LATIMORE
A native of Charleston, Tennessee, Benny Latimore began his singing career at age 13 in various local churches. Although he sang with various groups throughout high school and college, it was during his college years at Tennessee State University that he decided to seriously pursue a singing career. In the early 60's, his first professional singing engagement was with a Nashville based group, Louis Brooks and the Hillstoppers. Being involved with this group he found himself landing in Miami, Florida.
Shortly thereafter, Latimore signed with Glade Records under the parent company of TK Productions. His career began to grow and then in 1974, it hit a high when his single, "Let's Straighten It Out", skyrocketed to number one on the R & B charts gaining him national attention. Success continued to be associated with Latimore as he released such great tunes as "Stormy Monday", "There's A Red Neck In The Soul Band", "Keep The Fire Burnin'", and "Somethin' Bout 'Cha", which charted nationally at number seven. With his increasing popularity, from 1977 through 1978, Latimore produced more hits such as "I Get Lifted", "Dig A Little Deeper", and "Put Pride Aside".
In 1982, Latimore teamed up with Malaco Records and produced eight great LP's. They include: "Singing In The Key Of Love", "I'll Do Anything For You", "Good Time Man", "Everyway But Wrong", "Slow Down", "The Only Way Is Up", and "Catchin' Up". His current release is entitled, "Turnin' Up The Mood" has been doing very well on the newest label of Malaco Records, J-Town.
Even though Latimore has moved to a new label, his steamy, rich, R & B interpretations - which emerge from his deep soul and blues roots - continue to captivate listeners from the funk and disco eras, through today.
