Ron Townson’s stage suit

Ron Townson wore this three-piece suit as part of the musical group the 5th Dimension, whose sound won fans among 1960s counterculture radicals and “squares” alike, earning the group six Billboard Top 10 singles and six Grammys between 1967 and 1972. The group’s three male members all built their talent singing gospel in St. Louis, including Townson, who was born here in 1933 and started singing at age six. He joined the Air Force after high school and then attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, where he worked his way through by directing school and church choirs.

Object Title and Accession Number

Ron Townson’s stage suit. Unknown maker, ca. 1968. Gift of Ronald Townson. 1998-014-0002.

Brown suit on a mannequin

A brown suit with sparkling embellishments is displayed on a mannequin against a plain white background. The suit includes a jacket, shirt, vest, and pants, showcasing intricate black beading.

Close up of brown suit jacket

Close up of the detailed brown suit ensemble on a mannequin, featuring a jacket, vest, and trousers adorned with sparkling black beads and sequins. A cream-colored shirt with buttoned cuffs and collar complements the outfit.

Back view of brown suit on a mannequin

Rear view of A brown suit with sparkling embellishments is displayed on a mannequin against a plain white background. The suit consists of a single-breasted jacket and matching pants, with a diagonal stitched pattern across the back.

Close up of back of suit jacket

Close-up view of the back of the brown fabric decorated with black beads and sequins in a diagonal pattern.