About this episodeKenny Lattimore reflects on his 30-year career, crediting mentorship from Suzette Uzi Williams and Lauren Hill…AI summary
Kenny Lattimore reflects on his 30-year career, crediting mentorship from Suzette Uzi Williams and Lauren Hill for his longevity and peace in the industry. He shares his journey from classical training and failed group projects to solo success, highlighting the importance of authenticity and embracing one's unique gifts regardless of platform. The conversation also reveals his deep friendship with Michael Jordan and upcoming plans to perform classical and jazz fusion at prestigious venues.
Key takeaways 5
Mentorship Impact: Suzette Uzi Williams taught Lattimore about publishing and provided a sanctuary during tough times, preventing him from becoming jaded by the music industry's business side.
Career Resilience: After initial failures with groups (Mannequin Man) and labels (East West), Lattimore decided to try one more solo project, which led to his breakthrough with producer Jay DeBarge.
Classical Foundation: Lattimore's background in classical music and the American Songbook helped him overcome severe shyness and develop phonetic skills that allow him to sing in multiple languages.
Industry Authenticity: He emphasizes the importance of singing authentically across genres (R&B, Jazz, Gospel, Classical) without being forced into a specific sound or look by the industry.
Michael Jordan Friendship: The friendship began when Nike asked Lattimore to sing for Jordan; it solidified when Jordan specifically requested he sing the deep album cut 'Forever' rather than a hit single.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“She sat me down to teach me publishing... nurturing me as a writer... she opened up to be a sanctuary to artists like myself.”
▶ 3:03Lattimore describing how Suzette Uzi Williams guided his early career and provided emotional support.
“I don't have no reason to tear down nobody... or fight against the industry... she was one to remind me about the music the power of the music.”
▶ 3:29Explaining why he avoided the bitterness common among artists who get jaded by business dealings.
“I'm gonna try this one more time if it's not your will I don't... I'm going to do church ministry... I'm a sing in church.”
▶ 7:44Lattimore's mindset before his solo breakthrough, showing his willingness to leave music if it wasn't meant to be.
“It's a particular song it's called forever... I stood there and I was like I'm sitting here singing forever from Michael Jordan.”
▶ 16:27The moment Michael Jordan revealed he was a fan by requesting a deep cut rather than a hit song.
“When you are in studying classical music you learn more phonetics of various languages... I sang in about nine different languages.”
▶ 14:17Explaining how his classical training enabled him to perform in Spanish and other languages authentically.
Chapters & Sections (42)▼
0:00Celebrity Interview with Kenny Lattimorechapter4
0:00Radio Host's Angelic Voice Impression
0:47Celebrity Fan Memories and Career Follow-up
1:27Fan Appreciation for Musician's Career
2:01Man Reflects on Life and Career
2:45Artist's Gratitude for Mentorship and Industry Guidancechapter2
2:45Artist Credits Mentorship and Career Development
3:42Reflecting on Music's Unifying Power
4:14Celebrating Lauren Hill's Influence on the Artistchapter3
4:14Celebrity Friendship and Mutual Admiration
4:45Artist's Influence and Personal Experience
5:26Artist Reflects on Influential Music Moments
6:05Artist Reflects on Career and Creative Purposechapter4
6:05Artist finds comfort in friend's home sanctuary
6:50Music Career and Education Background
7:22Failed Business Deal with East West Records
7:51Embracing Creative Gifts in Any Platform
8:31Artist's Journey to Success and Self-Discoverychapter3
8:31Reflecting on Past Life Choices and Career
9:12Meeting with Music Producer Jay Dibs
9:43Artist Development and Musical Influences
10:16Overcoming Shyness through Music and Authenticitychapter2
10:16Overcoming Shyness through Classical Music
10:56Breaking Free from Music Industry Paralysis
11:48Kennedy Center Performance and Personal Storychapter2
11:48Kennedy Center Performance and Personal Story
12:31Fan Interaction and Music Performance
13:44Michael Jordan Friendship and Music Collaborationchapter3
13:44Michael Jordan Friendship Story
14:30Learning Multiple Languages through Phonetic Study
14:56Recalling a Song Rejection in the 90s
15:31Michael Jordan's Business Encounter with Kenny Lumchapter5
15:31Michael Jordan Business Opportunity Missed
16:11Michael Jordan's Personal Connection to Music
16:41Michael Jordan's Emotional Tribute to Kenny Smith
17:31Disappointment in Jay's Hidden Opera Talent
18:08Artist Discusses Upcoming Classical Music Performance
18:49Kenny Latimore Discusses His Opera and Broadway Dreamschapter4
18:49Encouragement to Return to Performance
19:24Modern Soul Music and Broadway Dreams
19:57Kenny Loretto Discusses Upcoming Music Project
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