Kenny Lattimore: Staying Power

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for you, Kenny?

My mother discovered that I could sing when I was 12 years old. She introduced my to voice lessons and the beginning of studying the art of singing. From there, I gained the confidence to perform and grow as an entertainer. I embraced the idea of a career in singing during High School.

Now you’re a native of Washington, DC, correct? So growing up in ‘The District,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Some of my influences were Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Phyllis Hyman, The Clark Sisters & Daryl Coley. I was highly influenced by the Quiet Storm radio format at Howard University radio station WHUR. They played what was called progressive jazz, which was a mixture of jazz and R&B. Also, they played gospel on Sundays.

In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

Classic, Timeless R&B mainly. I sing various genres of music, but I am known best for my R&B love songs.

Switching gears here…

Longevity, what do you attribute yours to?

Collaboration is key. I have a heart for mentoring and informing young people on how to do life well. As a result, I have met young producers and writers who keep me in tune to what is relevant now while at the same time respecting my legacy.

What do you want people to get from your music?

I sing to the hearts of women and the minds of men to encourage them in love. I hope that they receive the messages of positivity.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B?

I am excited about the creators of R&B. Jazmine Sullivan, Ro James and Lucky Daye are a few that let me know that R&B is in good hands. I don’t think that Black R&B singers are always valued in the music industry, which affects how we create. Undervaluing artists stifles the creativity for making new original music.

Do you have any other outside / additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

I love real estate; plan to own a resort and spa hotel one day, and am most passionate about mentoring.

As far as SincereSoul Records is concerned, what are your future plans and / or goals for the imprint? And who, besides yourself of course, makes up its artist roster?

I actually started SincereSoul Records to mainly help me stay in control of my own music brand. But in the future can see me using this company as a tool to help other artists gain exposure. Particularly Madicin, who is the main producer of my Here To Stay project. He is very talented and I believe he deserves to be heard.

To date, what has been your greatest career achievement(s), at least thus far anyway?

My greatest career achievement has been making Here To Stay. I am at a time in my career where I could just comfortably sing catalog and not make new music. But the achievement of partnering with SRG and Madicin has made me a student of music and business again after 25 years of being blessed to live my dream. I have achieved a state of gratefulness for the past success, but I am just as excited about the future.

One track of yours that you think defines you and why?

From Here To Stay, “Lose You” defines me most. The lyrics are clear and heartfelt, the music is still in my consistent lane of sophisticated R&B and my performance is very much in the state of R&B now.

Finally, what’s next for Mr. Kenny Lattimore?

I am going to do more acting and hosting for film and television. I am looking for the right projects to be aligned with. Musically, I plan to remain open to hear what my fans want to receive from me.

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

Here To Stay is available now on all music platforms, and I can not wait to tour the music live.

Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

Check out www.kennylattimore.com for all things Kenny Lattimore. I even have a VIP Lounge (Newsletter) where I send free subscribers information about what I am doing next.

Oh, and on an unrelated note, my late father who passed back in November 2017, was a huge fan of your wife; she was his favorite TV personality and he watched her show religiously… #Salute

May your father’s life be celebrated through you and generations to come. Also, I pray that you and your family walk in the light of healing as I know how tough it is losing a parent. I appreciate you sharing his support of Faith. I will let her know. Blessings!