Latimore (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Latimore
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Latimore performing in October 1983
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Benjamin William Lattimore |
| Born | September 7, 1939 Charleston, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | August 22, 2026 (aged 86) |
| Genres | Blues, R&B, soul |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, pianist |
| Instruments | Vocals, piano, keyboards |
| Years active | 1965–2026 |
| Labels | Dade, Glades, Malaco |
Benjamin William Lattimore (September 7, 1939 – August 22, 2026), known simply as Latimore, was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. He became famous for combining blues, soul music, and rhythm and blues (R&B). His warm vocal style and expressive piano playing helped him produce major hits such as "Let's Straighten It Out". Over a career spanning six decades, he inspired many musicians and earned a place in the prestigious Blues Hall of Fame.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Latimore was born in the small town of Charleston, Tennessee, in 1939. Growing up in eastern Tennessee, he was surrounded by many different styles of American music. He listened closely to country music on the radio and heard traditional blues songs in his community.
Discovering Music in the Church Choir
Latimore found his initial passion for singing through his local Baptist church. Church choirs provided young musicians with fantastic training in harmony, rhythm, and vocal strength. Latimore learned how to project his voice to fill an entire room. He also learned how to connect emotionally with an audience. These early experiences in gospel music helped shape his soulful singing style.
Learning the Piano and Early Influences
While singing was his first love, Latimore quickly became fascinated by the piano. He practiced chord progressions and rhythms whenever he had access to a keyboard. He blended gospel chords with the energetic tempo of country music and the deep feeling of the blues. By combining these genres, Latimore created a unique musical voice that set him apart from other young players.
Early Professional Career in Florida
During the early 1960s, Latimore decided to pursue music as a full-time career. He moved to Florida, where the live music scene was thriving in cities like Miami.
Working as a Session Pianist
Before becoming a famous solo singer, Latimore worked behind the scenes as a session musician (a studio musician hired to play on other artists' recordings). He played piano and electric keyboards for various Florida groups. He regularly performed with pop and rock singer Steve Alaimo. Working in the studio allowed Latimore to learn how records were made, produced, and arranged.
First Recordings with Henry Stone
In Miami, Latimore met a music producer named Henry Stone. Stone was a major figure in Florida rhythm and blues. In 1965, Latimore released his very first solo recordings on Stone's Dade record label. While these early singles did not top national charts, they made Latimore a respected name in the Miami music community.
Rise to National Stardom in the 1970s
The 1970s became the defining decade of Latimore's recording career. He moved to the Glades record label, an imprint run by Henry Stone's TK Productions.
Breakthrough with Jazz and Soul Covers
In 1973, Latimore found his first major success on the national charts. He recorded a fresh version of "Stormy Monday", a classic blues song originally written by guitarist T-Bone Walker. Latimore gave the track a smooth, jazz-inspired rhythm. His version reached No. 27 on the national R&B singles chart.
Soon after, he recorded "If You Were My Woman." This song was a creative rewrite of the hit "If I Were Your Woman", originally performed by Gladys Knight & the Pips. Latimore's version reached No. 70 on the R&B charts and proved he could adapt famous pop songs into deep soul ballads.
The Success of "Let's Straighten It Out"
Latimore achieved his biggest career hit in 1974 with the song "Let's Straighten It Out". The track featured a slow, steady groove, a rich keyboard melody, and a spoken-word intro.
- The song climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart.
- It reached No. 31 on the mainstream Billboard Hot 100 pop chart.
- It sold hundreds of thousands of copies across the United States.
The song told a story about talking through problems calmly and fixing misunderstandings with honesty. Listeners loved the mature, comforting tone of Latimore's voice.
Continued Chart Success
Following the massive success of "Let's Straighten It Out", Latimore released several popular albums. He scored more top-ten R&B hits over the next few years:
- "Keep The Home Fire Burnin'" reached No. 5 on the R&B charts in 1975.
