Beauty, Sensitivity, a Signature Voice: Celebrating the Elegant Joy of Marilyn McCoo on her Birthday, featuring a Curated 40-plus Performance non-stop Playlist

Posted on September 29, 2026 | Leave a comment

September 30th will always ring as a “heart-pinging” date among Marilyn McCoo’s millions of admirers. Her inner and outer beauty, sensitivity, integrity and signature smile are reflected in her passionate, healing voice—one that has touched generations.

Personally, as mentors, she and husband Billy Davis, Jr. are discerning voices in my life. Yes, I often ask myself, “What would Marilyn and Billy do?” Our lengthy phone fellowships alone are treasured moments of inspiration, recharge, loving kindness and laughter.

About our Forever 5th Dimension curated playlist…

What is also cherished is Marilyn’s body of work. Uniting such a diverse audience with her pleasing versatility, Marilyn’s sound and presentation is ever compelling, deserving special moments of thrilling re-discovery. It is so good-natured, too, of Marilyn and Billy to enjoy and give feedback about our FOREVER 5th DIMENSION curated playlists. It’s also great fun to switch things up for each occasion, including new finds and reconfiguring the flow of key performances by Marilyn for 2026.

Stay right here and press the player to enjoy non-stop Marilyn–over 40 performances!

All showstoppers, more about our playlist…

With stellar spotlights on Broadway and film classics, not to mention newer entries in the McCoo pantheon like “Blackbird.” From her 5th Dimension “gloss and torch” solos to memorable Solid Gold appearances, and much more—it is poignant to wind the festivities to a spiritual conclusion with songs of Marilyn’s committed faith.

A dedicated artist, Marilyn once advised me—decades ago, in my very first college radio interview with the duo: “Never rest on your laurels.” A Master Class for the eyes and ears, we experience the unfurling of this concept with our playlist. It represents the best way we can celebrate Marilyn’s essence, and how it has brought such elegant joy to our lives.

Happy Birthday, Marilyn. We love you. May God’s continued blessings surround you and Billy.

–Robert-Allan Arno & Global Fans, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION

FOREVER 5th DIMENSION
© Robert-Allan Arno, 2008–2026. All Rights Reserved.

Intellectual Property and Photographs: Robert-Allan Arno / McCoo-Davis 5th Legacy Collection. No reproduction, copying, redistribution, publication, alteration, archival use, or other use is permitted without prior written permission from Robert-Allan Arno.

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Mac, Your Shining Spirit is Forever: We Honor the Birthday of LaMonte McLemore

Posted on September 17, 2026 | Leave a comment

Today, September 17th is the birthday of LaMonte McLemore, his first birthday in heaven. He would have been 91 today…and knowing LaMonte, he is one busy angel, because his motto was: “We are only here to help one another.”

Some of you knew him as devoted fans of The 5th Dimension, or as his breathtaking former models for JET magazine’s Beauty of the Week feature. You may have been softball buddies. And each of you was always considered a friend because LaMonte would say, “I don’t make friends I don’t intend to keep!” For so many of us including his cherished family, “Mac” had the uncanny knack of seeing our truly unique gifts. He wouldn’t take no for an answer in making sure we fueled them with passion…gifts that became our offering to the world.

On behalf of his lovely wife Mieko, we say: “LaMonte, we miss you…but know your shining spirit is forever in our lives.”

—Robert-Allan Arno, Biographer LaMonte McLemore

Surely, it’s time for LaMonte to have his own Top 10 curated playlist. Press the player here, for non-stop musical memories. Including an exclusive glossary of the selections (below):

Forever 5th Dimension Exclusive Liner Notes:

