LaMonte McLemore, the celebrated Grammy-winning vocalist known for his role as a founding member of the iconic group 5th Dimension, has passed away at the age of 90. His smooth pop and soul-infused melodies, complemented by a touch of psychedelic flair, catapulted the group to fame during the vibrant music scene of the 1960s and 70s.
McLemore's family announced that he died on Tuesday at his home in Las Vegas, with his loved ones by his side. According to his representative, Jeremy Westby, the cause of death was natural, following a stroke he had previously suffered.
The 5th Dimension achieved remarkable crossover success, securing six Grammy Awards throughout their career. Notably, they earned the prestigious Record of the Year title twice: first for the uplifting anthem "Up, Up and Away" in 1967, and then again in 1969 for the medley "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In." Both tracks not only dominated the airwaves, but "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" also made history by spending an impressive six weeks at the top of the charts, blending songs from the innovative musical "Hair."
In addition to his music career, McLemore was also an accomplished sports and celebrity photographer, with his work featured in prominent publications such as Jet magazine.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, McLemore served in the US Navy, where he honed his skills as an aerial photographer. His journey took an interesting turn when he played baseball in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ minor leagues. Eventually, he settled in Southern California, where he began to explore his talents further, making use of both his rich bass voice and his eye for photography.
Before the formation of the 5th Dimension, he performed with a jazz group called the Hi-Fi's alongside future bandmate Marilyn McCoo. The Hi-Fi's had the honor of opening for the legendary Ray Charles in 1963, but unfortunately disbanded the following year.
In 1965, McLemore, along with McCoo and two childhood friends from St. Louis—Billy Davis Jr. and Ronald Towson—teamed up with schoolteacher Florence LaRue to create a singing group named the Versatiles. They signed with Soul City Records, a label founded by singer Johnny Rivers.
However, Rivers suggested that their name could be more modern. It was Towson who proposed the name "5th Dimension," which perfectly encapsulated the group’s embrace of the psychedelic vibe and counterculture of the time.
Their first major hit arrived in 1967 with a cover of "Go Where You Wanna Go" by the Mamas & the Papas. That same year, they released the Jimmy Webb-penned masterpiece "Up, Up and Away," which climbed to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and later garnered four Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year.
LaMonte McLemore is survived by his beloved wife of three decades, Mieko McLemore, his daughter Ciara, son Darin, sister Joan, and three cherished grandchildren.
