LATIMORE

Biography

Benjamin William Latimore, known professionally as Latimore, was born on September 7, 1939, in Charleston, Tennessee. Raised in a musically rich environment, he was influenced by country music, gospel from his Baptist church choir, and the blues, which would later define his signature sound. After a brief stint at Tennessee State University, Latimore moved to Miami in the early 1960s to pursue his musical ambitions, initially working as a pianist for various Florida-based groups and collaborating with artists like Steve Alaimo.

Latimore's recording career began in earnest in the mid-1960s with Dade Records, but his breakthrough came in the early 1970s after joining Glades Records. His 1973 rendition of T-Bone Walker's 'Stormy Monday' and the 1974 chart-topping 'Let's Straighten It Out' established him as a leading figure in blues and R&B. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Latimore released a string of successful albums and singles, later moving to Malaco Records, where he continued to record and perform well into the 21st century. Noted for his smooth, soulful vocals and expressive piano playing, Latimore's style blends blues, soul, and R&B, often exploring themes of love and personal reflection.

A respected session musician as well as a solo artist, Latimore has contributed to recordings by artists such as Joss Stone and has remained active in live performance, including appearances on national television. His enduring influence and contributions to American music were recognized with his induction into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2017, cementing his legacy as a pioneer of modern blues and soul.

Fun Facts

• Latimore's 1974 hit 'Let's Straighten It Out' reached No. 1 on the R&B chart and became his signature song.
• He appeared on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' in 2014, performing with The Roots.
• Latimore was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2017.
• He has released over thirty albums and remains active as a session pianist and performer.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• T-Bone Walker - Major stylistic influence; Latimore's early hit was a cover of Walker's 'Stormy Monday.' ('Stormy Monday' (1973)) [1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Henry Stone - Label owner, producer, and business partner; signed Latimore to Dade and Glades Records, later co-founded LatStone label. (Albums for Dade, Glades, and LatStone labels) [1960s–2000s]
• Steve Alaimo - Early collaborator in Miami music scene; worked together as performers and session musicians. (Live performances, early recordings) [1960s]
• Joss Stone - Session pianist on her albums. ('The Soul Sessions' (2003), 'Mind Body & Soul' (2004)) [2003–2004]

Artists Influenced

• Joss Stone - Cited Latimore's blues and soul piano style as an influence on her own sound. ('The Soul Sessions', 'Mind Body & Soul') [2000s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Let Me Go (It Ain't Where You Been)
2. Just One Step (Latimore III)
3. Let's Straighten It Out (I'll Do Anything For You)
4. Sweet Vibrations (It Ain't Where You Been)
5. She Don't Ever Lose Her Groove (Latimore III)
6. Long Distance Love (Dig a Little Deeper)
7. Out to Get'cha (Dig a Little Deeper)
8. It Ain't Where You Been (It Ain't Where You Been)
9. My Give A Damn Gave Out (A Long Time Ago) (Back 'Atcha)
10. Keep the Home Fires Burning (Latimore III)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz