A true icon of the 1960s and 70s music scene has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of smooth vocals and groundbreaking hits. LaMonte McLemore, a foundational member and co-founder of the beloved vocal group The 5th Dimension, has died at the age of 90. His passing marks the end of an era for a group that masterfully blended pop, soul, and a touch of psychedelic flair to create a sound that resonated with millions.
McLemore breathed his last on Tuesday at his home in Las Vegas, surrounded by his loving family. His representative, Jeremy Westby, confirmed the news, stating that McLemore passed away peacefully from natural causes following a stroke.
But here's where it gets truly remarkable: The 5th Dimension wasn't just about catchy tunes; they achieved an incredible level of crossover success, snagging an impressive six Grammy Awards. Among these accolades were two coveted "Record of the Year" awards. The first was for their joyous 1967 anthem, "Up, Up and Away," and the second, a monumental achievement, was for their iconic 1969 medley, "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In." This unforgettable mashup, taken from the hit musical "Hair," didn't just win awards; it dominated the charts, spending a remarkable six weeks at the No. 1 spot on the pop charts.
And this is the part most people miss: McLemore's talents extended far beyond the recording studio. He also cultivated a parallel and highly successful career as a photographer, specializing in sports and celebrity portraits. His keen eye captured compelling images that graced the pages of prominent magazines like Jet, showcasing his versatility and artistic depth.
Born in St. Louis, McLemore's journey to musical stardom was a unique one. He served in the Navy, where his knack for photography led him to become an aerial photographer. His athletic prowess was also evident as he played baseball within the Los Angeles Dodgers’ farm system. It was after settling in Southern California that he began to fully harness his rich bass voice and his already established photographic skills.
His musical journey began with a jazz ensemble called the Hi-Fi’s, where he sang alongside future 5th Dimension bandmate Marilyn McCoo. Though the group opened for the legendary Ray Charles in 1963, it disbanded the following year. Undeterred, McLemore, McCoo, and two childhood friends from St. Louis, Billy Davis Jr. and Ronald Towson, formed a new singing group named the Versatiles. They soon welcomed Florence LaRue, a schoolteacher McLemore met through his photography, to complete their lineup. In 1965, they inked a deal with Soul City Records, a new label founded by singer Johnny Rivers, and rebranded themselves as The 5th Dimension, a name chosen to better reflect the dynamic cultural shifts of the time.
Their first major breakthrough arrived in 1967 with the Mamas & the Papas’ song "Go Where You Wanna Go." Later that same year, they released the enchanting "Up, Up and Away," penned by the brilliant Jimmy Webb. This song soared to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered an astounding four Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year, Best Contemporary Single, Best Performance by a Vocal Group, and Best Contemporary Group Performance.
The hits continued in 1968 with their interpretations of Laura Nyro's "Stoned Soul Picnic" and "Sweet Blindness." However, 1969 marked the absolute zenith of their commercial success with "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In." Beyond its extended reign at the top of the charts, this masterful medley earned Grammys for Record of the Year and Best Contemporary Vocal Performance by a Group.
That same year, The 5th Dimension delivered a memorable performance at the Harlem Cultural Festival, an event that has since been celebrated as "Black Woodstock." The significance of this festival, and The 5th Dimension's participation in it, was beautifully chronicled in Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson's acclaimed 2021 documentary, "Summer of Soul."
Now, here's a point that often sparks debate: The 5th Dimension achieved a rare and significant level of success with white audiences for a group composed entirely of Black members. This unique position, while celebrated, also brought its share of criticism. Marilyn McCoo shared in "Summer of Soul," "We were constantly being attacked because we weren’t, quote, unquote, ‘Black enough.’ Sometimes we were called the Black group with the white sound, and we didn’t like that. We happened to be artists who are Black, and our voices sound the way they sound." Do you believe that artistic expression should be confined by racial expectations, or is it a form of censorship to expect artists to fit a certain mold?
The group continued to produce hits well into the 1970s, including fan favorites like "One Less Bell to Answer," "(Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All," and "If I Could Reach You." Their captivating performances made them regulars on television variety shows, and they even graced the stage at the White House and embarked on international cultural tours organized by the State Department.
The original, iconic lineup remained intact until 1975, when McCoo and Davis decided to pursue their own musical ventures. McCoo and Davis, who married in 1969, fondly remembered McLemore, stating, "All of us who knew and loved him will definitely miss his energy and wonderful sense of humor." Florence LaRue echoed these sentiments, describing McLemore as more of a brother than a singing partner, noting that his "cheerfulness and laughter often brought strength and refreshment to me in difficult times."
LaMonte McLemore is survived by his wife of 30 years, Mieko McLemore, their daughter Ciara, son Darin, his sister Joan, and three grandchildren. His legacy, however, lives on through the timeless music he created and the indelible mark he left on the entertainment world.
What are your fondest memories of The 5th Dimension's music? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
