Overview
As a founding member and vocalist in the award-winning pop-soul group The 5th Dimension, LaMonte McLemore enjoyed enormous critical and commercial acclaim in the late 1960s and early 1970s. But arguably just as impactful, if not more so, was his career as a photographer cementing Black women and models in American media and cultural history.
McLemore freelanced for JET magazine for more than four decades, principally shooting for its āBeauty of the Weekā feature, which encapsulated Black joy, style, and beauty. During this time, he photographed over 500 Black women, most of whom were not professional models. The section, in which a woman was featured in a swimsuit along with her name, place of residence, profession, hobbies, and interests, became one of the most popular among the magazineās audiences, as it showcased the everyday beauty and elegance of Black women, contributing greatly to what has been called the āfirst form of social mediaā by acclaimed contemporary visual artist, Mickalene Thomas. This photographic output serves as a living document of everyday Black fashion and elegance.
Black Is Beautiful: JET Beauties of the Week compiles, for the first time, numerous photographs from McLemoreās āBeauty of the Weekā shoots, including never-before-seen outtakes from those sessions. This dynamic coffee table book is a tribute to LaMonte McLemoreās talent and cultural impact, and is a celebration of Black women, Black beauty, and Black culture.
This book title, Black Is Beautiful (JET Beauties of the Week), ISBN: 9781648230479, by LaMonte McLemore, Chris Murray, published by powerHouse Books (February 13, 2024) is available in hardcover. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
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