Larry Ernest Blackmon (born May 29, 1951) is an American vocalist and musician, known as the lead singer, founder and frontman of the funk and R&B band Cameo.
Early life and career Born in New York City,Tee, Ralph (1992). Soul Music : Who's Who. Rocklin, CA : Prima Publishing. p. 23. . "Born in New York, Larry Blackmon developed an interest in music as a child. Every Sunday after church he attended shows at The Apollo Theatre in Harlem where he was inspired by artists including James Brown, Otis Redding and The Temptations. He began his formal music training at junior high school, and later put together a succession of groups including The Mighty Gees, Concrete Wall, East Coast and The New York City Players. The name of the latter proved cumbersome, so he changed it to Cameo. " on May 29, 1951,People Magazine (2000). People Entertainment Almanac. Time Inc. Home Entertainment. p. 600. . "May 29: Annette Bening; Larry Blackmon; Gary Brooker""This Week's Star Guide to Birthdays: Gemini (May 29-June 4) – Larry Blackmon; Latoya Jackson". Jet. June 4, 1981. p. 46. Retrieved August 14, 2026. "Jet celebrities with birthdays during this time period include: Larry Blackmon of Cameo and singer LaToya Jackson, both on May 29; actor Cleavon Little on June 1; actress Joan Pringle and Johnny Carter of the Dells, both on June 2; entertainer Josephine Baker (1906-1975), singer/musician Curtis Mayfield and singer Deniece Williams, all on June 4." See also: "This Week's Star Guide to Birthdays: Gemini (May 23-29)". Jet. May 29, 1980. "Among the Jet celebrities with birthdays in this period are : sexy songstress Patti LaBelle on May 24; musician/bandleader Miles Davis and Heatwave member Calvin Duke, both on May 25; award-winning singer Gladys Knight and Sweet Inspirations member Myrna Smith, both on May 28; and Cameo member Larry Blackmon of Cameo, May 29." "Celebrating Birthdays". Jet. June 1, 1987. p. 54. "legendary jazz trumpeter Miles Davis, actor Todd Bridges and songstress-actressLeslie Uggams, May 25; TV star Phillip Michael Thomas, May 26; jazz musician Ramsey Lewis and Academy Award-winning actor Louis Gossett, Jr., May 27; soul singer, Gladys Knight, May 28; Rebbie Jackson and LaToya Jackson of the Jackson musical family, and singer Larry Blackmon, May 29." Blackmon is the son of former boxer / longtime boxing trainer, Lee Black.
Starting the band "East Coast", Blackmon formed the "New York City Players" as a complement to the Ohio Players. Having to rename the group because of a conflict, Blackmon later called the group Cameo. Blackmon lived in Harlem and played drums on several hits for the band Black Ivory. Along with his unique vocal style, Blackmon's other personal touches included sporting an elaborate hi-top fade haircut and a codpiece over his pants. His signature "Ow!" was used as the intro for some of the band's songs. The group Cameo appeared at Adventureland Palace, sponsored by Black Pride Inc., on April 26, 1978. Blackmon founded Atlanta-based funk quartet CA$HFLOW, which had a hit with "Mine All Mine" in 1986.
Guest appearances Blackmon appeared as a backing vocalist on Ry Cooder's 1987 album Get Rhythm and Cyndi Lauper's 1989 album A Night to Remember. He also had co-producer credits on Eddie Murphy's 1989 album So Happy. The snare drum sound that Blackmon created for "Word Up!" and "Candy" was duplicated on releases by a wide range of artists.[ Allmusic biography]
Personal life One of Blackmon's sons, Larry Scott Blackmon, is heavily involved in New York politics, becoming a social activist and once running for the New York City Council.
On March 18, 2024, a personal note from Blackmon was posted on Cameo's official Facebook page, apologizing to fans in Palm Springs, California for his last-minute, medically mandated no-show at the previous night's concert. Until the last possible minute, I tried to make it, but I am human, and due to a medical issue, I just simply was not able to be there with you. [...] I am pleased that we did not cancel the show, and [...] I thank our Cameo band members, many of whom who travelled a great distance to deliver the Cameo funk. I am well and I send everyone my sincerest apologies. The funk is here to stay and I hope to see you again very soon.Cameo (March 18, 2024) "A note from Larry Blackmon". Facebook. Retrieved August 13, 2026.
See also Atlanta Artists
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