Latimore, born Benjamin Latimore, is a legendary American R&B singer, pianist, and songwriter. Best known for his 1974 hit “Let’s Straighten It Out,” Latimore blended blues, soul, and gospel into a smooth, heartfelt sound that resonated with listeners for decades. Though he never became a household name in pop music, he built a loyal following in the R&B world and earned respect as a powerful vocalist and skilled pianist.
He began as a session player before launching a solo career in the 1970s. Over time, he recorded a string of charting singles, moved through multiple record labels, and continued working behind the scenes with top artists, including a surprising collaboration with British soul revivalist Joss Stone.
| Stage Name | Latimore |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Benjamin Latimore |
| Birth Date | September 7, 1939 |
| Birthplace | Charleston, Tennessee, USA |
| Genres | R&B, Soul, Blues |
| Main Instruments | Piano, Vocals |
| Years Active | 1960s–present |
| Breakthrough Hit | “Let’s Straighten It Out” (#1 R&B, 1974) |
| Associated Labels | Dade, Glades, Malaco, J-Town |
Early Life and Musical Roots
Benjamin Latimore was born on September 7, 1939, in Charleston, Tennessee. He grew up immersed in music, especially the powerful vocals of Baptist church choirs. Surprisingly, country music also influenced his sound—a rare combination for an R&B artist.
Latimore developed a strong talent for piano at a young age. After relocating to Florida, he began performing professionally as a pianist for local musicians like Steve Alaimo and Joe Henderson. During this period, he used the name Benny Latimore.
In the mid-1960s, he began recording singles for Henry Stone’s Miami-based label Dade Records. These early records didn’t break into the mainstream, but they laid the foundation for what would become a lasting career.
Glades Records and Rise to Fame
By the early 1970s, Latimore dropped the “Benny” and signed with Glades Records, a subsidiary of TK Records. This move proved crucial. In 1973, he released his first minor hit—a soulful cover of T-Bone Walker’s blues classic “Stormy Monday.”
That same year, he released his debut LP More, More, More, followed by Let’s Straighten It Out in 1974. The latter album marked his commercial breakthrough.
“Let’s Straighten It Out” – His Signature Hit
Released as the second single from the album, “Let’s Straighten It Out” became a landmark moment in Latimore’s career. The song mixed silky soul vocals with bluesy overtones, creating an intimate, emotional vibe that struck a chord with audiences.
The single topped the Billboard R&B chart and reached #34 on the Hot 100 in 1974. Written by Latimore himself, the song became his signature piece. Its smooth plea for communication in a relationship made it an anthem for soul fans and a staple on quiet storm radio playlists for decades.
Follow-Up Hits and Continued Success
Latimore followed “Let’s Straighten It Out” with a series of strong R&B tracks throughout the mid-1970s. Notable hits included:
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“Keep the Home Fire Burnin’” (1975)
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Reached #5 R&B, featured on Latimore III
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“Qualified Man” (1976)
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Another standout ballad with bluesy themes
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“Somethin’ ‘Bout ‘Cha” (1977)
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Peaked at #37 Pop and #7 R&B, his last Top 40 pop hit
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Featured on It Ain’t Where You Been… It’s Where You’re Goin’
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These singles showed Latimore’s consistency. Though he never dominated the pop charts, he remained a reliable figure in the soul music scene.
The End of the Chart Years
By the late 1970s, musical tastes began to shift. Disco took over the airwaves, pushing many traditional soul artists aside. Latimore’s radio presence started to fade, though he remained active as a live performer and studio musician.
Still, he continued recording albums, with varying commercial success. His final charting single came in 1982 with “Sunshine Lady”, a minor R&B hit.
Later Career and Malaco Records
In the 1980s, Latimore found a new creative home with Malaco Records, a Mississippi-based label known for preserving traditional soul and blues. His 1984 album Singing in the Key of Love was praised for its vintage sound and heartfelt delivery.
He continued recording for Malaco into the early 1990s before briefly switching to J-Town Records. There, he released albums like Straighten It Out: The Best of Latimore and Turning Up the Mood.
In 2000, Latimore returned to Malaco and remained one of their leading soul artists. His albums during this period—including Latt Is Back (2003) and Back ‘Atcha (2007)—offered classic soul themes with updated arrangements.
Session Work and Collaborations
Even as his solo career slowed, Latimore stayed busy in the studio. He was a respected session pianist, often working with TK Records and Malaco artists. His keyboard playing added depth to recordings by others in the southern soul scene.
In the 2000s, he collaborated with British soul singer Joss Stone. He played on her first two albums, The Soul Sessions (2003) and Mind, Body & Soul (2004), both of which received critical acclaim and introduced classic soul sounds to a new generation.
Latimore’s playing helped ground Stone’s retro style with genuine soul flavor. His presence on these albums brought renewed attention to his talents and exposed him to younger audiences.
Style and Musical Legacy
Latimore’s music blends soul, blues, and gospel. His deep, resonant voice and skillful piano work became his trademarks. Unlike some of his flashier contemporaries, Latimore relied on emotional truth, restrained delivery, and authentic storytelling.
His songs often touch on love, regret, and resilience. He rarely chased trends, choosing instead to remain loyal to the soulful sound he helped shape.
Honors and Recognition
Though not as widely celebrated as some soul legends, Latimore has earned deep respect in the R&B community. His 1974 hit “Let’s Straighten It Out” is regularly cited as one of the definitive slow jams of its era.
He received the Blues Music Award for Best Soul Blues Album in 2014 for Latimore Remembers Ray Charles, a tribute to another major influence.
Later Years and Current Status
Latimore continues to perform occasionally and remains active as a session pianist. While he no longer tours extensively, he still commands admiration among fans of classic soul and blues.
As of the 2020s, Latimore lives a quieter life, yet his music continues to reach new audiences through reissues, digital streaming, and the revival of vintage soul culture.
Selected Discography
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More, More, More (1973)
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Let’s Straighten It Out (1974)
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Latimore III (1975)
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It Ain’t Where You Been… It’s Where You’re Goin’ (1977)
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Singing in the Key of Love (1984)
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Latt Is Back (2003)
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Latimore Remembers Ray Charles (2014)
Conclusion
Latimore’s story is one of steady craftsmanship, quiet influence, and timeless soul. He never relied on flash or hype—instead, he let the music speak. With a voice that soothes and a piano style that swings, he became a key figure in Southern soul.
Thanks to collaborations, reissues, and the enduring power of slow jams like “Let’s Straighten It Out,” Latimore’s music continues to resonate with old fans and new listeners alike.