Benjamin William Lattimore, better known professionally as Latimore, the acclaimed blues and R&B singer, songwriter and pianist whose soulful voice made “Let’s Straighten It Out” a Southern soul classic, has died in August 2026 at the age of 86.
Born in Charleston, Tennessee, in 1939, Latimore was influenced from an early age by country music, the blues and his Baptist church choir. He began playing piano as a child and eventually moved into professional music, working as a sideman and pianist for Florida-based musicians and groups, including Steve Alaimo.
Latimore began recording in Miami around 1965 for Henry Stone’s Dade label. His career gained momentum in the early 1970s after he signed with Glades Records.
His first major breakthrough came in 1973 with a jazzy rendition of T-Bone Walker’s blues standard “Stormy Monday,” which climbed to No. 27 on the R&B chart.
The following year, Latimore released what would become his signature recording.
“Let’s Straighten It Out” Becomes a Classic
In 1974, “Let’s Straighten It Out” reached No. 1 on the R&B chart and crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at No. 31. The emotionally direct song became synonymous with Latimore and established him as one of the distinctive voices of Southern soul and blues.
He followed the success with several more R&B hits, including “Keep the Home Fire Burnin’,” which reached No. 5 in 1975, and “Somethin’ ’Bout ’Cha,” which reached No. 7 in 1976.
Latimore also scored an R&B hit with “If You Were My Woman,” his gender-flipped interpretation of the song popularized by Gladys Knight & the Pips.
Although his mainstream chart success eventually slowed, Latimore never stopped making music.
A Second Act in Southern Soul and Blues
In 1982, Latimore signed with Malaco Records, where he embraced modern blues and Southern soul and released seven albums over the following years. He briefly left the label in the 1990s to record for J-Town before returning to Malaco in 2000 with You’re Welcome to Ride.
He later recorded for Mel Waiters’ Brittney Records and partnered with longtime collaborator Henry Stone to establish LatStone Records. The label released Back ’Atcha in 2007, marking Latimore’s first new album in six years.
Latimore’s influence extended beyond his own recordings. He remained active as a session pianist and continued contributing to the Miami soul music community. Among his later work were appearances on Joss Stone’s albums The Soul Sessions and Mind Body & Soul, alongside Miami music veterans including Betty Wright, Timmy Thomas and Willie Hale.
In May 2014, Latimore also made a television appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Honored by the Blues Hall of Fame
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to blues and soul music, Latimore was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2017.
His career spanned more than five decades and included dozens of albums, countless performances and a catalog that helped bridge the worlds of blues, R&B and Southern soul.
Latimore was admired for a vocal style that was powerful without being overly theatrical. His delivery was intimate, conversational and emotionally honest, allowing the stories within his songs to speak for themselves.
For generations of soul and blues fans, however, his name will forever be connected to the unforgettable opening words and emotional plea of “Let’s Straighten It Out.”
Latimore was more than a hitmaker. He was a pianist, songwriter, vocalist, bandleader and who helped preserve and advance the rich musical tradition of Southern soul and blues.
His music will continue to live on through the artists he influenced and the listeners who found comfort, truth and emotion in his songs.
Thank you, Latimore, for your contributions in the name of our music and culture.
Rise in Power, Unsung Soul Brother. 
RIP Silver Fox.
