Lamonte McLemore is an African-American singer and songwriter who has made inedible marks in the music industry. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on the 17th of September, 1939. McLemore attended Sumner High School and in 1952, after he graduated from high school, he was enlisted in the United States Navy.
He is a member of the Award-winning pop group the 5th Dimension. He is married to Mieko Tone and the duo stays in Las Vegas, Nevada.
10 Facts about Lemonte McLemore
1. He is the Founder of 5th Dimension
Before 5th Dimension, McLemore was a member of a Jazz group called the Hi-Fi’s. He later discovered his love for Pop music and that led him to start his own Pop group alongside Marilyn McCoo, Florence LaRue, Billy Davis Jr, and Ron Townson.
Their group was first called ” The Versatiles” and in 1967 they changed it to the 5th Dimension and stuck with that till date. The group has won different awards including the Grammy Awards.
2. Lamonte McLemore is from a Humble Background
Not everyone has the opportunity to be born with a silver spoon, some have to work their way to find that silver spoon. Lamonte McLemore was part of the latter.
The Singer-Songwriter was abandoned by his father as a child and was raised by his mother Mama June McLemore and maternal grandmother, Gertrude Whitecloud Shaver.
In an interview with Backbeat RnB magazine, he said his family was so poor, that he had to sleep in a dresser as a child. McLemore encouraged people in his situation not to give up and if he could do it anyone could.
3. He was a Pro Baseball Player
Lamonte McLemore was the first African-American athlete to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals, a professional Baseball team in St. Louis. McLemore thought that pitching for St. Louis Cardinals was the fastest way to escape poverty.
His love for Baseball made his move to Los Angeles where he played for Los Angeles Dodgers as a strong-arm pitcher for a short time before he had an accident that resulted in a broken arm. The accident marked the end of his career with the Dodgers.
He enjoys playing softball. As a Former Pro Baseball player, it is no surprise that he chose softball as his recreational sport. He says playing softball is still a passion.
4. He is a Renowned Photographer
Lamonte McLemore left the U.S Navy and bought his first camera with his discharge pay, which ushered his career as a Photographer in 1958 with Halmont Graphics, as a co-founder.
He was the first African-American photographer to be hired by Harper’s Bazaar magazine. He shot Stevie Wonder‘s first album cover.
McLemore has worked with other magazines like Playboy, Ebony, Jet, and People Magazine for over 40 years. He discovered Marilyn McCoo and Florence LaRue during a shoot at the Miss Black Beauty Pageant in the mid-1960s.
5. His Grandmother is Muse and Inspiration
Growing up with his Maternal Grandmother, Gertrude Whitecloud Shaver, a Cherokee Indian, would always ask the little McLemore to pick 3 things he wanted to achieve in life and think about them.
First, He chose photography and as a child, he would always carry his toy camera in his right holster. Second, he chose a Baseball player and his third choice was because he thought girls gush about singers, so he chose to be a singer.
6. Lamonte McLemore is also an Actor
Being a Man of many talents, it is no surprise that McLemore is also an Actor.
McLemore has featured in different movies, shows, and documentaries including “It Takes a Thief” (1968), ” Micheal Jackson: The Life of an Icon” (2011), and “The Andy William Show” (1969).
7. He suffered a Mild Stroke
In 2006, Lamonte McLemore retired from the 5th Dimension because of severe back problems that required surgery.
Lamonte McLemore suffered a mild stroke sometime between 2016 to 2017. The veteran Musician is recovering steadily and has appreciated his fans for their support and prayers.
See Also: Songs About Wind – 15 Best For A Great Windy Day
8. Lamonte McLemore is an Author
After retiring from 5th Dimension in 2006, McLemore and his Biographer, Robert-Allan Arno, wrote an autobiography of the singer titled ” From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension”.
The book is an inspirational story of how he came from a humble background and ended up being on stage singing for Kings and Queens. It is still on sale on online platforms.
9. He has a Daughter named Ciara
Lamonte McLemore has a daughter from his first marriage, Lisa Harvey. There is not much information online about his first wife and daughter Ciara.
However, McLemore enjoys traveling around the world with his wife, Meiko.
10. Lamonte McLemore is a Multi-Millionaire
McLemore’s net worth is estimated to be around $5,000,000. He owes his large reservoir of wealth to his long years in the music industry as a member of the 5th Dimension and also to his photography career.
He was also contacted to script a play for Broadway about 5th Dimension’s Journey which will no doubt bring a substantial amount of money.
