How Lamonte McLemore Captured and Created Art

Story by Navon Jones. Photo by Deadline.

Lamonte McLemore died on February 3, 2026. He was 90 years old. The cause of death was listed as “natural causes”. McLemore was known for his recognized, award-winning work in music and photography. His entertainment career lasted over 40 years. 

McLemore was born on September 17, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri, to June McLemore and Herman J.C. McLemore. He was largely raised by his grandmother, Gertrude Whitecloud Shaver. After graduating from Charles H. Sumner High School, he enlisted in the Navy. He was trained in aerial photography, which led him to pursue photography as a career.

While serving in the Navy, McLemore became a pro baseball player in the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system. During his career, he was a very successful photographer. His works were featured in popular magazines like Jet, Ebony, and People. He also photographed Stevie Wonder’s first album cover. McLemore won 6 Grammy Awards as a songwriter and one of the founding members of The 5th Dimension Music group. Their hit song “Up, Up and Away” won 5 Grammy awards. After retirement, he published his autobiography called “From the Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography, and Music” in 2014. Beyond his professional achievements, McLemore was committed to helping his community as a member of the board of directors for the America to Africa Higher Education Foundation (AAHEF). 

Lamonte is survived by his wife, Mieko McLemore, and his children, Ciara and Darin. The Celebration of Life for LaMonte McLemore will be a private gathering. Anyone who would like to honor LaMonte’s legacy with a donation can donate to the America to Africa Higher Education Foundation.

Navon Jones is a senior at Friendship Collegiate Academy.