Legendary Singer LaMonte McLemore Passes Away at 90
The music world is mourning the loss of LaMonte McLemore, one half of the Grammy-winning duo The 5th Dimension. McLemore, who was 90 years old when he passed away on Tuesday in Las Vegas due to natural causes, had an illustrious career spanning multiple genres, including R&B, soul, and pop.
Born in St. Louis on September 17, 1935, McLemore's journey to stardom began with his role as a singer in The 5th Dimension, which he co-founded alongside Billy Davis Jr., Florence LaRue, Marilyn McCoo, and Ron Townson. Known for their signature silky harmonies and sophisticated sound, the group became a crossover sensation in the late '60s and early '70s.
The 5th Dimension's music catalog boasts some of the most iconic hits of that era, including "Up, Up and Away," "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)," "Wedding Bell Blues," "Stoned Soul Picnic," and "One Less Bell to Answer." The group won numerous awards, including two record of the year Grammy Awards, seven gold albums, and six RIAA-certified platinum singles.
Their impact extended beyond music, as they played a pivotal role in bringing American culture behind the Iron Curtain during their 1973 State Department cultural tour. In 1991, they received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing their status as one of the most influential and enduring musical acts of all time.
In recent years, The 5th Dimension made headlines with the release of Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson's documentary Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), which featured the group performing at the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. McLemore, along with his fellow band members, was a beloved figure in the music industry, celebrated for his infectious energy and sense of humor.
LaMonte McLemore is survived by his wife of 30 years, Mieko, as well as daughter Ciara, son Darin, sister Joan, and three grandchildren. A memorial service and celebration of life are planned to be announced at a later date, allowing fans to pay tribute to this music legend who left an indelible mark on the industry.
The music world is mourning the loss of LaMonte McLemore, one half of the Grammy-winning duo The 5th Dimension. McLemore, who was 90 years old when he passed away on Tuesday in Las Vegas due to natural causes, had an illustrious career spanning multiple genres, including R&B, soul, and pop.
Born in St. Louis on September 17, 1935, McLemore's journey to stardom began with his role as a singer in The 5th Dimension, which he co-founded alongside Billy Davis Jr., Florence LaRue, Marilyn McCoo, and Ron Townson. Known for their signature silky harmonies and sophisticated sound, the group became a crossover sensation in the late '60s and early '70s.
The 5th Dimension's music catalog boasts some of the most iconic hits of that era, including "Up, Up and Away," "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)," "Wedding Bell Blues," "Stoned Soul Picnic," and "One Less Bell to Answer." The group won numerous awards, including two record of the year Grammy Awards, seven gold albums, and six RIAA-certified platinum singles.
Their impact extended beyond music, as they played a pivotal role in bringing American culture behind the Iron Curtain during their 1973 State Department cultural tour. In 1991, they received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing their status as one of the most influential and enduring musical acts of all time.
In recent years, The 5th Dimension made headlines with the release of Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson's documentary Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), which featured the group performing at the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. McLemore, along with his fellow band members, was a beloved figure in the music industry, celebrated for his infectious energy and sense of humor.
LaMonte McLemore is survived by his wife of 30 years, Mieko, as well as daughter Ciara, son Darin, sister Joan, and three grandchildren. A memorial service and celebration of life are planned to be announced at a later date, allowing fans to pay tribute to this music legend who left an indelible mark on the industry.
just heard about LaMonte McLemore's passing at 90... can you believe it? he was part of such iconic groups like The 5th Dimension & won multiple Grammy Awards 
. his voice was so smooth & silky, always loved their hits like "Up, Up and Away" & "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)" 
those were some amazing times for music. he might be gone but his legacy lives on through his music & the countless people he touched with it 
. Anyway, I've always loved The 5th Dimension's songs, especially "Up, Up and Away" - it's so catchy! 
Do you think they were more popular back in the day because of their smooth harmonies or something else? And what's this about them playing on a cultural tour in '73? Sounds like they were part of some big music diplomacy thingy... 
his legacy lives on thru the music and it'll be nice to see what Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson comes up with next 
just heard about LaMonte McLemore's passing... it feels like yesterday he was still performing with The 5th Dimension 
. I remember watching their performances back in the day and being mesmerized by those silky smooth harmonies 
. He was more than just a singer, he was a symbol of American music going global 
. And who can forget his role in breaking down barriers for American culture during that iconic State Department tour? 
it's sad to see him go but I'm so grateful to have grown up with his music and the memories it brought to my life 
1973 state department cultural tour? that's like, a whole different level of cool 
90 is crazy! LaMonte McLemore was literally a music legend 
he had that silky smooth voice and with The 5th Dimension they were unstoppable 
I loved their iconic hits like "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" it still gives me chills every time I listen to them 
what's crazy is they brought American culture to the Soviet Union in '73 during that State Department tour 
rest in peace LaMonte 
. As one of the founding members of The 5th Dimension, he was an integral part of their iconic sound and signature silky harmonies 
. Their impact on popular culture extends far beyond their impressive list of hits like "Up, Up and Away" and "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" 
. McLemore's infectious energy and sense of humor on stage were no doubt a key factor in The 5th Dimension's enduring popularity 
.
. Their music continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike 
.
. Time flies when you're having fun... or making great music! 
90's not old to me, you know what I mean? He was still rocking out & making hits till he passed away 
.
can you imagine being part of that iconic group The 5th Dimension back in the day and performing those legendary songs like "Aquarius" and "Up, Up and Away"? McLemore's career spanned decades and genres, he was a true legend in the music world. I'm gonna miss his silky smooth vocals 
It's like he and The 5th Dimension were carrying the torch for harmony and soulfulness in a way that feels so timeless. 
, their music still holds up today. I mean, who can forget those smooth harmonies and hits like "Up, Up and Away" 
. I mean, he was part of one of those legendary groups that really defined a era 
McLemore may be gone but his music will keep on living through us 
. Let's take a moment to celebrate LaMonte McLemore's life and legacy 
maybe its some kinda government experiment or something... all these old people dying and it's like their memories are being erased... remember when the 5th dimension sang "up, up and away"? seems like just a song but is it? 
They've also got an impressive discography with 7 gold albums & 6 RIAA-certified platinum singles! 