ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Robin is a graduate of The Fort Valley State UNIVERSITY where her talent  was nurtured and requested highly. After winning several talent  competitions there, people started noticing that this young lady  had talent. She joined her first band in 1988. The Darren Winters Ensemble displayed a huge array of different music styles and this was something that sparked Robin’s interest in singing more than  one type of music. She is no stranger to R & B, Rap, Country Western, and other alternative genres. She is heavily influenced by her idols Phyliss Hyman, Lala Hathaway, Oleta Adams, The Clark Sisters, Kim Burrell, Maysa, and Jennifer Holiday.

Even with all this, Robin couldn’t (and wouldn’t) escape her gospel heritage. She started working as a choir director in Warner Robins, Georgia at the age of 19 and has continued to share her views on gospel music as well as teaching it with several denominational churches. “It gives me such a rush when gospel music is sung and ministered with passion”. She continues to do this same type of work, as she is the current Music Director of a prominent Baptist church in Lithonia, Ga.

Currently, Robin is the lead vocalist for her band "Robin Latimore and the Boys". She has recently shared the stage with jazz greats Johnathan Butler, Maysa, Rachelle Ferrell, Michael Franks, Phil Perry, and Jeff Lorber. As exciting as that was, she anxiously awaits the release of her upcoming CD project. 

With her already hectic schedule, she continues to flourish her self-made business, Robin’s Singing Telegrams of Atlanta. “This business will always be my baby. The looks of disbelief, the tears, and the shock of the whole experience makes me want to do this forever!”

We had the good fortune of connecting with Robin Latimore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robin, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
One of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make was leaving my 9 to 5 job to pursue my dream of opening a music venue of my own. I’ve performed at many places and I’ve produced shows for many different venues. I honestly feel God put me in an uncomfortable position at my 9 to 5 so that I’d be flustered enough to leave and do what I love most. I’d worked for an entity for 26 years so leaving, fearing the unknown, and dealing with early retirement penalties had me doubting my decision. But I guess being looked over for promotions, training others who have 1/6th of my tenure and 1/8th of my expertise, for them to become supervisors OVER me, was just the push I needed. I’m glad I did. Looking back, even if I’d gotten the promotions, it wouldn’t allow me to pursue my dream with the drive needed to get it done with excellence. I’d be on call, dealing with audits, new employee issues, and the like. I decided I’d take on those challenges working for myself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I’m a singer, first. I’m proud of that. My mom was a musician, along with many of her siblings so performing, to some degree, is in my blood. I’d also like to think that I’m an entertainer. There are great vocalists out there that sing well but don’t have the craft of entertainment. I have that craft and  I’d like to think that it sets me apart. I got this far by continuing to practice my skill, teaching choirs all my life, singing with different bands, as well as my own, and booking bands for those clients who requested my prowess but may have been too busy and couldn’t handle such a task.  Nothing worth having comes easy. It took time for me to prove to the Atlanta market that I was worthy of them buying a ticket to come hear/see me. But you just keep doing what you feel in your heart of hearts is your purpose. Things will get better. Not so much easier, but better.

I’ve learned along my journey that you can’t trust a lot of people. Even those people you’ve tried to help grow their own business. My heart is huge and I have a genuine love for people. My non-profit, The Robin Latimore Foundation, speaks to that. But I’ve learned that not everyone you’ve worked with has your best interest at heart. With that, I’ve learned to forgive and move on. I move on because the Bible states, “Be not deceived. God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6 vs 7). I ALWAYS set out to help those that are in need or who ask me. They’ll have to answer to Him for being misleading and beguiling.

I want the world to know that when they enter The Robin’s Nest (after it opens), they can be sure to receive great music, awesome customer service, and different styles of music from world class musicians. They can expect a classy venue with upscale surroundings that will make each visitor feel chic and exclusive. 

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite restaurant is Houstons. Anybody who knows me knows that’s my “go to” spot for great, consistently enjoyable dining. I also like a little place in Fayetteville called “Enzo”. The owner of that place is so sweet and friendly. The first time I went there, his customer service to my party was so over the top that I don’t mind the 35 minute drive to eat there. I also visit the Atlanta Symphony down at Woodruff’s Arts Center. It really helps me to relax. My favorite performances there feature the music of Bach, Shostakovich, Carl Orff, Tchaikovsky, Ellington, and Stravinsky. I also like visiting a small jazz venue called The Velvet Note in Alpharetta. The owner there keeps great musicians coming in and out of that spot and it’s very cozy. I’m not a drinker but when I was I enjoyed going to the bar at the St. Regis Hotel. Such a fabulous atmosphere with high quality liquors and wines. It boosts very chic surroundings and an outside space with a fireplace for cigar smokers. Lastly, I enjoy live music at Mable House Barnes Amphitheater. It’s not far from my house and the acts that are brought there are bar none some of the best. 

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to? 

Well, I guess I have to credit a particular scripture in the Bible first. Proverbs 18:16 states, “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men” (KJV). What you were designed to be known for is your gift. God has put a gift or talent in EVERY person that the world WILL make room for, but only if YOU exercise it and nurture it.  One of my many gifts is the one of music. Whether I’m performing myself or bringing other great artists to the stage is something I KNOW I’m good at and made to do. You might say it’s my calling. And I love the way great music makes my audiences feel.

I also credit my mom and dad. They were such opposites regarding music. My dad was a jazz, big band, and light R & B lover. My mom loved gospel and, in my younger days, country music. They played an array of different styles around me and each style kept me intrigued to know why it fascinated them so much. I grew to love each genre. My college boyfriend was from Chicago. He introduced me to Hip-Hop and I’ve been addicted to it ever since. My favorites are KRS-1, EPMD, Kool Mo Dee, Big Daddy Kane, Chubb Rock, Biggie, LL Cool J, Run DMC, MC Lyte, and THE R (Rakim).

Lastly, Steve Harvey said once, “The only way to get your parachute to open is to jump. I promise one thing. The parachute will not open right away. That’s the “fear” part. You’ll get some bumps and bruises along the way but here’s the caveat to that. If you do not jump, your parachute will never open.” So with that, I retired from my job, starting doing the things needed to get my business started and expand my brand, and I’m almost at the finish line. Yes. I’ve had the bumps and the bruises as it relates to getting things off the ground. BUT, when all tasks are completed, it’s going to be worth the ride, Baby. My website is under construction but when the brick and mortar is up, it’ll be fully functional for everyone to pick the shows they’d like and enjoy the sweet sounds as well as receive the excellent service that The Robin’s Nest will offer. See you soon.