– Lead Vocal – Guitar
Benny Pendergrass was born in Dallas and grew up in Longview, Texas in a very musical family. His Mom was an alto, his Dad was a baritone, and both brothers sang bass and tenor. His Dad and middle brother played guitar, and his oldest brother was an excellent trombone player who began college on a music scholarship.
“I grew up in a church setting of acapella,” said Pendergrass. “Music is part of my DNA.”
He learned vocal parts by ear by the time he was six. He loved to sing, and grew up practicing songs from country acts with great harmonies. Groups like the Statler Brothers, the Oak Ridge Boys, Alabama, and Restless Heart. He added in his own personal taste with the Eagles, Doobie Brothers, and of course, Chicago.
“To this day, my favorite record of all time across all genres is Chicago X. Hands down. My oldest brother had a sweet ‘73 Camaro, and he would blast out Chicago X while I rode along. I was a young kid at the time and just enjoyed the music. It wasn’t until some years later that I realized how insanely talented Chicago was and is,” said Pendergrass.
He played trombone all through high school, but had no formal vocal training. His brother got him into guitar by showing him a few things and he just kept going from there. He formed his first band, None Of Your Business in his junior year of college. His first real gig that gave him the true “I’m in a band” vibe was playing for 2000 people on the Texas A&M Campus, for a parent’s weekend talent show. They slayed with “Sweet Child Of Mine” by GNR and “Rock and Roll” by Led Zeppelin.
He’s played guitar as a solo act, part of an acoustic trio, and in several full bands. But singing has been the foundation of his musical life journey. He is a part time worship leader at his church.
He joined Chicago Tribute Authority Texas two years ago. His “brother from another mother” lead vocalist Rod Hawkins told him the band was looking for a new singer. Before he could finish the sentence, Pendergrass said “Yes, I’d love to audition. What songs and when?” Pendergrass is still inspired by every show and every rehearsal.
“Without fail, I have moments where I get completely absorbed in the moment and look around the room or the stage and think how cool it is and how blessed I am to be part of CTAT. The music connects me with the earliest memories of my life, and it’s an honor and privilege to get to share the stage with this band,” said Pendergrass.