When you think of smooth R&B voices that have stood the test of time, Kenny Lattimore’s name definitely comes to mind. This Washington D.C. native has been making hearts melt with his soulful ballads for more than thirty years now. But here’s what many fans are curious about: just how much is Kenny Lattimore worth today?
Well, if you’ve been wondering about Kenny Lattimore’s net worth, you’re in for some interesting details. The talented singer has built himself a solid $2 million fortune through decades of hard work in the entertainment world. That’s not pocket change by any means, especially when you consider how he’s earned every dollar through his music, acting, and smart business moves.
What makes Kenny’s story even more fascinating is how he’s managed to stay relevant and financially successful in an industry that’s notorious for chewing up artists and spitting them out. From his early days singing backup to becoming a Grammy-nominated solo star, Kenny’s journey to his current net worth is pretty inspiring.
What Exactly Is Kenny Lattimore’s Net Worth?
Kenny Lattimore’s net worth is estimated at $2 million as of 2024.
Let’s cut straight to the chase – Kenny Lattimore’s net worth sits at an estimated $2 million as of 2024. Now, before you start thinking that sounds low compared to some of today’s mega-stars, remember that Kenny built his wealth in the R&B world, where success often comes from staying power rather than viral moments.
This $2 million didn’t just appear overnight. Kenny’s been grinding in the music business since the late 1980s, and his wealth reflects over three decades of consistent work. Unlike some artists who hit it big with one album and then disappear, Kenny has been the tortoise in this race – slow, steady, and ultimately successful.
His money comes from all sorts of places too. We’re talking album sales, streaming royalties, live performances, acting gigs, and even his own record label. It’s actually pretty smart how he’s diversified his income streams over the years.
The Early Days: From D.C. to Stardom
Kenny wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Kenneth Lee Lattimore came into this world on April 10, 1970, in Washington, D.C., where his parents Sonya Ball Ryan and Walter Lattimore raised him in a household that appreciated good music.
His musical journey really started taking shape at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Maryland. That’s where he met Dr. Barbara Baker, his band director, who Kenny still credits as one of his biggest influences. It’s funny how one teacher can change someone’s entire life trajectory, right?
After high school, Kenny headed to Howard University – and if you know anything about HBCUs, you know Howard has produced some serious musical talent over the years. While he was there, he started doing session work for an R&B group called Maniquin.
Here’s where things get interesting: Kenny eventually became Maniquin’s lead singer, and they even put out an album in 1989. But Kenny had bigger dreams. He could see his potential as a solo artist, so he made the bold decision to leave the group and strike out on his own. That decision would eventually lead to his current $2 million net worth.
Solo Career: Where the Real Money Started Rolling In
Kenny’s solo career launch was like watching a master class in how to build lasting wealth in the music industry. In 1994, he landed a deal with Columbia Records – and let me tell you, major label deals don’t come easy, especially for R&B artists.
His debut album, simply called “Kenny Lattimore,” dropped in May 1996 and absolutely killed it. The album went Gold, which means it sold over 500,000 copies. In today’s streaming world, that might not sound like much, but back then, that was serious money in the bank.
The album had two massive hits that really put Kenny on the map. “For You” shot straight to #1 on the Adult R&B Songs chart and even earned him a Grammy nomination. Can you imagine how that must have felt? Going from backup singer to Grammy nominee in just a few years?
Then “Never Too Busy” hit #2 on the same chart, proving that Kenny wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. These songs didn’t just make him famous – they started building the foundation of his current net worth through ongoing royalties.
Kenny kept the momentum going with “From the Soul of Man” in 1998, which did really well on the charts. Then came “Weekend” in 2001, and each album added more to his growing wealth. What’s really impressive is that he’s released nine solo albums over his career, with his latest “Here to Stay” coming out in 2021 – and it had a #1 hit with “Take a Dose.”
Acting and Business Ventures: Diversifying the Portfolio
Here’s something that shows Kenny’s business smarts: he didn’t put all his eggs in the music basket. The man has 32 acting credits to his name, which is pretty impressive for someone who’s primarily known as a singer.
His acting debut was on “Moesha” back in 1997, and from there he appeared on shows like “The Parkers” and “The Young and the Restless.” He also did some movies, including “The Seat Filler” in 2004. While acting probably isn’t his biggest money-maker, every little bit adds up when you’re building wealth.
But here’s the really smart move Kenny made: in 2012, he started his own record label called SincereSoul Records. This was huge because instead of just being an artist making money for other people’s labels, he became the label owner. That means he gets to keep a much bigger slice of the pie from his music sales.
