LaMonte McLemore Remembered as a Pioneering Music Icon

LaMonte McLemore, a key figure in the music world as a founding member of the iconic vocal group The 5th Dimension, passed away at the age of 90. With a career that left an indelible mark on the 1960s and ’70s music scene, McLemore was known for his group’s smooth integration of pop, soul, and elements of psychedelia. His passing was confirmed by his representative, Jeremy Westby, in a statement given to CBS News, noting that McLemore died peacefully at his Las Vegas home, surrounded by his loved ones, having succumbed to natural causes following a stroke.

The 5th Dimension achieved significant crossover success, earning six Grammy Awards throughout their career. Among their notable achievements were winning the coveted Record of the Year award twice: first in 1967 with “Up, Up and Away,” and again in 1969 with “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” The latter, a distinctive blend of songs from the musical “Hair,” topped the pop charts for six consecutive weeks.

In addition to his musical contributions, McLemore was known for his skill as a sports and celebrity photographer, with some of his works featured in well-known publications such as Jet magazine. His legacy in photography is a testament to his versatile talents beyond music.

LaMonte McLemore was born in St. Louis and served in the U.S. Navy as an aerial photographer, which later contributed to his artistic pursuits. After his military service, he played baseball at a professional level within the Los Angeles Dodgers’ farm system before ultimately settling in Southern California. There, he honed his talents in both voice and photography. McLemore initially sang with the jazz group the Hi-Fi’s, where he performed alongside future bandmate Marilyn McCoo. Despite their initial success, including opening for Ray Charles in 1963, the group disbanded the following year.

Subsequently, McLemore joined forces with his childhood friends Billy Davis Jr. and Ronald Towson, forming the group that would later become known as The 5th Dimension. After recruiting Florence LaRue, a schoolteacher he encountered through his photography work, they signed with Johnny Rivers’ Soul City Records in 1965, changing their name to better resonate with the era’s cultural spirit. Their breakout hit came in 1967 with “Go Where You Wanna Go,” a song originally by the Mamas & the Papas.

The group’s skyrocketing success continued with a series of hits, including the Grammy-winning “Up, Up and Away,” which captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike. Building on this momentum, they achieved further success in 1968 with Laura Nyro’s “Stoned Soul Picnic” and “Sweet Blindness.” Their pinnacle year came in 1969, with “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” becoming a hallmark of their career, meriting further Grammy awards.

Their influence extended beyond music, as they performed at significant cultural events such as the Harlem Cultural Festival, often dubbed “Black Woodstock.” This festival, including The 5th Dimension’s role, was featured in Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s 2021 documentary, “Summer of Soul.” The group stood out at a time when racial dynamics in music were under great scrutiny. They faced criticism for their broad appeal, often referred to as “the Black group with the white sound.” Despite this, their music transcended racial barriers and addressed diverse audiences.

Throughout the 1970s, The 5th Dimension continued to release hits like “One Less Bell to Answer” and “(Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All.” Their talent also secured them appearances on television variety shows and performances at prestigious venues, including the White House. However, the original lineup changed in 1975 when McCoo and Davis decided to pursue solo careers.

Reflecting on McLemore’s legacy, McCoo and Davis released a joint statement sharing, “All of us who knew and loved him will definitely miss his energy and wonderful sense of humor.” Florence LaRue reminisced about McLemore’s supportive nature, affirming that they shared a bond akin to siblings rather than just singing partners.

LaMonte McLemore is survived by his wife of 30 years, Mieko McLemore, their daughter Ciara, son Darin, his sister Joan, and three grandchildren. His passing marks the end of an era, yet his contributions to music and culture continue to inspire.