JEFF TURNER
After more than a decade of providing the foundational low end for Legacy Five, Matt Fouch has announced his departure from the acclaimed Southern Gospel group. The decision marks the end of a significant chapter for both Fouch and the quartet, which recently celebrated its milestone 25th anniversary.
Fouch’s tenure with Legacy Five spanned 13 years, during which he established himself as a reliable and consistent presence in the group’s lineup. His announcement comes following extensive discussions with group leader Scott Fowler about touring demands and the future direction of his career.
A Commitment Fulfilled
The timing of Fouch’s departure was carefully considered. Both he and Fowler had previously committed to seeing the group through its landmark 25th anniversary year—a goal that held special significance for the veteran ensemble.
“We’ve had many conversations on the bus about tour and scheduling,” Fouch explained. “We made the commitment to go through the 25th year. That was a special year. It was really cool to do that.”
The decision to leave wasn’t made hastily. Just weeks after the anniversary milestone, Fouch approached Fowler with his final decision. “I went to Scott and just said, I think my time is up. I fulfilled my commitment through the 25th year and then some, but have made the decision to stop traveling.”
A New Chapter in Real Estate
Fouch’s departure from full-time touring comes as he transitions into a thriving real estate career. The bass singer credits divine providence for opening doors in this new professional venture, allowing him to step away from the demanding travel schedule that defines life in a touring gospel group.
“God has really blessed some efforts in real estate career to be able to just easily transition into just doing that and not being on the road for this season of time,” Fouch shared. While he remains uncertain about future musical endeavors, his immediate focus will be on this new career path.
Family Considerations.
Perhaps the most telling confirmation of his decision came from an unexpected source—his children. When Fouch informed his sons about his departure from Legacy Five, their response provided the validation he needed.
“When I told my boys, they were kind of quiet for a second and then Kingston said, ‘So does that mean you get to spend more time with us?'” Fouch recalled. “And it was like, okay, that’s good choice is the right time.”
This moment underscored what many touring musicians grapple with—the balance between career demands and family life. For Fouch, the opportunity to be more present for his children became a decisive factor in his transition away from the road.
Looking Forward
As Legacy Five prepares to move forward without Fouch’s familiar bass foundation, the group faces the challenge of finding a replacement who can match both his musical contributions and professional reliability. The departure of any long-term member inevitably brings change, but Legacy Five’s quarter-century of experience navigating the gospel music landscape positions them well for this transition.
For Fouch, the future holds the promise of a different kind of success—one measured not in miles traveled or stages performed upon, but in time spent with family and growth in a new professional arena. His 13-year journey with Legacy Five represents not just a career phase, but a significant contribution to the ongoing legacy of Southern Gospel music.
The Southern Gospel community extends its best wishes to Matt Fouch as he embarks on this new chapter, while Legacy Five continues their musical mission with renewed focus and the enduring impact of his faithful service over more than a decade.
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