LaMonte McLemore, a pivotal figure in the music world as one of the founding members of The 5th Dimension, has passed away at the age of 90. Known not just for his musical talents but also as an accomplished celebrity and sports photographer whose work appeared in prestigious publications like Jet, Ebony, and Harper's Bazaar, McLemore left an indelible mark on American culture.
His death, which occurred on Tuesday due to natural causes at his residence in Las Vegas, was confirmed by a publicist, who noted that he had suffered a stroke several years prior.
McLemore was instrumental in shaping the unique sound of The 5th Dimension alongside fellow members Florence LaRue, Ron Townson, and the married duo Billy Davis Jr. and Marilyn McCoo. Together, they brought a refined blend of pop and soul to the forefront during the late 1960s and early 1970s, producing iconic hits such as "Up, Up and Away" and "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In."
The group achieved remarkable success, winning the Grammy Award for Record of the Year twice—once for "Up, Up and Away" in 1968 and again for "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)" in 1970. The latter not only dominated the Billboard Hot 100 chart for six weeks in the spring of 1969 but also became one of the defining songs of its era.
In addition to these notable tracks, The 5th Dimension produced other chart-toppers including the No. 1 hit "Wedding Bell Blues," along with Laura Nyro’s "Stoned Soul Picnic," "Go Where You Wanna Go," "One Less Bell to Answer," and "(Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All." Throughout their career, they released an impressive seven Gold albums and six Platinum RIAA-certified singles.
McLemore's rich bass vocals and approachable demeanor played a crucial role in anchoring the group's sophisticated harmonies and contemporary pop style. "Proverbs 17:22 states that ‘A joyful heart is good medicine…’ Well, LaMonte truly understood my prescription!" LaRue expressed in a heartfelt statement. "His joy and laughter often provided me with strength and comfort during challenging times. We shared a bond that felt more like siblinghood than mere partnership in music.
"It was only after he was gone that I fully appreciated how much I loved LaMonte. His absence has illuminated just how significant he was to me, and that love will reside in my heart eternally."
Born on September 17, 1935, in St. Louis—where he formed a friendship with Davis in childhood—Herman Lamonte McLemore initially enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he honed his skills as an aerial photographer. He briefly pursued a career in professional baseball, pitching in the Los Angeles Dodgers' farm system before relocating to Southern California, where he shifted his focus to music and photography.
His journey into music began through a photo shoot for the Miss Black Beauty Pageant in the mid-1960s, where he crossed paths with McCoo and LaRue. By late 1965, he co-founded a group known as The Versatiles, which would later evolve into The 5th Dimension a year later.
The ensemble not only graced nearly every television variety show of their time but also embarked on international tours, including a notable 1973 cultural trip sponsored by the U.S. State Department that introduced American pop music behind the Iron Curtain.
Beyond his musical accomplishments, McLemore also carved out a respected career in photography, capturing some of the most significant figures in 20th-century popular culture. His work was featured in Jet and Ebony for many years, as well as in Playboy and People.
"Lamonte had a deep passion for music and was incredibly generous, often offering his photography studio to us during our formative years before we hit it big," McCoo recalled fondly.
The music of The 5th Dimension was prominently featured in Questlove’s Oscar-winning documentary, Summer of Soul (… Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), which highlighted the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival.
Reflecting on his life and career, McLemore co-authored an autobiography titled From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography, and Music, published in 2014, where he shared insights from his diverse experiences.
He is survived by his wife Mieko, whom he married 30 years ago; his daughter Ciara; his adopted son Darin; his sister Joan; and three grandchildren.
In his own words, McLemore once said, "All in all, we are only in this world to help one another. If I can make you smile, if I can see the greatness in others and assist them in achieving excellence, then I wake up each day a happy man." This sentiment encapsulates not just his artistic contributions, but also the legacy of kindness and support he leaves behind.
