LaMonte McLemore, who co-founded the legendary Grammy-winning vocal group ‘The Fifth Dimension’ has tragically passed away at the age of 90.
‘The Fifth Dimension,’ which formed in Los Angeles in 1965, focused primarily on a blend of jazz, pop, and soul which all but defined the American dream in the era.
Biographer Robert-Allan Arno told Soultracks about McLemore’s passing,
As his biographer, it was the blessing of a lifetime to work with his genius, as his close friend and someone he mentored, LaMonte’s compassion for others, artistic passion, gentle warmth juxtaposed with endearing humor, and impeccable intuition are with me forever. ‘Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
A cause of death has not yet been revealed.
A Voice That Lifted a Generation
McLemore helped shape popular music through the 1960s and 1970s with The 5th Dimension, blending jazz, pop, soul, and a touch of psychedelia into an uplifting sound that captured the spirit of the American dream during turbulent times. The group’s harmonious, feel-good anthems offered hope and joy amid social change, civil rights struggles, and cultural shifts.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, McLemore brought his jazz roots and photographic eye (he later became a renowned celebrity and sports photographer for magazines like Jet and Ebony) to the group. He co-founded The 5th Dimension in Los Angeles in 1965, originally as The Versatiles, alongside Marilyn McCoo, Florence LaRue, Billy Davis Jr., and Ronald Townson. Signed to Johnny Rivers’ Soul City label, they rebranded and exploded onto the scene.
Iconic Hits and Grammy Glory
Their breakthrough came with Jimmy Webb’s “Up, Up and Away” in 1967, which soared to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned multiple Grammys, including Record of the Year. The magic continued with Laura Nyro-penned gems like “Wedding Bell Blues” (No. 1) and “Stoned Soul Picnic.”
Their biggest triumph arrived in 1969 with the medley “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” from the musical Hair—it topped the charts for six weeks, became a cultural anthem of the Age of Aquarius, and snagged another Record of the Year Grammy.The group racked up six Grammys total, 20 Top 40 hits, multiple gold and platinum records, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Their sophisticated harmonies and positive vibes made them crossover pioneers, appealing across racial and generational lines during an era when such unity was rare.
