LaMonte McLemore, a founding member of the Grammy-winning vocal group The 5th Dimension, has died at the age of 90. His representative, Jeremy Westby, confirmed that McLemore died of natural causes on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, following a stroke several years prior.
Born September 17, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri, McLemore’s career spanned music, and photography. He formed The 5th Dimension in Los Angeles, initially alongside Billy Davis Jr., Florence LaRue, Marilyn McCoo, and Ron Townson (who passed away in 2001). The group became known for its sophisticated blend of R&B, soul, and pop, characterized by silky harmonies and a touch of psychedelia.
The 5th Dimension achieved significant crossover success in the 1960s and 70s, earning six Grammy Awards, including two Record of the Year wins. They took the honor in 1967 for “Up, Up and Away” and again in 1969 for “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” The latter, a mashup of songs from the musical “Hair,” spent six weeks at number one on the pop charts.
Beyond his musical contributions, McLemore pursued a parallel career as a sports and celebrity photographer, with his work appearing in publications such as Jet magazine. He served in the U.S. Navy as an aerial photographer and also played baseball in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ farm system before dedicating himself to music and photography.
McLemore’s musical journey began in a jazz ensemble called the Hi-Fi’s, where he performed alongside future 5th Dimension bandmate Marilyn McCoo. The Hi-Fi’s opened for Ray Charles in 1963 but disbanded the following year. He, McCoo, Billy Davis Jr., and Ronald Towson later formed a group called the Versatiles in 1965, eventually adding Florence LaRue to the lineup.
The Versatiles were signed to singer Johnny Rivers’ Soul City Records label. Rivers reportedly felt the group’s name needed updating, a sentiment that foreshadowed the evolution into The 5th Dimension.
Florence LaRue, a member of The 5th Dimension, shared her sentiments in a press release, stating, “Proverbs 17:22 states that ‘one joyful heart is good medicine…’ Well, Lamonte really knew my prescription. His cheerfulness and laughter often brought strength and refreshment to me in difficult times. We were more like brother and sister than singing partners. I didn’t realize the depth of my love for Lamonte until he was no longer here. His absence has shown me the magnitude of what he meant to me and that love will stay in my heart forever.”
Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. Jointly expressed their grief, saying, “All of us who knew and loved him will definitely miss his energy and wonderful sense of humor.”
The 5th Dimension’s catalog includes other notable hits such as “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” and “One Less Bell to Answer.” Their music continues to resonate with audiences, representing a significant era in American pop and soul history.
McLemore’s passing marks the end of an era for a group that consistently broke musical boundaries and achieved widespread recognition. His contributions as a vocalist, songwriter, and photographer leave a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
