The Man Who Captured the Stars and Sang Among Them: A Tribute to Lamonte McLemore

​The world knows many "double threats," but few inhabited two distinct creative universes as masterfully as Lamonte McLemore. As a founding member of the legendary vocal group The 5th Dimension and a prolific photographer for Jet Magazine, McLemore didn’t just witness the mid-century golden age of Black culture—he designed its soundtrack and developed its image.

​A Symphony in the Key of Change

​Long before he was a household name, McLemore was the architect of a new sound. In the mid-1960s, he brought together the voices that would become The 5th Dimension. Their "Champagne Soul" bridged the gap between R&B, pop, and jazz, earning them six Grammy Awards and defining an era with hits like "Up, Up and Away" and the iconic "Medley: Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In."

​McLemore’s smooth baritone was the foundation of the group’s harmony, providing a steady anchor as they soared to the top of the charts and broke racial barriers in the mainstream music industry.

The Eye of the Culture

​While the world saw Lamonte under the spotlight, he was often most comfortable behind the lens. For over five decades, McLemore served as a lead photographer for Jet Magazine. He possessed a rare gift for capturing "Black Excellence" before the term was a hashtag. 

​He was perhaps most famous for his work with the "Jet Beauty of the Week"—a segment that, under his direction, became a celebrated showcase of natural beauty, elegance, and poise. His photography wasn't just about aesthetics; it was a journalistic mission to document the vibrancy of Black life during a time when mainstream media often looked away.

​From Hobo Flats to Global Fame

​McLemore’s journey was beautifully chronicled in his memoir, From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension. The book traces his path from humble beginnings in St. Louis to the heights of international stardom. It serves as a testament to his versatility: a man who could transition seamlessly from a high-stakes photo shoot to a sold-out performance at the Sands in Las Vegas. 

​"I wanted to show the world that we were beautiful, that we were talented, and that our stories deserved to be told in perfect harmony." — Lamonte McLemore

​A Lasting Legacy

​Lamonte McLemore was a pioneer of the "Slash-Career" long before it was trendy. He was a Singer / Photographer / Visionary. He leaves behind a legacy of hits that will forever play on the radio and a visual archive that remains a cornerstone of African American history. 

​As we look back on his life, we see a man who lived with his eyes wide open and his voice raised high. He didn't just reach for the stars; he made sure we could see them clearly.