TB Bess

LaTora Best-Khounsady (TB Bess)

ARTIST BIOGRAPY

New Jersey Native, LaTora Best-Khounsady (TB Bess) is a drummer/percussionist/singer, songwriter/ and Entrepreneur.  Although she loves all genres of music, she has her own sound which is a fusion of Blues, Jazz, and Neo soul. While pursuing a degree in Music for Composition in 2005, LaTora found the urge to be a drummer while performing in a commercial Ensemble class at Camden County College and immediately began to learn and quickly found work in the field. After doing a series of smaller gigs around the city of Philadelphia she would meet Garfield Williams (Uarts Grad and drummer for Richard Smallwood) where she would be afforded the opportunity to study drums under his direction and later would become the drummer for his church and small gospel ensemble. Over time she would develop a sound and a Pocket that would catch the ears and eyes of some of the greatest drummers and percussionist in the world. As a drummer/percussionist LaTora has had the opportunity to play alongside some greats and even played behind Jazmine Sullivan in 2010 at a wedding where she was hired to be the drummer for the band.

Over time LaTora’s career would lead her to becoming one of the biggest networkers around. This would lead to talent buying for venues and booking agent for local artist. Motivated to continue a path in the business of music, LaTora would start Dabess Entertainment LLC. With this company she became the go between for artist and clients. So far, the company has been responsible for bringing some of the best events to South Jersey and Philadelphia and surrounding areas. LaTora has Led and MD’d a wedding band, organized two different ensembles and a choir for a funeral where she sat in as a drummer along with Ray Hollomon, Darrell Robinson, Wayne Moore, and Johnnie “smurf” Smith. She has been responsible for finding work and venues for local artist and recently with becoming a promoter now putting DJs into play. While running a few events LaTora would have to perform as a percussionist or vocalist, and this would open the door for her to do BGV with Shirley Lites and Lovey and the Lovells. 

Today LaTora is back in school pursuing her degree in music and studying engineering and plans to graduate Summer 2023. Working on her new music which she hopes to record and release soon. Currently she is one of the hottest promoters in the Tri-State area putting on Music events, Comedy shows and even Male and female Reviews. She has plans to one day run the biggest Entertainment Agency around and one day become a huge Concert Promoter.