Monthly Archives: September 2020

Dateline Sept. 17: It’s #LaMonteDay with a Special Update: Today is an incredibly momentous day, the birthday of a gentleman we all respect and love: LaMonte McLemore. The world knows him as the founder & “mellow bass” of The Original 5th Dimension, Pop-Soul 6-time Grammy-winning royalty that blazed trails “Up-Up and Away” through the “Age of Aquarius.” Their “Champagne Soul” is still relevant and ever uplifting. The world also knows him as the premier freelance photographer for JET magazine…his “Beauty of the Week” feature edified the loveliness of Black women and helped make historic shifts in the pop culture. But we who know “Mac” through his friendship or “familial being”—whether you’ve played softball with him, have posed as his model, have chatted warmly with him backstage, have been mentored and encouraged by his visionary eye for talent, and so many instances more —know a man of abounding compassion, kindness, humor, and his motto: “We are only in this world to help one another”—something his prophetic Grandma Gertrude always instilled .

Approximately one year ago, Mac suffered a stroke and we wanted to keep you, his fans, friends & family informed…and his birthday is a perfect time to bring you up-to-date. LaMonte—along with his luminous, diligent wife Mieko each step of the way—has worked tirelessly, making great strides this past year with the latest advances in physical and speech therapy, and so much more. Mieko shares, “We have made every day a new adventure, and our hearts have been continually warmed by so many caring people we’ve met along the way.” From celebrating simple sunsets at Christmastime, to Mama June’s 106th birthday this June (LaMonte’s cherished mom), to watching the new Civil Rights movement unfold this springtime, and taking healthy summertime strolls while others have marched, Mac with Mieko has continued to blaze trails with courage, smiles and a can-do spirit…characteristics LaMonte has always represented. And here on his lively Facebook page of 5,000 followers, we love bringing you all sorts of memories and acknowledging current milestones. It’s part of LaMonte’s “vital vibe,” and as his biographer and social media curator, I am so proud to do so, confabbing with Mac & Mieko regularly…it is a special 3-way bond I am so happy to mention in this birthday salute.

LaMonte expresses to you with that “famous twinkle” in his eyes, “Thank you EVERYONE for your heartfelt wishes, prayers, the good times we continue to share…and sometimes, difficult things like the pandemic…where we still see the hope for a brighter day.” LaMonte continues, “Can I end with a joke? Grandma always used to say: ‘The sun rises and sets for everyone…we’re the only ones who screw it up in between!’ So on my birthday I say, don’t screw it up! Seriously, let us continue in joy and with love for one another.”

And with Mac having those final golden words, please join us here with your birthday wishes for this legendary man…our friend…our family…our role model. —Robert-Allan Arno for “Team LaMonte” (as published on LaMonte McLemore’s Facebook page)

Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.–the 1st Couple of Pop n’ Soul bring this message:

“Happy Birthday, Mac! Man, you’re getting up there; well we all are! 🙂 Do you remember when The 5th Dimension used to joke about one day all of us rolling around onstage in our wheelchairs singing ‘Up-Up & Away’?!’ 🙂 We’re wishing you a beautiful day of celebration and we’ll see you soon!”
Love, Billy & Marilyn; P. S. Love to Mieko 

LaMonte with forever friends Marilyn & Billy