LaMonte McLemore: A Musical Legacy
LaMonte McLemore, a founding member of the iconic musical group The 5th Dimension, has passed away at the age of 90. He died of natural causes at his home in Las Vegas, surrounded by family, as confirmed by his representative, Jeremy Westby. McLemore had previously suffered a stroke, but his impact on the music world remains indelible.
The Rise of The 5th Dimension
The 5th Dimension emerged as a pop psychedelic sensation in the 1960s and 1970s, earning six Grammy Awards and leaving a lasting mark on the music industry. Their breakthrough came with the 1967 hit "Up, Up and Away," which not only won Record of the Year but also garnered three additional Grammy Awards, making it the most awarded single until Kendrick Lamar’s "Not Like Us" tied it in 2025. The group continued to shine with their rendition of "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In," which also claimed Record of the Year after a remarkable six-week run at the top of the charts.
Early Life and Career
Born on September 17, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri, McLemore’s early life was marked by diverse experiences. He served in the Navy as an aerial photographer and even played baseball in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ farm system before settling in Southern California. While he worked as a photographer, capturing images of sports and celebrities for magazines like Jet, it was his vocal talent that would ultimately lead him to fame.
Formation of The 5th Dimension
In 1963, McLemore teamed up with future bandmate Marilyn McCoo and three other vocalists to form a jazz ensemble called the Hi-Fi’s, which opened for Ray Charles. After the group disbanded in 1964, McLemore, McCoo, and two childhood friends, Billy Davis Jr. and Ronald Townson, formed the Versatiles, adding schoolteacher Florence LaRue to the mix. In 1965, they signed with Johnny Rivers’ Soul City Records and rebranded themselves as The 5th Dimension.
Chart-Topping Hits
The group’s first major hit came in 1967 with their cover of the Mamas & the Papas’ "Go Where You Wanna Go." This was quickly followed by "Up, Up and Away," which solidified their place in music history. The late 1960s saw them release several more hits, including Laura Nyro’s "Stoned Soul Picnic" and "Sweet Blindness." Their medley "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" in 1969 brought them back to the Grammy stage, further establishing their reputation as a leading vocal group.
Cultural Impact
In 1970, The 5th Dimension performed at the Harlem Cultural Festival, often referred to as “Black Woodstock.” This event was later chronicled in Questlove’s acclaimed 2021 documentary, Summer of Soul, highlighting the cultural significance of the festival and the group’s performance.
Continued Success and Legacy
Throughout the 1970s, The 5th Dimension continued to produce hits such as "One Less Bell to Answer," "(Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All," and "If I Could Reach You." However, as McCoo and Davis, who married in 1969, pursued their own projects, the group underwent changes. Despite these shifts, McLemore’s contributions to the group and the music industry at large remained significant.
Remembering LaMonte McLemore
In the wake of McLemore’s passing, tributes have poured in from fellow musicians and friends. McCoo and Davis expressed their sorrow, stating, “All of us who knew and loved him will definitely miss his energy and wonderful sense of humor.” Florence LaRue shared her heartfelt memories, noting that McLemore’s “cheerfulness and laughter often brought strength and refreshment to me in difficult times,” emphasizing their deep bond beyond just music.
Family and Survivors
LaMonte McLemore is survived by his wife of 30 years, Mieko McLemore, along with his daughter Ciara, son Darin, sister Joan, and three grandchildren. His legacy as a pioneering musician and beloved friend will continue to resonate with fans and fellow artists alike.
