On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, LaMonte McLemore, one of the original members of the Grammy-winning vocal group The 5th Dimension, passed away at his residence in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was 90 years old. The group is acclaimed for creating iconic songs of the 1960s and ’70s by merging pop and soul with psychedelic influences.
Jeremy Westby, McLemore’s representative, confirmed that the singer died due to natural causes following a stroke, surrounded by his family.
The 5th Dimension enjoyed considerable crossover success during a period of cultural change, capturing six Grammy Awards throughout their journey. The group received the record of the year award twice, first in 1967 for “Up Up and Away” and again in 1969 for “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.”
The medley “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” derived from the musical “Hair,” topped the charts for six weeks and became one of the era’s most identifiable songs. The track exemplified the group’s talent for combining contemporary theatrical music with their unique vocal harmonies.
The song “Up, Up and Away,” written by Jimmy Webb, achieved No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered four Grammys for the group. The song encapsulated the hopeful spirit of the late 1960s with its high-flying melodies and creative lyrics.
Besides their Grammy achievements, The 5th Dimension earned seven gold albums and six platinum singles. Their hit songs, such as “Go Where You Wanna Go,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” and “One Less Bell to Answer,” solidified their place in music history.
McLemore was born on September 17, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri. His route to musical fame was unconventional. He served in the U.S. Navy as an aerial photographer, honing skills that would be beneficial throughout his life. After his military service, he played professional baseball in the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system before settling in Southern California.
In Southern California, McLemore began refining his musical and photography skills. He was part of a jazz ensemble named The Hi-Fi’s with Marilyn McCoo, who would later co-found The 5th Dimension. The group opened for Ray Charles in 1963 but disbanded the following year.
In 1965, McLemore, McCoo, two childhood friends from St. Louis—Billy Davis Jr. and Ronald Towson—and Florence LaRue formed a singing group called The Versatiles. The group signed with Soul City Records, a new label established by singer Johnny Rivers.
Rivers felt that the group’s original name wasn’t modern enough for the changing music scene. Towson suggested “The 5th Dimension,” a name that mirrored the psychedelic and countercultural influences of the era.
The group’s breakthrough came in 1967 with their rendition of The Mamas & the Papas’ “Go Where You Wanna Go,” which positioned them as a prominent force in popular music. Their intricate harmonies and polished production distinguished them from many of their contemporaries.
Throughout his tenure with The 5th Dimension, McLemore maintained a concurrent career as a sports and celebrity photographer. His work was featured in Jet magazine and other publications, showcasing his artistic versatility. His twin career demonstrated McLemore’s broad creative capacity and his ability to capture compelling images both through his camera lens and his bass vocal performances.
The 5th Dimension’s music struck a chord during a turbulent period in American history, bridging cultural gaps with their accessible yet refined sound. The group performed at the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, an event documented decades later in the 2021 documentary “Summer of Soul,” directed by Questlove.
The documentary brought renewed focus to The 5th Dimension’s contribution to a critical moment in music history, presenting their performance alongside other legendary artists at what came to be known as the “Black Woodstock.”
Florence LaRue, a fellow group member, 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 tied the knot in 1969, issued 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 stated.
The original lineup of The 5th Dimension signified a unique moment in American popular music. A group of Black artists achieved broad success with white audiences through their distinctive blend of soul, pop, and contemporary sounds. Their music rose above the rigid categorizations that often restricted artists during that era.
McLemore’s contributions to The 5th Dimension extended beyond his vocal performances. As a founding member, he influenced the group’s artistic direction and upheld their commitment to musical excellence during their most successful years. His warm bass voice provided crucial depth to the group’s complex harmonies.
Although the group’s success in 1967 and 1969 marked the height of their commercial accomplishments, their influence on American popular music extended far beyond those chart-topping years. They illustrated that sophisticated vocal arrangements and careful song selection could attain 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 yet to announce plans for memorial services or a celebration of life.
With McLemore’s passing, another member of The 5th Dimension’s original lineup is gone. Ronald Towson, the member who proposed 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 epitomized the varied possibilities of artistic expression. From his early days as a Navy photographer through his brief baseball career, from his work capturing celebrities through his camera lens to his decades performing on stages worldwide, he displayed a dedication to creativity in various forms. His contributions to The 5th Dimension remain a testament to the enduring power of vocal harmony and musical innovation.
