LaMonte McLemore, the celebrated singer and founding member of the iconic vocal group the 5th Dimension, has passed away at the age of 90. His death was confirmed by his representative, Jeremy Westby, who stated that McLemore died peacefully at his home in Las Vegas on Tuesday, surrounded by his family. The cause of death was natural, following a stroke.
A Musical Legacy of Crossover Success
McLemore was instrumental in shaping the smooth pop and soul sound of the 5th Dimension, a group that achieved remarkable crossover success throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The ensemble won an impressive six Grammy Awards, including the prestigious record of the year honour on two separate occasions. Their 1967 hit "Up, Up and Away" and the 1969 chart-topper "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" both secured this top accolade.
"Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In," a creative mashup of songs from the musical "Hair," proved to be a cultural phenomenon, spending six consecutive weeks at number one on the pop charts and becoming one of the defining anthems of its era. The group's breakthrough, however, came earlier with their rendition of the Mamas & the Papas' song "Go Where You Wanna Go" in 1967.
From St. Louis to Stardom
Born in St. Louis, McLemore's path to fame was multifaceted. He served in the U.S. Navy, where he honed his skills as an aerial photographer, a talent that would later define a parallel career. After his military service, he played baseball in the Los Angeles Dodgers' farm system before settling in Southern California.
It was there that he began to fully embrace his artistic talents. McLemore's warm bass voice led him to perform in a jazz ensemble called the Hi-Fi's alongside future 5th Dimension bandmate Marilyn McCoo. The group even had the privilege of opening for the legendary Ray Charles in 1963.
The Formation of an Iconic Group
In 1965, McLemore, McCoo, two childhood friends from St. Louis—Billy Davis Jr. and Ronald Towson—along with schoolteacher Florence LaRue, formed a singing group initially named the Versatiles. They signed to singer Johnny Rivers' fledgling Soul City Records, becoming the label's first artists.
Rivers felt the name "Versatiles" lacked contemporary appeal. It was Towson who suggested the new name, the 5th Dimension, a title that reflected the group's embrace of the era's psychedelic and hippy cultural influences. This rebranding coincided with their rise to national prominence.
A Dual Career in Photography
Parallel to his musical achievements, McLemore cultivated a successful career as a sports and celebrity photographer. His work was featured in prominent publications such as Jet magazine, capturing the essence of famous figures and athletic events with the same artistic eye he applied to music.
Lasting Influence and Family
LaMonte McLemore's legacy extends beyond his recordings and photographs. He is survived by his wife of three decades, Mieko McLemore, his daughter Ciara, his son Darin, his sister Joan, and three grandchildren. His contributions to both the music and photography industries have left an indelible mark on American popular culture.
The 5th Dimension's music, characterised by its sophisticated harmonies and genre-blending style, continues to resonate with audiences, ensuring that McLemore's artistic voice will be remembered for generations to come.
