LaMonte McLemore, a founding member of the legendary soul group The 5th Dimension, has passed away at age 90.
His wife Mieko confirmed to TMZ that the music icon died peacefully at his Las Vegas home on Tuesday, surrounded by family and friends.
The cause of death has not been released.
McLemore’s journey from aerial photographer to Grammy-winning artist stands as a testament to his remarkable versatility and creative spirit.
From Navy to Baseball to Music Stardom
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, McLemore’s path to musical fame was anything but conventional.
He served in the U.S. Navy as an aerial photographer, gaining skills that would serve him throughout his life. After his military service, he pursued professional baseball before shifting his focus entirely to photography.
That decision would change everything.
A Fateful Photo Shoot That Changed Music History
In the mid-1960s, during a photo shoot for a beauty pageant, McLemore met two women who would become his collaborators: Marilyn McCoo and Florence LaRue.
The chemistry was undeniable. The three decided to form a musical group, recruiting Billy Davis Jr. and Ron Townson to complete the lineup.
The 5th Dimension was officially born in 1965.
Record-Breaking Success and Grammy Glory
The group didn’t just achieve success—they dominated the late 1960s and early 1970s music scene.
The 5th Dimension won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year twice: once in 1968 and again in 1970. Over his career with the group, McLemore collected an impressive six Grammy Awards.
Their hits included timeless classics like “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “One Less Bell to Answer,” and “Up, Up and Away.”
These songs weren’t just chart-toppers—they became anthems of an era, blending pop, soul, and jazz in ways that felt revolutionary.
Hollywood Walk of Fame and Decades of Performance
Recognition for The 5th Dimension’s contributions to music came in 1991 when the original lineup received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
McLemore remained committed to the group for over four decades, performing with The 5th Dimension until 2006.
His dedication to the group and its legacy never wavered, even as musical trends shifted and evolved around them.
A Dual Career: Music and Photography
What many fans didn’t know was that McLemore never abandoned his first creative love: photography.
While touring and recording with The 5th Dimension, he maintained an active photography career. His work appeared in major publications including Jet and Playboy.
This dual career showcased his extraordinary ability to excel in multiple artistic disciplines simultaneously.
A Pioneering Legacy in Soul Music
The 5th Dimension broke barriers during a turbulent time in American history.
As an integrated group achieving mainstream success, they challenged racial divides through their music and presence. Their sophisticated sound appealed across demographic lines, proving that great artistry transcends cultural boundaries.
McLemore’s contribution to this groundbreaking group helped reshape what soul music could be—polished, orchestrated, and unapologetically ambitious.
Remembering a Creative Renaissance Man
LaMonte McLemore lived 90 years filled with artistic achievement and creative exploration.
From military service to professional sports aspirations, from photography studios to concert stages, he pursued excellence wherever his interests led him.
His passing marks the loss of not just a founding member of The 5th Dimension, but a true renaissance artist who refused to be confined to a single medium or discipline.
The music he helped create continues to inspire new generations, ensuring that his legacy will shine on long after his peaceful passing in Las Vegas.