The 5th Dimension's LaMonte McLemore Releases 'FROM HOBO FLATS' Memoir

Enraptured after attending Broadway's then toast of the town, The 5th Dimension put together "Aquarius" from HAIR with "Let the Sunshine In" and the rest was chart-topping history. Spending six straight weeks at number one in the spring of '69, the medley became an ultimate, uplifting anthem for a generation. The story behind this mega hit is told in LaMonte McLemore's heartwarming new memoir "From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension," available now on Amazon.

The founder of the legendary vocal quintet has been described as the music industry's "bronze Clark Gable." The six-time Grammy award-winning visionary not only delivered "The 5th's" elegantly hip Champagne Soul as the singing group's smooth bass for over forty years, but is also known for his five decades with JET magazine, as the head-turning photographer for the enticing "Beauty of the Week" feature.

LaMonte shares the secrets behind "Up-Up and Away," "Stoned Soul Picnic", "One Less Bell to Answer" as well as the aforementioned "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In," anthems for a generation which unified 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," "A Love Like Ours," "Love Hangover," 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 melding Pop, Soul, Jazz, Broadway and light Opera--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 trailblazing exploits. Mr. 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, Sammy Davis, Jr. to Pharrell Williams. There's even a secret recipe! Mac's love of women is also explored, with sensitivity and a classy wink.

The memoir's twelve chapters are told authentically "in LaMonte's voice;" nobody presents a story like the well-known raconteur. Running the gamut from heartwarming slang to sophisticated savvy, the book's style easily reflects the celebrity's earliest humble roots yet wondrous trajectory to stardom on the world stage. With recommendations by Johnny Mathis, Nancy Sinatra, Neil Sedaka and Otis Williams of The Temptations, "From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension" is a literary work as told to Robert-Allan Arno, a New York-based media personality who is a trusted expert in "all things 5th Dimension." The book contains 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.

An inspiring, historic tale of unbridled humor and touching pathos, in "From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography, and Music," LaMonte McLemore doesn't quit until he makes you laugh...and think.

(The New York City leg of Mr. McLemore's book signing tour occurs in June, with location to be announced.)