Latimore

Latimore, born Benjamin William Lattimore, occupies a vital space in the lineage of Southern Soul and R&B. Emerging from the Miami music scene under the mentorship of Henry Stone, he developed a sound that bridged the gap between traditional blues and the emerging 'modern soul' of the 1970s.

His signature style is defined by his virtuosic piano playing, which incorporates elements of jazz and gospel, and his distinctive baritone vocal delivery. His 1974 masterpiece 'Let's Straighten It Out' remains a cornerstone of the genre, celebrated for its psychological depth and unhurried groove. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he became a pillar of the Malaco Records roster, helping to sustain the 'Soul Blues' tradition for a dedicated audience. His influence extends beyond his solo career; as a session musician, his piano work has graced recordings by artists ranging from Steve Alaimo to Joss Stone. Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2017, Latimore is regarded by critics as a 'musician's musician' who maintained high production standards and emotional authenticity even as the mainstream R&B landscape shifted toward disco and later digital production.