- "Somethin' 'Bout 'Cha" climbed to No. 7 on the R&B charts in 1976.
- "I Get Lifted" hit No. 30 in 1977, showcasing his ability to play upbeat dance tunes.
Latimore became known for his direct, honest singing style. Music critics praised him for delivering lyrics naturally without using unnecessary vocal tricks.
Later Career and Malaco Records Era
Musical tastes shifted in the late 1970s with the rise of disco and electronic music. Even as pop trends changed, Latimore stayed true to traditional blues and Southern soul.
Signing with Malaco Records
In 1982, Latimore signed with Malaco Records, an independent record company based in Jackson, Mississippi. Malaco was famous for preserving classic soul and blues music. Latimore recorded seven successful studio albums with Malaco during the 1980s and early 1990s, including Singing in the Key of Love and Good Time Man.
Independent Releases and LatStone
Latimore continued recording throughout the 1990s and 2000s:
- In 1996, he released Turnin' Up the Mood on the J-Town label.
- In 2000, he returned to Malaco to release the album You're Welcome to Ride.
- In 2003, he teamed up with singer Mel Waiters to release Latt Is Back.
- In 2007, he reunited with producer Henry Stone to launch LatStone Records, releasing the album Back 'Atcha.
Collaborations, Later Years, and Legacy
Even in his sixties and seventies, Latimore remained active in the music industry. He worked with a new generation of musicians who admired his vintage keyboard sound.
Work with Joss Stone and Modern Artists
In 2003 and 2004, British soul singer Joss Stone recruited Latimore to play piano on her critically acclaimed albums, The Soul Sessions and Mind Body & Soul. Latimore joined other veteran Miami musicians, including Betty Wright and Timmy Thomas, to provide an authentic soul rhythm section.
In May 2014, Latimore performed on national television on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, introducing his classic sound to younger audiences.
Induction into the Blues Hall of Fame
In 2017, Latimore received one of the highest honors in American roots music when he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. The organization recognized his contributions as a songwriter, his masterful piano playing, and his role in keeping classic Southern soul alive.
Latimore passed away in August 2026 at the age of 86, leaving behind a rich legacy of blues and soul recordings.
Key Achievements and Summary
Latimore's career highlights show his lasting impact on American music:
- Over fifty years as a professional recording artist and performer.
- A No. 1 hit single on the Billboard R&B charts with "Let's Straighten It Out".
- Inductee into the Blues Hall of Fame (class of 2017).
- Keyboard contributor to international multi-platinum soul albums.
Discography
Selected Studio Albums
- 1973: Latimore
- 1974: More, More, More Latimore
- 1975: Latimore III
- 1976: It Ain't Where You Been... It's Where You're Goin'
- 1978: Dig a Little Deeper
- 1980: Getting Down to Brass Tacks
- 1982: Singing in the Key of Love
- 1983: I'll Do Anything for You
- 1985: Good Time Man
- 1987: Slow Down
- 1991: The Only Way Is Up
- 1993: Catchin' Up
- 1998: All You'll Ever Need
- 2000: You're Welcome to Ride
- 2003: Latt Is Back
- 2007: Back 'Atcha
- 2009: All About the Rhythm and the Blues
- 2011: Ladies Choice
- 2013: Latimore Remembers Ray Charles
Selected Hit Singles
- 1973: "Stormy Monday" (R&B No. 27)
- 1974: "If You Were My Woman" (R&B No. 70)
- 1974: "Let's Straighten It Out" (R&B No. 1, Pop No. 31)
- 1975: "Keep the Home Fire Burnin'" (R&B No. 5)
- 1976: "Somethin' 'Bout 'Cha" (R&B No. 7, Pop No. 37)
- 1977: "I Get Lifted" (R&B No. 30)
- 1979: "Dig a Little Deeper" (R&B No. 42)
- 1986: "Sunshine Lady" (R&B No. 76)
