LaMonte McLemore, a founding member of the Grammy-winning vocal group The 5th Dimension, died at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 3, 2026, at the age of 90.
McLemore’s representative, Jeremy Westby, confirmed his death from natural causes following a stroke. He was at home, surrounded by his family.
The 5th Dimension achieved significant crossover success during a period of cultural shift, garnering six Grammy Awards throughout their career. They won the record of the year award twice, for “Up, Up and Away” in 1968, and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” in 1970.
Their track “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” a medley from the musical “Hair,” held the No. 1 spot on the charts for six weeks. The song showcased the group’s ability to blend contemporary theatrical music with their distinct vocal harmonies.
“Up, Up and Away,” penned by Jimmy Webb, hit No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned the group four Grammys. The song captured the optimistic spirit of the late 1960s with its soaring melodies and creative lyrics.
Besides their Grammy wins, The 5th Dimension secured seven gold albums and six platinum singles with hits like “Go Where You Wanna Go,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” “Wedding Bell Blues” and “One Less Bell to Answer,” cementing their position in music history.
McLemore, born on September 17, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri, had an unconventional path to musical stardom. He served in the U.S. Navy as an aerial photographer before venturing into professional baseball. He was the first African American athlete to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals, played in the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system, and eventually settled in Southern California.
In Southern California, McLemore developed his musical and photography skills. He performed in a jazz ensemble, The Hi-Fis, with Marilyn McCoo, who later co-founded The 5th Dimension. The group opened for Ray Charles in 1963 but disbanded in 1964.
In 1965, McLemore, McCoo, and St. Louis childhood friends Billy Davis Jr., Ronald Towson, and Florence LaRue formed The Versatiles. The quintet signed with Soul City Records, a label established by singer Johnny Rivers.
Rivers felt the group’s original name didn’t fit the evolving music scene. Towson suggested “The 5th Dimension,” a name embodying the psychedelic and countercultural influences of the time.
The group’s breakthrough came in 1967 with their cover of The Mamas & the Papas’ “Go Where You Wanna Go,” which marked them as a powerful force in popular music. Their refined harmonies and polished production set them apart from many contemporaries.
While with The 5th Dimension, McLemore also worked as a sports and celebrity photographer. His photos were featured in Jet magazine, People, Harper’s Bazaar and other publications, highlighting his artistic versatility. His dual career showcased his ability to create captivating images through his camera lens and bass vocal performances.
In 2014, McLemore co-authored his autobiography, From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography, and Music, chronicling his diverse career in sports, photography, and entertainment.
The 5th Dimension’s music was influential during a tumultuous period in American history, bridging cultural divides with their accessible yet sophisticated sound. Their performance at the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival was documented in the 2021 documentary “Summer of Soul” directed by Questlove.
The documentary brought renewed attention to The 5th Dimension’s contribution to a significant moment in music history, featuring their performance alongside other legendary artists at the event 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 5th Dimension’s original lineup 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.
Beyond his vocal performances, McLemore, as a founding member, shaped The 5th Dimension’s artistic direction and maintained 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 marked the peak of their commercial achievements, but their impact on American popular music extended beyond those 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.
McLemore’s death marks the loss of another member of The 5th Dimension’s original lineup. Ronald Towson, the member who suggested the group’s name, died in 2001. The remaining original members—McCoo, Davis Jr., and LaRue—continue to uphold the legacy of a group that helped shape an era in American music.
McLemore’s life represented the diverse possibilities of artistic expression. From his early days as a Navy photographer, through his short 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.