A beloved figure, LaMonte McLemore, founder of the 6-time Grammy winning vocal group legends smiled, "The 5th Dimension is forever," while musing about their appearance in the 2021 Oscar-winning documentary “Summer of Soul.” Mr. McLemore left us on February 3, 2026, at age 90 and this memoir warmly celebrates a trailblazing life from humble beginnings to world stages. "Mac" has been described as the music industry’s “bronze Clark Gable." The visionary not only delivered “The 5th's" elegantly hip Champagne Soul as the quintet's smooth bass for over 40 years but is also known for his 5 decades with JET magazine, as the photographer for the enticing "Beauty of the Week" feature.
LaMonte shares the secrets behind mega-hits like "Up-Up and Away," "Stoned Soul Picnic" and "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In," anthems for a generation which uplifted our country during tumultuous times. He also goes deep for the fans and provides exclusive commentary on The 5th Dimension discography, spotlighting such favorites as "Wedding Bell Blues," "One Less Bell to Answer," "A Love Like Ours," "Love Hangover," "Black Patch," plus albums like the iconic "Magic Garden," the seminal "Portrait," and the mysterious "Earthbound."
The journey to becoming one of the most popular singing groups of The Rock n' Roll era--one that crossed over racial, generational and record chart boundaries--came by way of “Hobo Flats,” where Mac and friends hung their resourceful hats and dreamed big. His Cherokee Grandma’s feisty wisdom was a guiding force that weaves throughout the book, the catalyst for LaMonte's various acclaimed exploits. McLemore, who played baseball in the Dodgers Farm system, hits a home run presenting a memoir peppered with tasty anecdotes about countless celebrity colleagues from Frank Sinatra to Diana Ross, Ray Charles to Richard Pryor. There's even a secret recipe! Mac's love of women is also explored, with sensitivity and a classy wink.
The memoir's 12 chapters unfold authentically in LaMonte's voice, nobody presents a story like the rib-tickling raconteur. Running the gamut from heartwarming vernacular to sophisticated savvy, the book's style easily reflects the celebrity's earliest roots and wondrous trajectory to stardom. "From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension" is a literary work as told to Robert-Allan Arno, an east coast-based media personality who is a trusted expert in "all things 5th Dimension." Included, an exhilarating 50-photo centerfold of rare and/or never-before-seen pictures from Mr. McLemore's personal collection, as well as a detailed album and singles Discography appendix of The 5th Dimension. His Grandma's Top 10 wisdom is a welcomed addendum.
An inspiring, historic tale of unbridled humor and touching pathos, LaMonte doesn't quit until he makes you laugh...and think.
REVIEWS:
Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.: "LaMonte’s special brand of humor is truly on display in 'From Hobo Flats...' He has a way with storytelling, and we’ve particularly enjoyed re-living our successes as seen through his eyes. But he also lets the reader in on his deeper thoughts. His co-author, Robert-Allan Arno, was the right person for this book. He knows LaMonte well. We found it to be a totally entertaining and informative read."
Johnny Mathis: “When a tall, handsome young man came to my house many years ago to photograph me for Elegant magazine, I had no idea that his other job as a singer would propel him and his fellow members of The 5th Dimension to world fame. I am so proud of LaMonte.”
Nancy Sinatra: "The 5th Dimension had it all--great voices, engaging personalities, and oh-so-easy on the eyes."
Harry Elston, The Friends of Distinction: “Even as his best friend, I learned things about LaMonte that I didn’t know; I was also laughing my a**s off! Well-written by Robert-Allan Arno...you won’t be able to put this book down!
Mary Wilson, The Supremes: "Loved it, lots of laughs!"
