Singer and founding member of 5th Dimension, LaMonte McLemore, has died at the age of 90 as his band mates pay tribute
A singer and founding member of the iconic band 5th Dimension has died at the age of 90. LaMonte McLemore died in Las Vegas with his family around him, according to his representative Jeremy Westby.
The singer died of natural causes following a stroke. He was the founding member of the vocal group whose smooth pop and soul sounds endeared them to the public.
He was in the band alongside Florence LaRue, Ron Townson and married couple Billy Davis Jr. and Marilyn McCoo. In the 1960s and ’70s, the group had a number of huge hits, including Up, Up and Away and 1969 Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In. They won six Grammy Awards during this time, including bagging the Record of the Year award twice.
As well as his music career, LaMonte was a successful sports and celebrity photographer. He saw his pictures appear in a number of magazines, including Jet, People and Harper’s Bazaar. His images captured
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Bandmate McCoo said of the star: “Lamonte loved music and was always so generous, making his photography studio available to us in our early years before the hits started.”
LaRue said in a tribute: “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.”
Following his death, fans also shared messages of sorrow and condolence on social media. On Twitter/X, one user wrote: “R.I.P. to LaMonte McLemore. He was one of the founding members of The Fifth Dimension.
“McLemore died yesterday at the age of 90. Among the group’s hits: “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In,” “Up, Up and Away” and “Wedding Bell Blues.”
Another wrote: “LaMonte McLemore, co-founder of The 5th Dimension and legendary photographer for Jet and Ebony, has died at 90. The “Aquarius” singer leaves behind a massive legacy in music and visual history.”
And a third said: “Sad news. LaMonte McLemore and The 5th Dimension gave us timeless hits that will never be forgotten.”
McLemore is survived by his wife of 30 years, Mieko McLemore, daughter Ciara, son Darin, sister Joan and three grandchildren.
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