  1. “A Love Like Ours,” co-written by LaMonte with Bob Alcivar, a top fan-favorite from the seminal PORTRAIT album, with the guys (Mac, Sweets & Billy) in full force for The 5th Dimension. “Wanting to be together yet wanting to be free” is the eternal theme.
  2. “Cease Fire,” written by LaMonte, a recent “viral hit” is his potent plea for peace. LaMonte provides the spoken-word intro & outro, the talented Julio Hanson sings lead.
  3. “Black Patch” is an all-time favorite masterpiece album cut written by Laura Nyro, from INDIDUALLY & COLLECTIVELY. It features LaMonte’s solo punctuating the panoramic party with a mischievous, full-out bass line singing, “With lipstick on the reefer, waiting for a match.” In his memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” LaMonte laughs, “It’s my most notable recorded solo spot…and I never, ever smoked reefer!”
  4. The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson appearance of The 5th Dimension featuring Florence, Ron, LaMonte, Joyce Wright and Michael Procter. Wait for the medley from Broadway’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and LaMonte’s charming MC and solo moments. In his memoir Mac proudly stated about The 5th Dimension’s innovative touring with such a musical show, “It’s the hardest I ever worked on the road…we kept a true Broadway schedule! A rewarding experience.”
  5. “The Singer,” co-written by LaMonte with Elliot Willensky from The 5th Dimension’s LOVE’S LINES, ANGLES & RHYMES album is touchingly emoted with Billy in the lead. Mac shares, “Frank Sinatra strongly considered recording the tune, instead my dear friend Gladys Knight did a version with the Pips on the ALL I NEED IS TIME album.”
  6. Lamonte refers to The 5th Dimension’s “Ashes to Ashes” as a “turntable hit”…from the LIVING TOGETHER, GROWING TOGETHER album, it’s a song about changing times and ultimate forgiveness…themes near and dear to Mac. This is a staged performance as featured on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson providing the tune more “oomph” and social relevance.
  7. The Original 5th Dimension took part in many high-profile commercials, whether for radio jingles like Coca Cola or on TV for JELLO and Chevrolet. From ’69, this is LaMonte’s personal “Move Along with Me” favorite, where each member gets a spoken word part, too!
  8. A new entry on YouTube, The 5th Dimension, here consisting of Danny Miller Beard and Marjorie Barnes with Florence, Ron and LaMonte bring a mighty version of Melissa Mancheter’s “Just Too Many People.”  LaMonte introduces the festivities taking us to church!
  9. And “Mac” is back again as our favorite preacher, “Brother Taylor,” in The Original 5th Dimension’s clever classic interpretation of “Ode to Billy Jo” with each member taking a character in the scenario as Marilyn narrates, musically. After all these years, we still all wait for LaMonte’s “Have mercy!”
  10. We conclude with LaMonte’s official Celebration of Life video. I had the honor to write, produce and announce this per Mieko’s request, and rather than be sad, we end with promise. LaMonte always had hope for a brighter day and wishes that for all who loved him…to make your dreams come true…with hard work…and blessings. Personally, I’ll never forget looking at Marilyn & Billy and Florence at Mac’s Celebration of Life this past February, watching this 6-minute video and responding with such joy to LaMonte’s milestones…and their own. Yes, it’s also “forever” when it comes to The 5th Dimension family.

–Curated by Robert-Allan Arno, Biographer, The Original 5th Dimension and LaMonte McLemore

Please see the profound video from Marilyn & Billy, honoring their relationship with LaMonte and his First Birthday in Heaven, at their social media @McCooDavis on Instagram

To Fans and Friends, The McLemore Family & Robert-Allan Arno thank you for your warm wishes upon LaMonte’s 1st Birthday in Heaven. LaMonte was proudly on the Board of Directors of the America to Africa Higher Education Foundation, which grants college scholarships to gifted but impoverished Nigerian students. In honor of his birthday, please stop by their website and consider making a tax-deductible contribution at the easy-to-use donation button. Mac would say, “We’re only in the world to help one another.” LINK: www.AmericatoAfricaHigherEducationFoundation.com

Sketch titled “The World of LaMonte” by Ephraim Udoka. Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, copyright 2008-2026, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., all rights reserved. Intellectual Property- may not be used without permission.

