Andrew was born in Hobart in 1964, trained as a classical pianist, composer and educator but is best known for his work in contemporary music, particularly contemporary African American gospel. In recent years he has established an international reputation performing with some of the most respected gospel choirs and artists in the USA including Myron Butler, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Weatherford and Xanielle Davis. In 1997 he was invited to perform as one of 10 “feature’ artists” for the Gospel Music Workshop of America in Cincinnati as part of their 30th anniversary celebrations, and since that time has established himself as one of the leading gospel pianists working in the US and Australia today.
Andrew was honored to collaborate with the late Dr. Horace Clarence Boyer from Massachusetts, the acknowledged world authority on African American gospel music as well as one of the most respected and famous gospel singers and choral directors that this tradition has produced. Andrew gained his PhD in African American gospel music in August 2008, having worked closely with Dr Boyer for over 10 years and who acted as chief research supervisor for Legg’s PhD, which examined the nature, place and function of gospel music in Australian culture. Legg has also been recently published through Cambridge Popular Music and has been asked to contribute a series of articles outlining the culture and context of African American gospel music in Australia.
Legg has recently teamed up with multi Grammy award winning gospel artist and Choral Director at the Potter’s House, Myron Butler (God’s Property, Kirk Franklin, Levi) and the two have formed a song-writing team that produced two award winning songs in 2009/10 (My Forever Friend and Amazing Grace) and have become the leading gospel choral workshop team that underpins the internationally successful Festival of Voices. Legg has now become Butler’s principal supervisor for his PhD and together they have just completed their first major joint DVD release (Brighter Day) with Legg’s award winning Southern Gospel Choir.
Legg founded the 130-voice Tasmanian Conservatorium Southern Gospel Choir in 2002, and their debut CD, Great Day was nominated for an ARIA (World Music) in August of 2005, and along with musical partner, Badloves founder and longtime friend Michael Spiby, have now released the SGC’s much anticipated second studio album, High On A Mountain.
Most recently, Legg has taken up the position of Associate Professor and Director at the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music at the University of Tasmania.