LaMonte McLemore Passes Away at 90, 5th Dimension Founding Member
LaMonte McLemore, a man whose voice and vision helped define an entire era of American pop and soul culture, has passed away at the age of 90. He died of natural causes on Tuesday at his home in Las Vegas, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. For fans of The 5th Dimension, this is a heartbreaking moment – a final curtain call for the smooth bass vocalist who anchored some of the most beautiful harmonies ever recorded.
LaMonte McLemore and 5th Dimension
To understand McLemore’s impact, you have to look beyond the charts, though the stats are staggering. With hits like “Up, Up and Away” and the generation-defining “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” The 5th Dimension didn’t just make music; they created a soundtrack for a changing world. They faced criticism from all sides – told they weren’t “Black enough” by some or too polished by others – but they just kept singing, winning six Grammys and cementing their place in history.
But LaMonte McLemore was more than just a founder of a legendary group. Before the fame, he was a man of many talents – a Navy veteran, an aerial photographer, and even a baseball prospect for the Los Angeles Dodgers. In fact, it was his eye for photography that brought the group together. He met Florence LaRue and Marilyn McCoo through his camera lens, famously spotting talent and beauty where others might have just seen a pretty face. His photography career ran parallel to his music, with his work gracing the pages of magazines Jet and Ebony for decades. He captured the icons of the 20th century, often while being one himself.
His bandmates, who were more like family than colleagues, are feeling the loss deeply. Per the Hollywood Reporter, Florence LaRue remembered him not just as a partner, but as a brother whose laughter was “good medicine” during hard times. Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. spoke of his wonderful sense of humor and energy. It’s a reminder that behind the platinum records and the velvet suits, there was a real friendship that endured for over half a century.
Lamonte McLemore’s Soulful Sounds Will Be Missed
McLemore is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Mieko, his children, and grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy that is audible in every harmony: rich pop song on the radio today and visible in the enduring images he captured. He once said, “If I can make you smile… I wake up each day a happy man.” Looking back at the joy he brought to millions, it’s safe to say LaMonte McLemore lived a very happy life indeed.
