LaMonte McLemore, 5th Dimension Co-Founder And Photography Pioneer, Dies At 90

LaMonte McLemore, a founding member of the legendary vocal group The 5th Dimension and a trailblazing photographer, passed away on February 3, 2026, at his home in Las Vegas. He was 90 years old. Known for his smooth bass vocals, McLemore helped anchor the sophisticated harmonies that defined the group’s “champagne soul” sound, leading to massive hits like “Up, Up and Away” and the era-defining “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” His death follows a stroke suffered several years ago, though he remained a cherished figure in both the music and visual arts communities. McLemore’s multifaceted career spanned professional baseball, where he was the first Black athlete to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals, and a prolific tenure behind the lens that documented decades of Black cultural excellence.

Beyond the stage, McLemore was a pioneer in American media as the first Black photographer hired by Harper’s Bazaar and the eye behind Stevie Wonder’s debut album cover. For over 40 years, his photography was a staple of Jet and Ebony magazines, most notably through the “Beauty of the Week” feature. It was during a 1960s photo shoot for the Miss Black Beauty Pageant that he met future group members Marilyn McCoo and Florence LaRue, a meeting that would eventually lead to the formation of The 5th Dimension. His 2014 autobiography, From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension, chronicled his unique journey from St. Louis to international stardom and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is survived by his wife, Mieko, and his children.