LaMonte McLemore, a foundational figure in the iconic group The 5th Dimension and a celebrated celebrity and sports photographer, passed away at the age of 90. His publicist shared that McLemore died of natural causes on Tuesday at his home in Las Vegas, following complications from a stroke he suffered several years earlier.
As a member of The 5th Dimension, alongside notable artists such as Florence LaRue, Ron Townson, and the married couple Billy Davis Jr. and Marilyn McCoo, McLemore was instrumental in shaping the pop and soul sound that defined American music in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The group produced several hits, including the celebrated songs “Up, Up and Away” and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” both of which earned Grammy Awards for Record of the Year. “Aquarius” notably dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks in 1969, cementing its status as a classic.
The 5th Dimension’s discography is filled with hits, including “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” and “One Less Bell to Answer.” Their contributions to music were significant, resulting in the release of seven Gold albums and six Platinum-certified singles.
McLemore’s deep bass vocals and warm personality were vital to the group’s harmonious sound and contemporary appeal. LaRue expressed her heartfelt sorrow, stating, “His cheerfulness and laughter often brought strength and refreshment to me in difficult times,” reiterating the deep bond they shared beyond music.
Born on September 17, 1935, in St. Louis, McLemore’s journey began in the U.S. Navy, where he honed his skills as an aerial photographer. After trying his hand at professional baseball with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he eventually shifted his focus to music and photography. He first met McCoo and LaRue at the Miss Black Beauty Pageant in the mid-1960s and formed The Versatiles, which evolved into The 5th Dimension.
The group became a staple on television variety shows and embarked on international tours, including a cultural exchange program in 1973 that brought American music behind the Iron Curtain. McLemore also built a prominent career in photography, capturing influential figures in entertainment and sports, with works published in magazines such as Jet, Ebony, and Harper’s Bazaar.
His photographic work contributed to important cultural narratives, including being featured in Questlove’s Oscar-winning documentary “Summer of Soul,” which highlighted the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival.
In 2014, McLemore co-authored his autobiography, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography, and Music,” reflecting on his remarkable journey. He is survived by his wife Mieko, daughter Ciara, adopted son Darin, sister Joan, and three grandchildren.
McLemore’s legacy is marked by his unwavering spirit and commitment to uplifting others. He once said, “If I can make you smile, if I can see the greatness in others and help propel them to excellence, I wake up each day a happy man.” His impact will be felt in both the music and photography worlds for generations to come.