Fans of classic blues and R&B are in mourning as singer Latimore, known for the hit “Let’s Straighten It Out,” has reportedly passed away. The singer, born Benjamin William Latimore, also gained acclaim for “Let Me Go” and his versions of “If You Were My Woman” and “Stormy Monday.”
According to Soul Tracks, Latimore passed away on August 22. Currently, his cause of death is unknown.
Tributes Are Pouring in For ‘Let’s Straighten It Out’ Singer Latimore
In many respects, Latimore is considered one of the most influential blues artists of his era. Naturally, this is thanks to the enduring legacy of “Let’s Straighten It Out,” but many also attribute his popularity to his magnetic stage presence. Because of this, fans are taking to social media to pay tribute to the “Let Me Go” singer.
On X, one person said, “RIP to one of the most underrated singers, brother Latimore; he was a member of Blowfly’s band… he also made a movie in the 70s with Wildman Steve.”
Someone else said, “One of the underrated bluesmen of our time. Mr. Straighten It Out! Rest in peace, Latimore.” A different person stated, “Rest in Power, Benny Latimore. The blues has lost a true giant—Benjamin “Benny” Latimore, the legendary singer, songwriter, and pianist known for the 1974 #1 R&B classic “Let’s Straighten It Out,” has passed away at 86.”
A different fan wrote, “Rest in power to Latimore. At first glance, until now, I’m still convinced he is a reference point for a good few Eddie Murphy characters, such as Randy Watson and the look for the pastor in ‘Vampire in Brooklyn.'” He will be missed.”
On Facebook, one grieving fan wrote, “Wow, Bennie was one of my favorites. Used to see him in Clarksdale, MS at the municipal auditorium 30 years ago.” After that, someone else stated, “One of the very best – he will be greatly missed. Thank you for the greatest music.”
Lastly, another fan said, “My deepest condolences to the family and friends.”
His Legacy Will Never Be Forgotten
Latimore was born in 1939 in Charleston, Tennessee, and developed a love of music early in life. Mainly, he drew musical inspiration from gospel, country, and blues. According to All Music, he later moved to Miami, Florida, and began recording for Henry Stone’s Dade Records; for context, this was around 1965.
Fast forward to 1973, and Latimore had moved to Glades Records and scored his first hit with a cover of T-Bone Walker’s “Stormy Monday.” The song reached number 27 on the Billboard R&B chart. His self-titled debut album was released the same year. In 1974, his version of “If You Were My Woman,” a cover of the famous Gladys Knight & The Pips song, also became a hit, reaching number 70.
However, the song that made him a star, “Let’s Straighten It Out,” followed and peaked at number one on the Billboard R&B chart and number 31 on the overall Hot 100 chart. Some of his other hits include “Keep the Home Fire Burnin,” “Somethin’ ‘Bout ‘Cha,” and “I Get Lifted.”
To honor his legacy, Latimore was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2017.
