LaMonte McLemore, a pivotal figure in music history, has passed away. He was a founding member of the 5th Dimension, a group celebrated for their unique blend of pop, soul, and psychedelia that defined the 1960s and ’70s.
McLemore died at the age of 90 in his Las Vegas home, surrounded by family. His representative, Jeremy Westby, confirmed that he succumbed to natural causes following a stroke.
The 5th Dimension achieved remarkable success, earning six Grammy Awards during their career. Notable highlights include winning record of the year twice, for hits “Up, Up and Away” in 1967 and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” in 1969. The latter, a fusion of songs from the musical “Hair,” dominated the charts, securing six weeks at No. 1.
In addition to his music career, McLemore was an accomplished photographer, capturing images of sports and celebrity events for publications like Jet. He initially honed his photography skills while serving in the U.S. Navy and further developed his talent while navigating the entertainment industry.
Hailing from St. Louis, McLemore played baseball in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ farm system before settling in Southern California. There, he began to explore his musical talents, performing in a jazz ensemble called the Hi-Fi’s alongside future 5th Dimension bandmate Marilyn McCoo.
The Hi-Fi’s had a brief existence, but in 1965, McLemore, McCoo, and friends Billy Davis Jr. and Ronald Towson formed a new group named the Versatiles. They signed with Johnny Rivers’ label, Soul City Records. During their early meetings, Rivers suggested a name change, leading to the adoption of “5th Dimension,” a title that reflected the era’s cultural zeitgeist.
Their first significant hit came in 1967 with the song “Go Where You Wanna Go.” This was quickly followed by “Up, Up and Away,” which soared to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and later garnered four Grammy Awards.
McLemore is survived by his wife, Mieko McLemore, along with his daughter Ciara, son Darin, sister Joan, and three grandchildren. His legacy in music and photography continues to inspire many.