Remembering Lamont McLemore: A Personal Tribute to a 5th Dimension Legend 1935 - 2026

Little Anthony, Esther Austin and Lamont Mclemore

In February 2026, the word consciousness feels a little less like a buzzword and a little more real.

This is my personal tribute to a 5th Dimension Legend, Lamont McLemore. I was more than saddened to hear of the passing of Lamont McLemore, in February 2026 at 90 years old, the founding member of The 5th Dimension. His music came from an era where songs carried messages of love, unity, and a consciousness of self and others. They sang about The Age of Aquarius, Let the Sunshine In, Up, Up and Away music that gently lifted people during deeply divided times, which still continue to this day.

While Lamont was primarily known as a vocalist rather than a songwriter (many of the group’s hits were written by Jimmy Webb and Laura Nyro), he was part of a group that performed socially conscious music during the Vietnam era and how that music was carried mattered just as much as who wrote it.

What makes this personal for me is that I had the privilege of spending time with LaMont on several occasions. I first met him at a Las Vegas performance by Little Anthony and The Imperials.  I had interviewed Little Anthony a few months prior, and he invited me to Vegas to see him perform a few months after. Then I was invited back stage where I met Lamont. (Image below). What I remember strongly about Lamont was his easy and ready laugh, and he was always telling jokes and had such a wonderfully positive outlook on life. A man of wisdom as well, sharp as an eagle and shrewd as an owl.

So after, meeting him at The Little Anthony Concert, Lamont later welcomed me into his world a year later when I was visiting Vegas again. He took me to lunch where I enjoyed my first taste of grits. He then drove me around his neighbourhood and showed me where he used to hang out and play baseball, where he played baseball now with many of those who had retired, and he invited me into his private space, his home very briefly, where I was able to capture his awards and accolades. He also took me to meet the late great Sonny Turner from the Original Platters and we had such a great time, a sharing of their lives, their history and yes, lots more laughter.

The Late Sonny Turner from The original Platters and Lamont Mclemore

But more than any of that, he taught me something quietly powerful: consciousness isn’t something you talk about it’s something you live. In kindness. In presence. In how you meet others.

I’ll always be grateful for those memories and a reminder of what a true legend looks like. 

We are all on our individual journeys and pathways, and for me. Lamont's essence and presence in life is a wonderful reminder to me of what real self awareness looks like. Lamont was shrewd, wise and full of joy.

Feeling blessed to have crossed my path with a true earth angel.

Interview and time spent with LaMont here: https://lnkd.in/dtSbuS5k) Interview with Sonny Turner from The Original Platters and Lamont McLemore https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9g60vBWASc&t=4s The 5th Dimension Greatest Hits https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTJf9MMP888&list=PLl4KJVTSf0RM43unj-doOb66TwbGIUwdr