Ron Townson was a founding member and the lead vocalist of the 5th Dimension, a popular vocal group that blended pop, jazz, R&B and gospel music. He was known for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. He sang on some of the group’s biggest hits, such as “Up, Up and Away”, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” and “Wedding Bell Blues”. He also won several Grammy awards and performed at prestigious venues like the White House and Carnegie Hall.
But how did Ron Townson die? What was the cause of his death? And what legacy did he leave behind? In this article, we will explore these questions and pay tribute to the life and career of Ron Townson.
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Ron Townson’s Early Life and Career
Ron Townson was born on January 29, 1933, in St. Louis, Missouri. He started singing at the age of six in school and church choirs, and was inspired by his grandmother, who was a gospel singer. He also took private singing and acting lessons, and appeared in several musicals during his high school years. He won third place in the Missouri State trials for the Metropolitan Opera, and toured with the Wings Over Jordan Choir for eight years, serving as their conductor for two.
He attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, where he majored in music and minored in journalism. He also played football and ran track in college. He graduated in 1956 and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a musical career. He met Dorothy Dandridge and toured with her for two years, and also took part in the Samuel Goldwyn motion-picture production of Porgy & Bess. He also toured with Nat King Cole and organized his own 35-voice a cappella choir in Los Angeles.
Ron Townson and the 5th Dimension
In 1965, Ron Townson and his childhood friend Lamonte McLemore formed a singing group called the Versatiles, along with Billy Davis Jr., Marilyn McCoo and Florence LaRue. They changed their name to the 5th Dimension when they signed to Johnny Rivers’ Soul City Records. They were influenced by the Motown sound, the Beatles and the Mamas and the Papas, and developed a unique style that combined pop, jazz, R&B and gospel.
The 5th Dimension had their first hit in 1967 with the Jimmy Webb-penned song “Up, Up and Away”, which won four Grammy awards and became their signature song. They followed it with more hits, such as “Stoned Soul Picnic”, “One Less Bell to Answer” and “Last Night I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All”. Their biggest hit was “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” from the musical Hair, which stayed at number one on the Billboard pop charts for six weeks in 1969 and won two more Grammy awards.
The 5th Dimension were also known for their glamorous and colorful outfits, their harmonious and sophisticated vocals, and their energetic and engaging performances. They appeared on numerous TV shows, such as The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show and The Flip Wilson Show. They also performed at the White House for President Nixon in 1970, and at Carnegie Hall in 1971.
Ron Townson’s Later Years and Death
In 1975, after ten successful years with the 5th Dimension, Ron Townson left the group to pursue a solo career. He also formed his own group, Ron Townson and Wild Honey, and managed another vocal group, Creative Source. He also appeared on the TV series Switch and pursued his interest in classical music. He rejoined the 5th Dimension in 1980, along with McLemore and LaRue, and two new members, Phyllis Battle and Greg Walker.
Ron Townson retired from music in 1997, due to his health problems. He had been battling kidney disease for four years, and suffered from renal failure. He died at his home in Las Vegas on August 2, 2001, at the age of 68. He was survived by his wife Bobette and his son Kim. His funeral was attended by his former bandmates and many other celebrities and friends.
Ron Townson was remembered as a talented and versatile singer, a generous and kind person, and a pioneer of pop music. He was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002, along with the 5th Dimension. His voice and his songs continue to inspire and entertain millions of fans around the world.
