give me his advice. I'll never understand why, but from the first time I met Roger, he has always taken the time to encourage and help me, and I'll never forget that. He will always remain my favorite pianist and my biggest influence. To list all of the favors he has done for me would take more space than I have to share.

Roger was the perfect quartet accompanist, and everything about him was 100% class. He is one of the greatest pianists to ever grace the stage, and what an honor it has been to be able to call him my hero, and my friend. Roger Bennett was a great role model, and I will miss him very much.

Stewart Varnado

Below are some photos from my scrapbook...

Taken in 1996, at my first Gospel concert! In front of the Cathedrals bus. I was 15 years old.


With two of my heroes...Jeff Stice and Roger Bennett in 2003


Playing a duet at the 2005 NQC Parade of Pianos. We played the Wally Varner song,
"Sing Your Blues Away", which was arranged by Roger Bennett for my first solo cd titled,
"A Show Of Hands" released back in 1999.  Side Note: Roger produced, arranged,
and played some with me on my first cd.  He also played a duet on my latest cd. Most
recently, we were trying to find a song to play as a duet on a new cd of his that he was
planning on recording when he got out of the hospital.


It was always a joy to share the stage with Roger.


Trading stories backstage at Legacy Five's 2006 Memorial Day Celebration.


Here's a cherished photo in my collection. It hangs as an 8x10 in my house.
Roger Bennett, Bill Gaither, Stewart Varnado, and Billy Todd, at the GMA
induction ceremony when the Cathedrals, Florida Boys, and Gaither Vocal Band
were inducted.  I was there as a guest of Billy Todd who sang bass for the Dixie
Echoes at the time.


Cast of the 2002 Parade of Pianos


Roger's son, Jordan Bennett and Stewart Varnado.
This photo was taken by Roger at the 2005 NQC.


Roger's hero was Derrell Stewart. I edited this photo (adding Derrell's hair to Roger)
and emailed it to Roger a year or so ago.  I titled it "Twins", he loved it.


Me picking on Roger on stage. We were about to play a duet, and I told the crowd
that of all the pianists on stage, "Roger was one of my better students!" Ha!


...then Roger gets the microphone back. Joke was on me then.


Sharing the piano bench in 2005 at Roger's request. What an honor!


Another duet photo, taken from the big screen at NQC.


Roger looking on as I play a duet with Andrew Ishee.

CLICK TO READ the October 2003 U.S Gospel News article that I wrote on Roger

If anyone has any photos of me and Roger, I would love to have a copy, please email them to me at:
stewart@dixieechoes.com . ALSO, if you were at the 2005 NQC, Roger had me accompany Legacy Five
while he stepped on stage and sang "Out of My Darkness".  I don't have any photos of that, and would love
to find one.  He brought me on stage for every L5 performance that year, so  hopefully someone took a photo.