LaMonte McLemore, one of the original members of the Grammy-winning vocal group The 5th Dimension, passed away in his Las Vegas, Nevada home on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. He was 90 years old.
Jeremy Westby, his representative, confirmed that McLemore passed away from natural causes after suffering a stroke, surrounded by his family.
During a time of cultural change, The 5th Dimension enjoyed significant crossover success, earning six Grammy Awards throughout their career. The group won the record of the year award twice, in 1967 for “Up Up and Away” and in 1969 for “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.”
The song “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” a medley from the musical “Hair,” spent six weeks at No. 1 on the charts, becoming one of the most identifiable songs of its time. The track demonstrated the group’s ability to merge contemporary theatrical music with their unique vocal harmonies.
“Up, Up and Away,” written by Jimmy Webb, reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and secured the group four Grammys. The song encapsulated the hopeful spirit of the late 1960s with its lofty melodies and creative lyrics.
In addition to their Grammy accolades, The 5th Dimension amassed seven gold albums and six platinum singles, solidifying their place in music history with hits such as “Go Where You Wanna Go,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” “Wedding Bell Blues” and “One Less Bell to Answer.”
Born on September 17, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri, McLemore’s journey to musical fame was unconventional. He served in the U.S. Navy as an aerial photographer, honing skills that would benefit him throughout his life. After completing his military service, he pursued a career in professional baseball, playing in the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system before settling in Southern California.
While in Southern California, McLemore started honing his musical talents and his photography skills. He performed in a jazz ensemble called The Hi-Fi’s alongside Marilyn McCoo, who would later become a co-founder of The 5th Dimension. The group opened for Ray Charles in 1963 but disbanded the following year.
In 1965, McLemore, along with McCoo, St. Louis childhood friends Billy Davis Jr. and Ronald Towson, and Florence LaRue formed a singing group called The Versatiles. The quintet signed a contract with Soul City Records, a new label established by singer Johnny Rivers.
Rivers suggested the group’s original name was not modern enough for the evolving music scene. It was Towson who proposed “The 5th Dimension,” a name that mirrored the psychedelic and countercultural influences of the era.
The group’s breakthrough occurred in 1967 with their cover of The Mamas & the Papas’ “Go Where You Wanna Go,” placing them as a force in popular music. Their sophisticated harmonies and polished production distinguished them from many of their contemporaries.
Throughout his tenure with The 5th Dimension, McLemore maintained a secondary career as a sports and celebrity photographer. His work appeared in Jet magazine and other publications, showcasing his versatility as an artist. His dual career reflected his artistic range and ability to capture compelling images through his camera lens and bass vocal performances.
The 5th Dimension’s music resonated during a turbulent period in American history, bridging cultural divides with their accessible yet sophisticated sound. The group performed at the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, an event that was documented decades later in the 2021 documentary “Summer of Soul” directed by Questlove.
The documentary brought renewed attention to The 5th Dimension’s contribution to a pivotal moment in music history, featuring their performance alongside other legendary artists at what became known as the “Black Woodstock.”
Fellow group member Florence LaRue reflected on McLemore’s impact on her life and career. “His cheerfulness and laughter often brought strength and refreshment to me in difficult times,” LaRue said. “We were more like brother and sister than singing partners.”
Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., who married in 1969, released a joint statement about their longtime collaborator and friend. “All of us who knew and loved him will definitely miss his energy and wonderful sense of humor,” the couple said.
The original lineup of The 5th Dimension represented a unique moment in American popular music, when a group of Black artists achieved widespread success with white audiences through their distinctive blend of soul, pop and contemporary sounds. Their music transcended the rigid categorizations that often constrained artists during that era.
McLemore’s contributions to The 5th Dimension extended beyond his vocal performances. As a founding member, he influenced the group’s artistic direction and upheld their commitment to musical excellence during their most successful years. His warm bass voice added essential depth to the group’s intricate harmonies.
The group’s success in 1967 and 1969 represented the height of their commercial achievements, but their impact on American popular music extended well beyond those chart-topping years. They demonstrated that sophisticated vocal arrangements and thoughtful song selection could achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success.
McLemore is survived by his wife of 30 years, Mieko McLemore, daughter Ciara, son Darin, sister Joan, and three grandchildren. The family has not yet announced plans for memorial services or a celebration of life.
His death signifies the loss of another member of The 5th Dimension’s original lineup. Ronald Towson, the member who proposed the group’s name, passed away in 2001. The surviving original members—McCoo, Davis Jr., and LaRue—continue to preserve the legacy of a group that helped define an era in American music.
McLemore’s life exemplified the diverse possibilities of artistic expression. From his early days as a Navy photographer, through his brief baseball career, to his work capturing celebrities through his camera lens and his decades of performing on stages worldwide, he demonstrated a commitment to creativity in multiple forms. His contributions to The 5th Dimension remain a testament to the enduring power of vocal harmony and musical innovation.