LaMonte McLemore, the iconic singer and co-founder of The 5th Dimension, has passed away at the age of 90. His smooth pop and soul sounds, infused with a touch of psychedelia, brought the group massive hits in the 1960s and 1970s. McLemore's journey began in St. Louis, where he served in the Navy as an aerial photographer and played baseball in the Los Angeles Dodgers' farm system. He settled in Southern California, where his warm bass voice and photography skills flourished. McLemore's early musical career included singing in a jazz ensemble, the Hi-Fi's, with future 5th Dimension bandmate Marilyn McCoo. The group opened for Ray Charles in 1963 but disbanded the following year. McLemore, McCoo, and childhood friends Billy Davis Jr. and Ronald Towson formed the Versatiles, later signing with Soul City Records and renaming themselves The 5th Dimension. Their breakthrough hit, 'Go Where You Wanna Go,' came in 1967, followed by the iconic 'Up, Up and Away,' which won four Grammys. The group's success continued with hits like 'Stoned Soul Picnic' and 'Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,' which topped the charts and earned Grammy awards. The 5th Dimension's unique sound resonated with audiences, but it also sparked controversy. They faced criticism for being 'not Black enough' by some in the Black community, highlighting the complexities of racial representation in music. Despite this, The 5th Dimension's impact on the music industry is undeniable. They performed at the White House and on an international cultural tour, solidifying their status as one of the most influential vocal groups of their time. The original lineup lasted until 1975 when McCoo and Davis left to pursue solo careers. McLemore's passing leaves a void in the music industry, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists.
