LaMonte McLemore, a founding member of The 5th Dimension, the Grammy-winning vocal group that blended smooth pop and soul with psychedelic influences to create some of the defining hits of the 1960s and ’70s, died Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at his home in Las Vegas. He was 90 years old.
McLemore died of natural causes after having a stroke, surrounded by his family, his representative Jeremy Westby confirmed.
The 5th Dimension achieved remarkable crossover success during an era of cultural transformation, winning six Grammy Awards throughout their career. The group won record of the year twice, first in 1968 for “Up Up and Away” and again in 1970 for “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.”
“Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” a medley from the musical “Hair,” spent six weeks at No. 1 on the charts and became one of the most recognizable songs of the era. The track showcased the group’s ability to merge contemporary theatrical music with their distinctive vocal harmonies.
“Up Up and Away,” penned by Jimmy Webb, reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned the group five Grammys. The song captured the optimistic spirit of the late 1960s with its soaring melodies and imaginative lyrics.
Beyond their Grammy success, The 5th Dimension accumulated seven gold albums and six platinum singles, cementing their place in music history with hits including “Go Where You Wanna Go,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” and “One Less Bell to Answer.”
Born September 17, 1935, in St. Louis, McLemore’s path to musical stardom was far from conventional. He served in the U.S. Navy, where he worked as an aerial photographer, developing skills that would serve him throughout his life. After his military service, he pursued a career in professional baseball, playing in the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system before settling in Southern California.
In Southern California, McLemore began developing both his musical talents and his eye for photography. He sang in a jazz ensemble called The Hi-Fi’s alongside Marilyn McCoo, who would become a fellow founding member of The 5th Dimension. The group opened for Ray Charles in 1963 but dissolved the following year.
In 1965, McLemore joined forces with McCoo, two childhood friends from St. Louis—Billy Davis Jr. and Ronald Townson—and Florence LaRue to form a singing group called The Versatiles. The quintet signed to Soul City Records, a new label founded by singer Johnny Rivers.
Rivers suggested the group’s original name wasn’t contemporary enough for the evolving music scene. Townson proposed “The 5th Dimension,” a name that reflected the psychedelic and countercultural influences permeating the era.
The group’s breakthrough came in 1967 with their cover of The Mamas & the Papas’ “Go Where You Wanna Go,” which established them as a force in popular music. Their sophisticated harmonies and polished production set them apart from many of their contemporaries.
Throughout his time with The 5th Dimension, McLemore maintained a parallel career as a sports and celebrity photographer. His work appeared in Jet magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, People, and other publications, demonstrating his versatility as an artist. The dual career reflected McLemore’s creative range and his ability to capture compelling images both through his camera lens and his bass vocal performances.
The 5th Dimension’s music resonated during a tumultuous period in American history, bridging cultural divides with their accessible yet sophisticated sound. The group performed at the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, an event that was chronicled decades later in the 2021 documentary “Summer of Soul” directed by Questlove.
The documentary brought renewed attention to The 5th Dimension’s contribution to a pivotal moment in music history, showcasing their performance alongside other legendary artists at what became 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, 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 said.
The original lineup of The 5th Dimension 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 the era.
McLemore’s contributions to The 5th Dimension extended beyond his vocal performances. As a founding member, he helped shape the group’s artistic direction and maintained their commitment to musical excellence throughout their most successful years. His warm bass voice provided 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 influence on American popular music extended well beyond those chart-topping years. They helped demonstrate 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.
His death marks the passing of another member of The 5th Dimension’s original lineup. Ronald Townson, the member who suggested the group’s name, died in 2001. The remaining original members—McCoo, Davis Jr., and LaRue—continue to preserve the legacy of a group that helped define an era in American music.
