Kenny Lattimore's journey in music began in the most unexpected of places – the high school band program at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Maryland. It was here that Lattimore's passion for music was first ignited, and he often credits Dr. Barbara Baker for setting him on his current path. This pivotal influence led to Lattimore speaking at the 2005 Eleanor Roosevelt High School Graduation, a testament to his enduring connection to his roots.
Lattimore is an alumnus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., where his musical ambitions continued to flourish. His initial foray into the professional music scene was as a session vocalist for the R&B group Maniquin, which eventually led to an official place as the lead singer. During this time, D'Extra Wiley of the 1990s R&B group II D Extreme was also briefly a member of Maniquin before signing with MCA Records. Maniquin released a self-titled album for Epic Records in 1989, featuring the lead single "I Wanna Ride," which served as an answer to Pebbles' hit single "Mercedes Boy." Both singles were produced and co-written by Charlie Wilson of Gap Band fame.
Lattimore's tenure with Maniquin was brief as he soon left to pursue a solo career, prompting the group's disbandment. In late 1994, Lattimore signed with Columbia Records and released his debut solo album, Kenny Lattimore, in 1996. The album included a pair of Top 20 hits: "Never Too Busy" and the Grammy-nominated "For You," written by his high school friend Kenny Lerum. The success of his debut earned Lattimore the Best New Artist award at the NAACP Image Awards in 1996 and eventually achieved Gold sales status.
Following his successful debut, Lattimore released From the Soul of Man in 1998, another critically acclaimed set of classically styled soul music. This album featured hits like "Days Like This" and "If I Lose My Woman," along with a standout cover of The Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."
Lattimore's personal life has also been a topic of interest. In January 2002, he married singer Chanté Moore in Jamaica. The couple welcomed their son, Kenny Lattimore Jr., on April 10, 2003. However, in July 2011, it was announced that Lattimore and Moore had divorced.
On March 8, 2020, Lattimore found love again and married American judge Faith Jenkins. In late 2022, the couple announced they were expecting their first child together, and in January 2023, they welcomed their daughter into the world.
Kenny Lattimore's journey through music and life is a testament to his talent, resilience, and enduring appeal. From his early days in high school band to his acclaimed solo career and personal milestones, Lattimore continues to captivate audiences with his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. His story is one of passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to his craft.
Comments