Lamonte McLemore

Lamonte McLemore (17 September 1935 – 3 February 2026) was an American vocalist, composer, and photographer, best known as a founding member of The 5th Dimension, the sophisticated vocal group that defined the "champagne soul" sound of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Often referred to by the nickname "Mac", he provided the group's smooth bass vocals, anchoring complex harmonies on chart-topping hits such as "Up, Up and Away" and the medley "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In".

Beyond his musical legacy, McLemore was a pioneering professional photographer who broke racial barriers in the fashion industry and chronicled African American culture for decades as the primary photographer for Jet magazine’s iconic "Beauty of the Week" feature.

Early Life

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, McLemore was raised primarily by his grandmother, Gertrude Whitecloud Shaver, after his parents separated. He attended Charles H. Sumner High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, where he was trained as an aerial photographer—a trade that would become his second lifelong profession.

An accomplished athlete in his youth, he made history as the first African American baseball player to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals. Although he did not join the main roster, he later played in the minor leagues for the Los Angeles Dodgers system until an arm injury redirected his focus entirely toward the arts.

Relocating to Los Angeles, he established himself as a photographer while immersing himself in the city's burgeoning music scene.

Career

McLemore’s dual career flourished in the mid-1960s. As a photographer, he became the first African American professional hired by Harper’s Bazaar and shot the cover for Stevie Wonder’s debut album, The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie.

During a photo shoot for a "Miss Black Beauty" pageant, he met Marilyn McCoo and Florence LaRue, eventually recruiting them—along with friends Harry Elston and Floyd Butler—to form the group that would evolve into The 5th Dimension.

The quintet achieved massive crossover success, winning six Grammy Awards and releasing hits like "Stoned Soul Picnic" and "Wedding Bell Blues". McLemore remained a constant presence in the group through various lineup changes until his retirement in 2006. He also co-wrote the songs "A Love Like Ours" and "The Singer" and published a memoir in 2014 titled From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension, detailing his journey through baseball, photography, and music.

Personal Life

McLemore was married to Mieko Tone for over 30 years until his death. He had two children, a daughter named Ciara and a son named Darin. Throughout his life, he remained deeply connected to the African American community, using his platform at Jet and Ebony to celebrate Black beauty and culture during a transformative era for civil rights. He suffered a stroke in 2019, which led to a decline in his health. Lamonte McLemore died of natural causes at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, on 3 February 2026, at the age of 90.

Current Activities

His estate manages his extensive photographic portfolio, which serves as a significant historical archive of 20th-century Black entertainment and social life. His musical legacy remains active through the enduring popularity of The 5th Dimension's catalogue, which is frequently featured in film and television soundtracks, and his memoir remains in print as a document of his multifaceted career.