My appreciation, Marilyn & Billy for sharing with FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, your homage to LaMonte that is equal parts heartfelt, historic and charming… —Robert-Allan Arno
In 1965, five young African American singers came together to form an obscure vocal group. We called ourselves The Versatiles. Once we created our sound, the people around us were convinced the name was too square, too vanilla. Ron Townson, along with his wife Bobette, suggested a new name: The 5th Dimension.
And The Original 5th Dimension, we became. The unknown story behind the gold records, the platinum records, the Grammys, the television specials and shows, amazing fans at the thousands of concerts—the laughter and tears is best seen through the photographic lens of the man who brought us all together: LaMonte McLemore, who left this life on Tuesday, February 3rd.
Ron, LaMonte, and Billy all knew each other from St. Louis. Florence was from Pennsylvania, and Marilyn grew up in California. We all had solo dreams. Somehow, with LaMonte’s incredible heart, charm, goodness, and humility, he convinced us to put those dreams on hold for ten years—a full decade—and make beautiful music together.
Every time you hear a 5th Dimension harmony, every time you hear an Original 5th Dimension melody, pause and give thanks for our beloved friend. Without his grace, the egos of everyone else might have kept that dream from ever coming true.
Our hearts are broken. We love LaMonte and his wonderful wife, Mieko, so deeply. They are both rare and truly good human beings.
LaMonte would be the first to tell you he may not have been our group’s strongest lead singer—many have said that honor belongs to Billy—but he was a genius of strength in art, creativity, energy, friendship, kindness, and love.
Many years ago, we recorded a song that feels prophetic today as we lift LaMonte to God, with Whom we know he will be for eternity. The song is called “It’ll Never Be the Same Again.” That is the truth—and it hurts deeply because it is so true.
Thank you, LaMonte, for the miracle of The 5h Dimension and for the music that will live on forever. You gave us a priceless gift: making music, history, and memories that will never fade.
We love you. God bless you and your beautiful family, always.
— Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.
Listen to “It’ll Never Be the Same Again” here: https://youtu.be/OFn-KsfkeTg?si=x8AMeGFq8Gwk8fuo
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
You must be logged in to post a comment.