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From Gospel Roots to Southern Soul Royalty: Nathaniel Kimble’s Journey

With over 18 years in the music industry and a powerful voice rooted in gospel and blues, Nathaniel Kimble has carved out an unforgettable legacy in Southern Soul. Born on November 24, 1964, in the small Delta town of Benoit, Mississippi, just northeast of Greenville, Nathaniel was raised by Bernice Bryant Kimble and Frank Kimble. From an early age, he discovered his love for singing in the church choir—a passion that would later transform into a lifelong musical career.

While gospel music laid the foundation for his vocal prowess, Nathaniel was captivated by the soul-stirring sound of the blues. He immersed himself in the genre, collecting music from legends like Tyrone Davis, Johnny Taylor, Marvin Sease, and Willie Clayton. Inspired by these icons, Nathaniel began performing in local clubs, where his smooth voice and electrifying stage presence quickly won over audiences.

In 2000, he took a leap of faith and released his debut album, Can U Bagg It Up, which became an instant hit, catapulting him into the national spotlight. He followed up with Please Don’t Go and Ghetto Club in 2002, both of which became fan favorites. By the time he released his third album, Better Get Ready, under Mardi Gras Records, Nathaniel had solidified his reputation as a rising star in the Southern Soul scene.

His 2005 release, Sensational, featured the chart-topping single “2 Steps,” which climbed to #5 on the radio charts, and “Happy,” a feel-good anthem embraced by fans across the South. He continued the momentum with Baby I’m Back in 2006, showcasing another crowd-pleaser, “You Make Me Happy.”

After a brief hiatus to focus on family, Nathaniel returned in 2009 with Mama, a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, which earned the #3 spot on the Blues Critic Charts. In 2012, he released Full of That Juice, an album loaded with fan-favorite tracks like “Let Me Luv U,” “Full of That Juice,” and a revamped remix of “Can U Bagg It Up.”

Between 2014 and today, Nathaniel has continued to deliver hit after hit. His singles “Bad Mama Jama,” “Clap Yo Hands,” and “What I’m Gon Say” garnered widespread acclaim, with “What I’m Gon Say” earning him the prestigious Soul Artist of the Year Award at the 2016 Jackson Music Awards. The same song earned him a nomination for Best Male Southern Soul Artist at the New Orleans Viewer’s Choice Awards, and even a Grammy Award nomination.

Distributed by Music Access in Dallas, TX, Nathaniel’s music continues to reach listeners across the globe. His dynamic live shows, emotional delivery, and commitment to connecting with fans make every performance unforgettable.

Nathaniel Kimble remains humble and grateful for his journey, giving thanks to God, his late parents Frank and Bernice Kimble, and his children Ricky, Natisha, Natia, and Nathaniel Jr. Throughout his career, he has shared the stage with a remarkable list of legends including B.B. King, Sir Charles Jones, T.K. Soul, Bobby Rush, Betty Wright, Johnny Gill, the Ying Yang Twins, and many more.

A true Southern Soul staple, Nathaniel Kimble continues to inspire, uplift, and entertain—proving that great music, grounded in authenticity and heart, will always find its way home.

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