How Kenny Makes His Money: Breaking Down the Revenue Streams
You might be wondering exactly how Kenny turns his talent into that $2 million net worth. Well, it’s actually pretty diverse:
Live Performances
This is probably Kenny’s biggest money-maker. Word on the street is that he charges between $20,000 and $30,000 per show. If he does just 20-30 shows a year (which is pretty conservative for an active touring artist), that’s potentially $400,000 to $900,000 annually just from live performances.
Streaming and Royalties
Every time someone plays “For You” on Spotify or Apple Music, Kenny gets paid. His older hits from the ’90s are still earning him money today, which is the beauty of creating timeless music.
Album Sales
While physical album sales aren’t what they used to be, Kenny still earns from both digital sales and streaming of his extensive catalog.
Merchandise
T-shirts, hats, posters – it might not seem like much, but merchandise sales at concerts and online can add up over time.
Acting Work
Those TV and movie appearances provide additional income, plus potential residual payments.
Record Label
Through SincereSoul Records, Kenny can earn money not just from his own music but potentially from other artists he signs.
Personal Life: Love, Marriage, and Family
Kenny’s personal life has been pretty interesting, and it’s actually played a role in his career and finances too. He was married to fellow R&B singer Chanté Moore from 2002 to 2011. Together, they released two collaborative albums: “Things That Lovers Do” and “Uncovered/Covered.”
“Things That Lovers Do” was actually a commercial success, hitting #31 on the Billboard 200. Not only did this collaboration make money, but it also introduced Kenny to Chanté’s fanbase and vice versa. They had a son together, Kenny Jr., who was born on the same day as his dad – April 10th.
After their divorce in 2011, Kenny found love again with Faith Jenkins, a TV judge and attorney. They got married in 2020, and Faith brings her own success to the relationship – she’s got an estimated net worth of $2 million herself. They welcomed their daughter Skylar in January 2023.
What’s interesting is that both of Kenny’s wives have been successful in their own right, which probably helps with networking and career opportunities in the entertainment world.
Awards and Recognition: The Accolades That Boost Earning Power
Kenny’s trophy case is pretty impressive, and these awards don’t just look good on the mantle – they actually help increase his earning potential. Industry recognition often translates to higher performance fees and more opportunities.
His Grammy nomination for “For You” in 1998 was huge. Grammy nods carry serious weight in the music industry and often lead to increased album sales and higher booking fees. He also won Outstanding New Artist at the 1997 NAACP Image Awards, which was particularly meaningful for an R&B artist.
Kenny’s received multiple Soul Train Award nominations over the years, including recognition for both “For You” and “Find a Way.” These awards span different decades of his career, showing that he’s maintained excellence and industry respect over time.
His chart performance speaks for itself too. Multiple singles have hit the top 10 on the Adult R&B Songs chart, and that kind of consistent performance shows he knows how to create music that resonates with both audiences and radio programmers.
Business Smarts: Building Long-Term Wealth
What really impresses me about Kenny’s approach to building his $2 million net worth is how strategic he’s been. Starting SincereSoul Records wasn’t just about creative control – it was a smart business move that allows him to earn more from his music.
Running your own label means you get to keep a bigger percentage of sales and streaming revenue instead of splitting it with a major label. It also opens up opportunities to sign other artists and earn from their success too.
Kenny’s also been smart about maintaining ownership of his music catalog where possible. Those royalty checks from songs like “For You” and “Never Too Busy” keep coming in decades after they were first released.
How Kenny Stacks Up Against Other R&B Artists
When you look at Kenny Lattimore’s $2 million net worth in context, it’s actually pretty solid for an R&B artist of his generation. Sure, some artists like Usher have built $100+ million fortunes, but those are the exceptions rather than the rule.
Most successful R&B artists from Kenny’s era have net worths ranging from $1 million to $5 million, so Kenny’s sitting right in that sweet spot. What’s impressive is that he’s maintained this level of wealth while navigating major changes in the music industry.
Kenny started his career during the CD era when album sales generated serious revenue, but he’s successfully adapted to the streaming age where artists earn much less per play. That kind of adaptability is what separates the artists who build lasting wealth from those who don’t.
The Bottom Line on Kenny Lattimore’s Net Worth
Kenny Lattimore’s $2 million net worth tells the story of an artist who’s played the long game and won. He didn’t chase quick fame or try to reinvent himself to follow trends. Instead, he focused on creating quality music, building genuine relationships with fans, and making smart business decisions.
From his early days with Maniquin to his current status as an independent artist and label owner, Kenny has consistently made choices that have contributed to both his artistic legacy and his financial success. His wealth might not make headlines like some pop stars, but it represents something more valuable: sustainability.
In an industry where many artists struggle financially despite their fame, Kenny Lattimore has built a solid foundation that should serve him well for years to come. That $2 million net worth isn’t just a number – it’s proof that talent, hard work, and smart business decisions can create lasting success in the music world.
