Lamont is his middle name, which was used exclusively by his Auntie Julia Mae Kyles, during his childhood. His stage name is thus an homage to this beloved matriarch of his family.

After starting his 1st year of high school in Los Angeles, and just so happened to have lived directly across the street from the famous Billy Preston (1224 South Hudson Ave), the singing bug hit him. Billy lived upstairs in his modest mansion and his singing church family downstairs. From across the street, Lamont would hear soul-stirring singing, prompting him to join the chorus team in school. Lamont’s penchant for music didn’t ease when he returned home to New Jersey, where he remained in chorus and secretly began honing his craft for solo vocal performances. His friends included the Sanders family, who were all deeply rooted in music, and the Browns introduced him to jazz. Their homes were always filled with music and were gathering spots for many who loved to dance.

Lamont was introduced at the age of 14 to the voices of Phyllis Hyman, George Benson, Al Jarreau, Donny Hathaway, Nancy Wilson, Carmen McCrae, Sarah Vaughn, and from there, so many other great male and female influences. Lamont’s high school classmates weren’t really aware of his ability until the perceptive chorus teacher, Mr. Ernie Scott (an accomplished pianist and musician), put him in front of the class and made him sing. Ernie talked him into performing at a talent show, at which Lamont surprised the entire school audience with his rendition of George Benson’s “Everything Must Change.” From there, it was history… Lamont was officially hooked on live performances anywhere he had the opportunity.

Lamont will forever be grateful to have been discovered by the late Ernie Scott, who himself appeared on Broadway and had so many wonderful accomplishments in the music industry to his credit. Lamont also landed and performed the lead role as “Sky Masterson” in the high school musical rendition of “Guys & Dolls.” Although Lamont loved to perform, his entry into Corporate America and obtaining his further education took precedence.

Most importantly, his devotion to his faith and ministry in helping others in his community to learn the Bible’s message of hope for a better future was and remained at the top of his list of priorities. Why now is Lamont just taking his show to the road, so to speak? As he says, “He’s always loved the reaction he gets from the enjoyment that his audience relays, and now that he is at this stage in his life, he wants to do something he really loves to do… share his gift with many more”! With the climate we now find ourselves in, the soothing sounds of the rich ballads in his repertoire are sure to envelop you and bring some joy to your household! Lamont resides in the Metropolitan Atlanta area, where he enjoys family life with Ursula, his lovely wife of 36 years, 2 daughters, a son-in-law, and 3 wonderful grandchildren.

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