The music industry has lost a true legend, and the world has bid farewell to LaMonte McLemore, the co-founder and singer of the iconic vocal group, The 5th Dimension. At the ripe old age of 90, McLemore's smooth and soulful voice, infused with a touch of psychedelic magic, left an indelible mark on the music scene of the 1960s and '70s.
McLemore's passing, which occurred peacefully at his Las Vegas home surrounded by loved ones, was a result of natural causes following a stroke. His representative, Jeremy Westby, shared the news, leaving fans and fellow musicians alike feeling a sense of loss.
The 5th Dimension's journey to success was nothing short of remarkable. With a unique blend of pop, soul, and a hint of psychedelia, they achieved widespread acclaim, winning six Grammy Awards, including the prestigious Record of the Year twice for their timeless hits, "Up, Up and Away" and "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In." The latter, a masterpiece from the musical "Hair," dominated the charts, spending an impressive six weeks at the top spot.
But LaMonte McLemore's talents extended beyond music. He led a parallel life as a renowned sports and celebrity photographer, capturing moments that graced the pages of prestigious magazines like Jet.
Born in St. Louis, McLemore's path to stardom was anything but ordinary. After serving in the Navy as an aerial photographer, he pursued a career in baseball, playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers' farm system. It was in Southern California that he discovered his passion for music and photography, utilizing his rich bass voice and photographic skills to make his mark.
His musical journey began with the Hi-Fi's, a jazz ensemble that included future 5th Dimension member Marilyn McCoo. The group even opened for the legendary Ray Charles in 1963, but fate had something else in store, and they disbanded the following year.
McLemore's destiny, however, was sealed when he reunited with childhood friends Billy Davis Jr. and Ronald Towson from St. Louis, along with Florence LaRue, a schoolteacher he met through his photography. Together, they formed the Versatiles, a singing group that would later evolve into The 5th Dimension, a name chosen to represent the cultural movement of the time.
Their breakthrough moment arrived in 1967 with the Mamas & the Papas' song "Go Where You Wanna Go." But it was the release of "Up, Up and Away" that truly propelled them into the spotlight. Written by the talented Jimmy Webb, the song climbed to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned them four Grammys, including Record of the Year.
The hits kept coming with Laura Nyro's "Stoned Soul Picnic" and "Sweet Blindness" in 1968, solidifying their place in the music industry. But it was 1969 that marked the pinnacle of their commercial success with "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In," a song that not only topped the charts but also earned them Grammys for Record of the Year and Best Contemporary Vocal Performance by a Group.
That same year, The 5th Dimension performed at the Harlem Cultural Festival, an event that has since been immortalized as the "Black Woodstock." Their performance was captured in the 2021 documentary "Summer of Soul" by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, shedding light on this historic festival and The 5th Dimension's pivotal role in it.
Despite their immense popularity, The 5th Dimension faced criticism for their unique sound, which some deemed "not Black enough." Marilyn McCoo, in an interview for "Summer of Soul," addressed this controversy, stating, "We were constantly attacked for not being, quote-unquote, 'Black enough.' Sometimes we were called the Black group with the white sound, and we didn't appreciate that. We're simply Black artists with our own unique voices."
The group's success continued into the 1970s with hits like "One Less Bell to Answer," "(Last Night) I Didn't Get to Sleep at All," and "If I Could Reach You." They became regulars on TV variety shows, performed at the White House, and even embarked on an international cultural tour organized by the State Department.
The original lineup remained intact until 1975 when McCoo and Davis decided to pursue solo careers. In a heartfelt statement, McCoo and Davis, who married in 1969, expressed their grief, saying, "We will all miss his energy and wonderful sense of humor."
Florence LaRue also shared her condolences, stating that McLemore's cheerfulness and laughter brought strength and comfort during difficult times, describing their relationship as more like siblings than singing partners.
LaMonte McLemore is survived by his wife of 30 years, Mieko McLemore, their daughter Ciara, son Darin, sister Joan, and three grandchildren.
As we reflect on his life and legacy, let us celebrate the music and memories that LaMonte McLemore and The 5th Dimension have left behind. Their impact on the music industry and their unique sound will forever be etched in our hearts and in the annals of music history. Rest in peace, LaMonte McLemore.
