LaMonte McLemore, Founding Member of The 5th Dimension, Dies at 90

The vocalist and photographer was a key part of the hit-making vocal group in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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LaMonte McLemore, a founding member of the chart-topping vocal group The 5th Dimension, died on February 3 at his home in Las Vegas at the age of 90. McLemore was known for his bass vocals that anchored the group's sophisticated, radio-friendly harmonies, which helped expand the sounds of 1960s pop, soul, and R&B. The 5th Dimension was a frequent presence on radio, television variety shows, and international concert stages, scoring multiple Grammy Awards and hits like "Up, Up and Away" and "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In."

Why it matters

McLemore's passing marks the end of an era for one of the most successful and influential vocal groups of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The 5th Dimension's smooth, polished sound helped define the era's pop and soul music, and McLemore's bass vocals were a crucial component of their signature sound. His death is a significant loss for music fans who grew up with the group's timeless hits.

The details

As a founding member, McLemore co-formed The 5th Dimension in Los Angeles in 1966 with Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr., Florence LaRue, and Ron Townson. The group had been singing together under various names since the early 1960s. McLemore's bass vocals provided an anchor for the group's sophisticated harmonies, which were a major influence on the sounds of 1960s pop, soul, and R&B. The 5th Dimension was a frequent presence on radio, television variety shows, and international concert stages, winning multiple Grammy Awards and selling millions of records with hits like "Up, Up and Away" and "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In." McLemore continued performing with various iterations of the group until 2006.

  • LaMonte McLemore died on February 3, 2026 at his home in Las Vegas.
  • The 5th Dimension co-formed in Los Angeles in 1966.

The players

LaMonte McLemore

A founding member of the hit-making vocal group The 5th Dimension, known for his bass vocals that were a crucial anchor to the group's sophisticated harmonies.

The 5th Dimension

A successful and influential vocal group in the late 1960s and early 1970s, known for their smooth, polished sound that helped define the era's pop and soul music.

Marilyn McCoo

A founding member of The 5th Dimension.

Billy Davis Jr.

A founding member of The 5th Dimension.

Florence LaRue

A founding member of The 5th Dimension.

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What they’re saying

“Lamonte loved music and was always so generous, making his photography studio available to us in our early years before the hits started.”

— Marilyn McCoo (Deadline)

“As a childhood friend to me from St. Louis, Mo., he will certainly be missed.”

— Billy Davis Jr. (Deadline)

“Proverbs 17:22 states that 'A 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.”

— Florence LaRue (Deadline)

What’s next

A memorial service and celebration of life for LaMonte McLemore will be announced at a later date.

The takeaway

LaMonte McLemore's passing marks the end of an era for one of the most iconic and influential vocal groups of the late 1960s and early 1970s. His bass vocals were a crucial component of The 5th Dimension's sophisticated, radio-friendly sound that helped define the era's pop and soul music.