LaMonte McLemore, the beloved Grammy-winning vocalist and one of the founding figures of the iconic group the 5th Dimension, has passed away at the age of 90. This remarkable ensemble, known for their seamless blend of pop, soul, and psychedelic influences, captivated audiences during the 1960s and 70s with a string of memorable hits.
According to a statement from his representative Jeremy Westby, McLemore died on Tuesday in Las Vegas, surrounded by his loved ones. His passing was attributed to natural causes that followed a stroke.
The 5th Dimension enjoyed remarkable success, garnering six Grammy awards over their career, including the prestigious record of the year accolade twice — first for the enchanting song "Up, Up and Away" in 1967, and again for the powerful medley "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" in 1969. Both tracks soared to the top of the charts, with "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In," a fusion of tunes from the hit musical Hair, reigning at No. 1 for an impressive six weeks.
In addition to his singing career, McLemore was also an accomplished photographer specializing in sports and celebrity portraits, with his work featured in prominent magazines such as Jet.
Born in St. Louis, McLemore served in the United States Navy, where he honed his skills as an aerial photographer. He also played baseball within the minor leagues of the Los Angeles Dodgers before ultimately settling in Southern California. It was there that he began to showcase his deep, warm bass voice, alongside developing his photography talents.
Before forming the 5th Dimension, he was part of a jazz group called the Hi-Fi’s, which included future bandmate Marilyn McCoo. The Hi-Fi’s even had the honor of opening for the legendary Ray Charles in 1963, although they disbanded shortly thereafter.
In 1965, McLemore, along with McCoo and two of his childhood friends, Billy Davis Jr. and Ronald Towson, together with schoolteacher Florence LaRue, established a new vocal group called the Versatiles. They signed with Johnny Rivers’ newly founded Soul City Records. Upon learning that their original name felt outdated, Towson suggested the name "the 5th Dimension," reflecting the group’s embrace of the vibrant psychedelia and counterculture of the era.
Their first significant breakthrough came in 1967 with a cover of the Mamas & the Papas’ hit "Go Where You Wanna Go." That same year, they released "Up, Up and Away," written by Jimmy Webb, which climbed to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. This song later achieved four Grammy awards, including record of the year and best contemporary single, among others.
LaMonte McLemore is survived by his wife of three decades, Mieko McLemore, along with his daughter Ciara, son Darin, sister Joan, and three grandchildren.
The legacy of LaMonte McLemore and the 5th Dimension continues to inspire future generations of musicians and fans alike, leaving behind a rich tapestry of music that resonates to this day.
