Kenny Lattimore & Chanté Moore, Close The Door | COVERS

In the fourth edition of COVERS (2025), Kenny Lattimore and Chanté Moore deliver a compelling rendition of “Close The Door” originally performed by Teddy Pendergrass.

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS focuses solely on the musician who covers.  It is open to established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the fourth edition of COVERS (2025), Kenny Lattimore and Chanté Moore deliver a compelling rendition of “Close The Door” originally performed by Teddy Pendergrass.

“Close the door / Let me give you what you’ve been waiting for / Baby, I got so much love to give / And I wanna give it all to you.”  The late, great Teddy Pendergrass scored the biggest pop hit of his career with “Close The Door” (number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100).  Surprisingly, “Close The Door” was one of only two top 40 hits for an artist who was (1) considered one of the greatest voices of all time, (2) a sex symbol, and (3) had multiple platinum-certified albums. Former husband and wife Kenny Lattimore and Chanté Moore had big shoes to fill covering “Close The Door” on their 2002 collaborative album, Things That Lovers Do.  Matching the excellence of Teddy Pendergrass is a tall task, but Lattimore and Moore bring their ‘A’ game.

Kenny Lattimore and Chanté Moore ensure that “Close The Door” becomes their own, distinct song. First of all, it’s a duet versus the original, a solo performance by Pendergrass.  The smoothness and sensual vibes that made the original special remain on this cover.  That said, the lush, Philly soul stylings are traded for more of an adult contemporary flavor and vibe. This sounds more 2000s (2002) than 70s (1978).  The groove differs from the original yet fits this contemporary take.  And just when it seems strings and horns may be absent from the musical backdrop, they gradually appear, enhancing this classic.  Lattimore and Moore shine with their buttery smooth vocals.  Even if most of the time it doesn’t sound like either ‘break a sweat,’ both pack a punch.  Some of the best moments are when they harmonize, exuding sweet chemistry.  One of the best instrumental touches is a muted trumpet solo that occurs during the music interlude.  Running north of six minutes, the final two minutes mark an extended, sensual outro – sexy vibes! All told, “Close The Door” sounds quite nice in the hands of Kenny Lattimore and Chanté Moore.

Kenny Lattimore & Chanté Moore // Things That Lovers Do // Arista // 2022

Kenny Lattimore & Chanté Moore, Close The Door: Covers No. 4 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Arista; Alan Cordero, Wolf Art from Pexels; AcatXIo, Enrique, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]