Gene Latter

Gene Latter, originally named Arthur Ford, is a Welsh singer known for his versatile career spanning the 1960s and 1970s. He grew up in Cardiff's Tiger Bay area and was involved in various musical styles including beat, R&B, soul, freakbeat, psychedelia, and disco. Early on, he was a member of the local band The Alley Cats before moving to London, where he joined the Rhodesian band The Shake Spears briefly. After parting ways with them, he pursued a solo career, releasing numerous singles on several labels such as Decca, CBS, and Spark, though he never achieved major commercial success. His music includes covers like "Mother’s Little Helper" and original tracks such as "Rock Your Boat," which gained popularity in the disco-funk scene. Gene Latter is also noted for his efforts to help the band The Equals by connecting them with the music industry, highlighting his broader influence in the UK music scene.

Despite lacking a widespread hit, Latter's eclectic output and collaborations with various groups make him a respected figure in Welsh and British music history. His discography shows a range of styles reflecting the changing music trends of his active years, and he remains a cult favorite for fans of Northern Soul and 60s-70s British pop and soul.