LaMonte McLemore, who died in early 2026, was a founding member of which iconic vocal group?

LaMonte McLemore, who passed away in early February 2026 at the age of 90, was a founding member of the iconic American vocal group, The 5th Dimension. McLemore, known for his warm bass vocals, helped establish the group's distinctive "champagne soul" sound, a genre-blending style that fused pop, soul, R&B, and jazz. The 5th Dimension rose to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s with their smooth harmonies and upbeat messaging, becoming an important crossover act of their era.

The group, originally formed in 1965 as The Versatiles, changed their name to The 5th Dimension and quickly achieved widespread success. They are celebrated for numerous chart-topping hits, including the Grammy Award-winning "Up, Up and Away" in 1967 and the medley "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" from the musical "Hair," which topped the charts for six weeks in 1969. Other notable songs include "Stoned Soul Picnic" and "Wedding Bell Blues." The 5th Dimension garnered six Grammy Awards during their career, with "Up, Up and Away" and "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" both earning Record of the Year.

Beyond his musical contributions, LaMonte McLemore also maintained a distinguished parallel career as a photographer. He captured images of fellow musicians and contributed to major publications like Harper's Bazaar, Ebony, Playboy, People, and Jet magazine, where his work was a mainstay for over four decades. His diverse talents and integral role in The 5th Dimension cemented his legacy as a significant figure in American popular music and culture.