Below is an update we received today from the great LaMonte McLemore of the 5th Dimension, updating us on his health as he celebrates his birthday.
(September 17, 2020) 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.
Below is an update we received today from the great LaMonte McLemore of the 5th Dimension, updating us on his health as he celebrates his birthday.
(September 17, 2020) 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.
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, according to Mr. McLemore’s biographer and social media curator, Robert-Allan Arno. 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.
LaMonte expresses to his special worldwide fans 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.”