LaMonte McLemore of The 5th Dimension Dies at 90

LaMonte McLemore, a founding member of the groundbreaking vocal group The 5th Dimension, died on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at his home in Las Vegas. He was 90 years old. His representative, Jeremy Westby, confirmed that McLemore passed away from natural causes following a stroke.

Born in St. Louis, McLemore’s musical journey was remarkably diverse. Before achieving fame with The 5th Dimension, he served in the U.S. Navy as an aerial photographer and even pursued a career in baseball, playing in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ farm system. He ultimately settled in Southern California, where he honed both his vocal talents and his skill as a photographer, capturing images of sports figures and celebrities that appeared in publications like Jet magazine.

McLemore’s musical roots ran deep. He began singing in a jazz ensemble called the Hi-Fi’s alongside Marilyn McCoo, who would later become a fellow member of The 5th Dimension. The Hi-Fi’s briefly opened for Ray Charles in 1963 before disbanding the following year. It was later, in 1965, that McLemore, McCoo, and two of his childhood friends – Billy Davis Jr. And Ronald Towson – joined forces with schoolteacher Florence LaRue to form a new vocal group initially called The Versatiles.

Singer Johnny Rivers, who had recently launched his own record label, Soul City Records, signed The Versatiles. Rivers, recognizing the need for a more contemporary name, prompted the group to find a new identity. Towson ultimately suggested “The 5th Dimension,” a name that resonated with the burgeoning psychedelic and hippie culture of the time.

The 5th Dimension quickly rose to prominence, blending pop, soul, and a touch of psychedelia to create a signature sound that captivated audiences. Their breakthrough came in 1967 with a cover of The Mamas & the Papas’ “Go Where You Wanna Go.” That same year, they released “Up, Up and Away,” penned by Jimmy Webb, which climbed to number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned them four Grammy Awards in 1968: Record of the Year, Best Contemporary Single, Best Performance by a Vocal Group, and Best Contemporary Group Performance.

The group’s success continued with the release of “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” in 1969, a medley from the musical Hair. The song became a cultural touchstone, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks and solidifying The 5th Dimension’s place in music history. They went on to achieve further hits with songs like “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” “Go Where You Wanna Go,” “One Less Bell to Answer,” and “(Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All.” Throughout their career, The 5th Dimension amassed seven Gold albums and six Platinum RIAA-certified singles.

The 5th Dimension’s impact was recognized with a total of six Grammy Awards, including two Record of the Year honors – a testament to their broad crossover appeal and innovative musical arrangements. They were known for their sophisticated harmonies and McLemore’s warm bass vocals, which helped anchor the group’s distinctive sound.

LaMonte McLemore is survived by his wife of 30 years, Mieko McLemore, his daughter Ciara, his son Darin, his sister Joan, and three grandchildren. His passing marks the end of an era for a group that profoundly influenced American pop and soul music, leaving behind a legacy of timeless hits and a unique musical vision.