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

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LaMonte McLemore, the founding member and baritone singer of the iconic vocal group The 5th Dimension, has passed away at the age of 90. McLemore, whose rich vocals helped shape the group's innovative blend of pop, soul, and R&B, died on February 3, 2026, at his home in Las Vegas after suffering a stroke. Beyond his musical legacy, McLemore was also a prolific photographer whose images appeared in major publications and captured moments of Black beauty and everyday grace.

Why it matters

As a founding member of The 5th Dimension, LaMonte McLemore played a pivotal role in creating one of the most successful and influential vocal groups of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The group's uplifting harmonies and crossover appeal helped define the sound of a generation, and McLemore's contributions as a singer, songwriter, and behind-the-scenes leader were integral to their success. His passing marks the end of an era and the loss of a true music icon.

The details

Born in St. Louis in 1935, McLemore's early life was marked by diverse interests, including serving in the U.S. Navy as an aerial photographer and briefly playing minor league baseball for the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was his passion for music, however, that would ultimately define his legacy. In the early 1960s, he sang in a jazz ensemble called the Hi-Fi's, where he met future 5th Dimension bandmate Marilyn McCoo. The group's opening gig for Ray Charles solidified McLemore's belief in the power of harmony. In 1965, he brought together a talented ensemble, including McCoo, Billy Davis Jr., Ron Townson, and Florence LaRue, to form the group initially known as the Versatiles. Under the guidance of singer-producer Johnny Rivers, they rebranded as The 5th Dimension and went on to become one of the most successful and innovative acts of the era, winning six Grammy Awards and topping the charts with hits like 'Up, Up and Away' and 'Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.'

• LaMonte McLemore was born on September 17, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri.
• In the early 1960s, McLemore sang in a jazz ensemble called the Hi-Fi's.
• In 1965, McLemore formed the group that would become The 5th Dimension.
• The 5th Dimension achieved their greatest success in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
• LaMonte McLemore passed away on February 3, 2026, at the age of 90.