Kenny Lattimore Net Worth: The R&B Singer’s Career and Life

Kenny Lattimore is a celebrated American R&B singer and actor. Known for his smooth vocals and romantic ballads, Lattimore has carved a significant niche in the music industry. This article delves into his career, exploring his early life, musical journey, collaborations, personal life, and ultimately, his net worth.

Early Life and Background

Kenneth Lee Lattimore, known professionally as Kenny Lattimore, was born on April 10, 1970, in Washington, D.C. Growing up in the nation’s capital, Lattimore cultivated an early interest in music. He attended Eleanor Roosevelt High School, where he was an active member of the school band, laying the foundation for his future musical endeavors. Lattimore’s early exposure to music provided him with the skills and passion that would eventually propel him to stardom. He was even invited back to his high school to speak at the graduation ceremony in 2005, a testament to his success and impact. Following high school, Lattimore pursued higher education at Howard University, further enriching his environment and expanding his network.

Musical Career and Success

Kenny Lattimore’s journey into the music industry began as a session vocalist. He eventually became the lead vocalist for the R&B group Maniquin. In 1989, the group released a self-titled album, marking Lattimore’s first foray into the commercial music scene. However, Lattimore soon embarked on a solo career, a decision that would define his musical legacy. His decision paid off handsomely as he achieved considerable success with multiple top 10 hits and platinum albums. He quickly established himself as a major player in the R&B world.

Michael Jordan and “The Last Dance”

In March 2020, Kenny Lattimore experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks to the Michael Jordan documentary, “The Last Dance.” A memorable scene from the 1998 NBA Finals featured Jordan listening to Lattimore’s music on the team bus. The iconic moment, where Jordan is seen bumping his head to the music, became a viral meme, significantly increasing Lattimore’s visibility and introducing his music to a new generation of fans.

Solo Albums and Chart Performance

Lattimore’s solo career took off in 1994 when he signed with Columbia Records. His self-titled debut album, released on May 14, 1996, was a critical and commercial success. The album was certified Gold and charted impressively, peaking at #92 on the Billboard 200 chart, #1 on the Heatseekers Albums chart, and #19 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Two singles from the album, “For You” and “Never Too Busy,” were major hits, reaching #1 and #2, respectively, on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart. “For You” even earned a Grammy nomination, cementing his status in the industry. Following his successful debut, Lattimore continued to release albums, each contributing to his expanding discography and influence. Subsequent albums include:

• From the Soul of Man (1998): Reached #71 on the Billboard 200 and #15 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
• Weekend (2001): Peaked at #63 on the Billboard 200 and #24 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
• Things That Lovers Do (2003) and Uncovered/Covered (2006): Collaborative albums with his then-wife, Chante Moore. “Things That Lovers Do” reached #31 on the Billboard 200, and “Uncovered/Covered” hit #95.
• Timeless (2008): Charted at #54 on the Billboard 200.
• Anatomy of a Love Song (2015): Reached #177 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
• A Kenny Lattimore Christmas (2016): A holiday album that reached #4 on the Top Gospel Albums chart.
• Vulnerable (2017): Reached #21 on the Independent Albums chart.
• Here to Stay (2021): His most recent studio album.

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Through these albums, Lattimore consistently delivered soulful music, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in R&B.

Collaborations and Other Ventures

Beyond his solo work, Kenny Lattimore has collaborated with numerous artists across various genres. These collaborations have expanded his audience and showcased his versatility. Notably, he’s worked with:

• Ray J
• Peter White
• Brian Culbertson
• Heather B.
• Musiq
• Kim Waters
• Heather Headley

In 2012, Lattimore further diversified his career by launching his record company, SincereSoul Records.

Personal Life: Relationships and Family

Kenny Lattimore’s personal life has also been of interest to the public. He married singer Chanté Moore on January 1, 2002, in Jamaica. The couple had a son, Kenny Lattimore Jr., born on April 10, 2003. However, the marriage ended in divorce in 2011. In March 2020, Lattimore married Judge Faith Jenkins, and they welcomed their daughter, Skylar Leigh Lattimore, on January 16, 2023.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Kenny Lattimore has received significant recognition for his contributions to R&B music. He earned a Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1998 for his song “For You.” In 1997, he was named Outstanding New Artist at the NAACP Image Awards. He has also received multiple Soul Train Award nominations, including Best R&B/Soul Single – Male for “For You” (1998) and Best Independent R&B/Soul Performance for “Find a Way” (2013), reflecting his consistent impact and influence in the genre.

Kenny Lattimore Net Worth

As of 2024, Kenny Lattimore’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million. This net worth is a reflection of his successful music career, including album sales, touring, and other ventures such as his record label. Lattimore’s consistent presence in the R&B scene, along with his ability to adapt to the changing music landscape, has allowed him to maintain a solid financial standing and continue to thrive in the industry.