LaMonte McLemore, a founding member of the Grammy-winning vocal group The 5th Dimension, died at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the age of 90.
His representative, Jeremy Westby, stated that McLemore died of natural causes following a stroke, with his family by his side.
Amid a period of major cultural transformation, The 5th Dimension achieved widespread popularity, earning six Grammy Awards. They received record of the year honors twice: in 1968 for “Up, Up and Away” and in 1970 for “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.”
The medley “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” from the musical “Hair,” held the No. 1 spot on the charts for six weeks and became one of the era’s defining tracks. The song showcased the group’s ability to blend theatrical influences with their signature harmonies.
“Up, Up and Away,” composed by Jimmy Webb, climbed to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned the group four Grammys. Its uplifting melody and imaginative lyrics reflected the optimistic mood of the late 1960s.
Beyond their Grammy success, The 5th Dimension collected seven gold albums and six platinum singles, leaving a lasting mark with songs like “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 path to fame was far from typical. He served as an aerial photographer in the U.S. Navy, developing skills that remained valuable throughout his life. After his service, he pursued professional baseball, becoming the first African American to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals before joining the Los Angeles Dodgers’ farm system and eventually settling in Southern California.
In Southern California, McLemore refined both his musical and photography talents. He performed in the jazz group The Hi-Fis with Marilyn McCoo, who later became a co-founder of The 5th Dimension. The ensemble opened for Ray Charles in 1963 but dissolved the next year.
In 1965, McLemore joined McCoo, childhood friends Billy Davis Jr. and Ronald Towson, and Florence LaRue to create a group called The Versatiles. They signed with Soul City Records, a new label founded by singer Johnny Rivers.
Rivers felt that the group’s original name didn’t suit the evolving music landscape. Towson suggested the name “The 5th Dimension,” which resonated with the emerging psychedelic and countercultural trends of the 1960s.
The group’s big breakthrough arrived in 1967 with their rendition of The Mamas & the Papas’ “Go Where You Wanna Go,” establishing them as a major presence in popular music. Their polished sound and sophisticated harmonies set them apart from many peer groups.
Throughout his years with The 5th Dimension, McLemore maintained a parallel career as a sports and celebrity photographer. His images appeared in Jet, People, Harper’s Bazaar and other major publications, highlighting his broad artistic capabilities. His achievements behind the camera mirrored his creativity as a performer.
McLemore co-wrote his autobiography in 2014, titled “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography, and Music,” chronicling his diverse pursuits in sports, photography, and entertainment.
The 5th Dimension’s music connected with audiences during a tumultuous era, helping bridge cultural gaps through its refined yet accessible style. They performed at the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, an event later documented in the 2021 Questlove-directed film “Summer of Soul.”
The documentary revitalized interest in the group’s role in a landmark musical moment, showcasing their appearance alongside other iconic performers at what became known as “Black Woodstock.”
Florence LaRue reflected on McLemore’s influence on her personal and professional life. “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 wed in 1969, shared a joint tribute to their longtime collaborator. “All of us who knew and loved him will definitely miss his energy and wonderful sense of humor,” they said.
The original members of The 5th Dimension represented a distinct moment in American music history, when Black performers reached mainstream success with a fusion of soul, pop and contemporary sounds. Their music surpassed the boundaries that often restricted artists of the period.
McLemore’s role in the group went beyond his bass vocals. As a co-founder, he helped shape their creative direction and upheld their dedication to excellence during their peak years.
Although their greatest commercial success occurred in 1967 and 1969, The 5th Dimension’s influence continued long after. They proved that sophisticated vocal arrangements and thoughtful song choices could thrive both critically and commercially.
McLemore leaves behind his wife of 30 years, Mieko McLemore, daughter Ciara, son Darin, sister Joan, and three grandchildren.
His death marks the loss of another original member of The 5th Dimension. Ronald Towson, who suggested the group’s name, died in 2001. The remaining members—McCoo, Davis Jr., and LaRue—continue to honor the legacy of a group that helped shape an era of American music.
McLemore’s life demonstrated the breadth of artistic expression. From his start as a Navy photographer, through his short baseball career, to his decades of work behind the camera and on stage, he embodied creativity in many forms. His legacy with The 5th Dimension stands as a celebration of the enduring power of vocal harmony and musical ingenuity.