Melvin Burks - Keyboards, trumpet, background vocals
Melvin, an award winning trumpet player and accomplished keyboardist, started playing music at age 7. His ability on the trumpet is astonishing while his keyboard style is soulful and downright funky. Melvin recieved his formal training at Kent State University. He has toured the east coast and did stints in Europe and South Korea. He has also performed with such legends as "Dizzy" Gillespie, Cassandra Wilson and the Chi Lites - to name a few. Before making his way to the southeast, he played the music scene in and around Ohio with his own jazz combo and released three CD's along the way (Listen Up & Guess What). In addition to sharing his talents with Legacy, he plays in his local church and is involved in other musical projects. Most recently, he played in the orchestra for the Fats Waller musical, Aint Misbehavin. Melvin plays Yamaha Keyboards via SWR amplification.
Kenneth Darden aka "KD"- Lead and background vocals
"KD's" singing career spans over 30 years. He sang in gospel groups with his mother and the Helen Hollings Gospel Singers. He also sang with his brothers in various groups in and around the Boston area. He taught harmony and studied music at the Conservatory of Music in Boston. After taking time off in 1994 to pursue other areas, he has recently returned to his first love of singing and performing. Most recently, he was featured in a lead role in the Fats Waller musical, Aint Misbehavin.
Marcus Hart - Bass / musical director
Marcus's interest in music began at age 3. He started on drums, moved to the guitar, and later discovered -and fell in love with the bass. He has played in bands since age 13. Primarily a jazz bassist, he's equally at home playing other musical genre's. In addition to playing with Legacy, he also plays with the Ed Stephenson group, a local jazz quartet. He often gets called upon to "fill in" on rock and country gigs. Marcus was also invited to hold down the bass chair at a Pensacola Jazz Fest that featured jazz legends Al Foster and Slide Hampton. He has played numerous musicals ; including : Grease, Nunsense, Annie, Sound of Music, Westside Story, George M, Patsy, ..... to name a few. Most recently, he played for the Fats Waller musical - Aint Misbehavin. He is a graduate of Troy State University and is a school band director with the Ft. Rucker School system (Ft. Rucker, Al). Marcus plays Roscoe, Carvin, MTD and Fender basses via a Thunderfunk/Aguilar bass rig.
Keith Anderson - Drums / sound tech
Keith attended Grambling University in Louisiana where he majored in percussion and electronics. His musical career started in the early 80's. He has performed throughout Alabama and all over the gulf coast with the Jim Bell Trio and various artist. He also held the drummers throne for blues artist, Mel Waiters during a local performance. His "in demand" talents were featured in "Patsy", a musical dedicated to the life of Patsy Cline, and most recently Aint Misbehavin. Keith plays Sonor and Rogers drums (other brands welcome) with Zildjian cymbals.
James Crawford aka "JC" - Guitar / background vocals
James grew up in Cleveland/Akron Ohio. He started playing at the age of 15. His musical influences include the likes of Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, BB King and Albert King. These influences can clearly be heard when he picks up his guitar - his jazzy feel and soulful flavor are un-deniable. James played in several bands up north before moving to Dothan, Alabama in 1980. His passion for music is strong. Not only does he share his talents with Legacy - he also plays in local churches and fills in with other organizations when his schedule permits.. From funk, to blues, to jazz, to gospel, he's got them covered! James plays Ibanez, Schecter and Gibson guitars via Fender amplification.
Leslie Moguel - Lead and background vocals
Leslie, a Licensed Practical Nurse, wife, mother of three, formerly of girl group "Shades of Ebony" has been singing professionally for 15 years. She hails from a musically inclined family. Her father Sherman Garnes sang bass with 50's Doo-wop super group "Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers" (of "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" fame). Her mother Lana Garnes was an accomplished singer/dancer. Born & raised in New York City, the singer songwriter currently resides in Enterprise Alabama where she continues to hone her lyrical skills. A vocal chameleon, Leslie is a delightful and charming soulful mix of many of her idols - from Etta James and Patti Labelle to Mary J. Blige & Alicia Keys ....... "music is life".
