What Happened to Benjamin William Lattimore?
Benjamin William Lattimore, known professionally as Latimore, was an influential American blues and R&B singer, songwriter, and pianist whose career spanned over five decades. Renowned for his soulful baritone voice and signature hit "Let's Straighten It Out," he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2017. Latimore passed away on August 22, 2026, at the age of 86, leaving behind a rich legacy in Southern soul music.
Quick Answer
Latimore, the legendary blues and R&B singer, songwriter, and pianist, passed away on August 22, 2026, at the age of 86. He was celebrated for his distinctive baritone and hits like "Let's Straighten It Out," which topped the R&B charts in 1974. Prior to his passing, he continued to release new music, including the single "Let Me Goo" in January 2026, and was scheduled to perform at the Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival in September 2026, where a tribute is now planned.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Charleston, Tennessee
Benjamin William Lattimore was born in Charleston, Tennessee, where he was influenced by country music, Baptist church choirs, and the blues.
First Recordings with Dade Records
Latimore began his professional recording career with Henry Stone's Dade record label in Miami, Florida, initially billed as Benny Latimore.
First Major Hit with "Stormy Monday"
Moving to the Glades label, Latimore achieved his first major hit with a jazzy reworking of T-Bone Walker's "Stormy Monday," reaching No. 27 on the R&B chart.
R&B Chart-Topper "Let's Straighten It Out"
Latimore scored his biggest success with "Let's Straighten It Out," which became a No. 1 R&B hit and reached No. 31 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
Hit "Keep The Home Fire Burnin'"
He followed up his major hit with "Keep The Home Fire Burnin'," which reached No. 5 on the R&B charts.
Hit "Somethin' 'Bout 'Cha"
Latimore continued his commercial success with "Somethin' 'Bout 'Cha," which peaked at No. 7 on the R&B chart.
Signs with Malaco Records
Latimore moved to Malaco Records, a prominent Southern soul label, where he released seven albums over the next two decades.
Launches LatStone Records
He collaborated with Henry Stone to launch LatStone Records, releasing his album "Back 'Atcha," his first new album in six years.
Releases 'Latimore Remembers Ray Charles'
Latimore released his album 'Latimore Remembers Ray Charles,' a tribute to the legendary artist.
Appears on The Tonight Show
He made a notable television appearance on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,' performing with The Roots.
Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame
In recognition of his significant contributions to the genre, Latimore was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.
Releases 'Let's Straighten It Out (Jus' Blues Version)'
A new version of his signature song, 'Let's Straighten It Out (Jus' Blues Version),' was released as part of the Jus' Blues 25th Anniversary Legends Collection.
Releases Single 'Let Me Goo'
Latimore released a new single titled 'Let Me Goo' in early 2026, demonstrating his continued musical activity.
Passes Away at Age 86
Benjamin William Lattimore, known as Latimore, passed away at the age of 86, just weeks before his 87th birthday.
Posthumous Tribute at Mississippi Delta Blues Festival
Latimore was scheduled to perform at the 49th Annual Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival; organizers are now planning a tribute in his honor.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Benjamin William Lattimore, universally recognized as Latimore, was born on September 7, 1939, in Charleston, Tennessee, and became a cornerstone of American blues and R&B music. His early musical influences were diverse, drawing from country music, Baptist church choirs, and the raw emotion of the blues. He began his professional journey in the 1960s as a pianist for various Florida-based groups, including Steve Alaimo, before embarking on a solo recording career.
Latimore's breakthrough came in the early 1970s after signing with Henry Stone's Dade and Glades labels in Miami. His jazzy rendition of T-Bone Walker's "Stormy Monday" became a major R&B hit in 1973, reaching No. 27 on the charts. However, his biggest success arrived in 1974 with the self-penned "Let's Straighten It Out," a soulful ballad that soared to No. 1 on the R&B chart and crossed over to No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying his status as a soul star. This was followed by other significant hits like "Keep The Home Fire Burnin'" (1975) and "Somethin' 'Bout 'Cha" (1976).
As the music landscape evolved, Latimore adapted his sound, moving towards a modern Southern soul style. In 1982, he signed with Malaco Records, a Mississippi-based label, where he released seven albums over the next two decades, maintaining a loyal audience. He also continued to work as a prolific session pianist, contributing to albums by artists such as Joss Stone. In 2007, he co-founded LatStone Records with Henry Stone, releasing new material like the album "Back 'Atcha."
A testament to his enduring impact, Latimore was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2017. He remained active in music, releasing his last album, "Latimore Remembers Ray Charles," in 2013, and made a notable appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" in May 2014. His commitment to his craft extended into his later years, with a single titled "Let Me Goo" released in January 2026 and a 2025 version of "Let's Straighten It Out (Jus' Blues Version)" further demonstrating his ongoing musical presence.
Latimore passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026, at the age of 86. At the time of his death, he was scheduled to perform at the 49th Annual Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival in September 2026, where organizers are now planning a tribute in his honor. His legacy is remembered through his extensive discography, his powerful vocal delivery, and his profound influence on the blues and Southern soul genres.
What If...?
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