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Cease Fire…Honoring the 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 Tragedy with a Song by LaMonte McLemore

Posted on September 11, 2026 | Leave a comment

As FOREVER 5th DIMENSION and his official Facebook page continues honoring LaMonte McLemore’s upcoming 1st birthday in heaven on September 17th, we also commemorate today, the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. And, as we bring you “the best of LaMonte,” it is poignant on this day to present a song he penned that he was most proud of. It became a “viral hit” a few years ago and was prompted by the lessons of forgiveness and love for all, taught to him by his cherished Grandma Gertrude. Here is “Cease Fire”…a call for world peace. LaMonte powerfully emotes the spoken word narration that bookends the song, and the gifted Julio Hanson is the lead singer:

And stay tuned, friends & fans, for our complete “The Best of LaMonte” at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION on September 17th…

2MXCJMH

#LaMonteMcLemore
#CeaseFireLaMonteMcLemore

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55 Years Ago, Labor Day ’71

Posted on September 7, 2026 | Leave a comment

In 1971, fans of The 5th Dimension waited and waited, as the group was announced as the featured star act on the Jerry Lewis Labor Day telethon. It was the summer of an extensive US tour and the group’s second network special, Traveling Sunshine Show (yes, there was even a popular JELLO commercial all over TV!)…truly a “Light Sings Summer!” And The 5th didn’t disappoint on the telethon with a live (to track) “Light Sings” and the “unveiling” of a smoldering version of “Never My Love,” with Marilyn in the lead from the soon to be “LIVE” album. We remember our youthful thrill of seeing The 5th Dimension on TV those many Labor Days ago…and certainly never forget about helping others in need. –Robert-Allan Arno

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Our Delightful Florence Appears with Father Dave on Sirius, August 27th!

Posted on August 26, 2026 | Leave a comment

Friends & Fans, tomorrow, Thursday August 27th, at 6:20 pm Eastern, 3:20 pm Pacific, our “Delightful Diva,” Ms. Florence LaRue will be making her 3rd return appearance to the #1 Faith & Values show on Sirius, “Busted Halo” with the dynamic Father Dave.

Florence will be chatting about The 5th Dimension’s exciting new box set, her wise book, “Grace in Your Second Act,” and the importance of faith in her daily life. She’s one of Father Dave’s most vivacious guests.

TUNE IN INFORMATION: The Busted Halo Show with Father Dave Dwyer airs on SiriusXM’s The Catholic Channel, channel 129.

#FlorenceLaRue #FlorenceLaRueGraceInYourSecondAct #BustedHaloFatherDaveFlorenceLaRue #BustedHaloSiriusThe5thDimension #The5thDimensionFlorenceFatherDaveSiriusCatholicChannel

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Sweet Dolly, the World Will Always Love You

Posted on August 25, 2026 | Leave a comment

As the world mourns, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION expresses sadness for the loss of Dolly Parton, iconic singer, songwriter, onstage performer, actress, and one who stood for equality, global humanitarianism as well as literacy for all.

Here is the entire episode of the charming Dolly Parton syndicated series of the late ’70’s featuring Marilyn & Billy as Dolly’s special guests, they sing “Proud Mary” and “Take These Chains” together. Let us remember good times and sweet collaborations as we extend our prayers for Dolly’s eternal goodness, her family, and countless worldwide fans. –Robert-Allan Arno

Fans & Friends, read Marilyn & Billy’s heartfelt tribute to Dolly and about their special bond, at their official social media: http://www.instagram.com/mccoodavis

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A Visit from The 5th Dimension: Marilyn, Billy and Florence join Cousin Brucie!

Posted on August 20, 2026 | Leave a comment

On Saturday evening, August 8, the Top 40 radio legend “Cousin Brucie” welcomed Marilyn, Billy and Florence for a fun interview with some tasty opinions about the quintet’s music (the rare cuts!) and some promising news, too. There’s nothing like Marilyn’s thoughtful poise, Billy’s sunshine, and Florence’s radiant energy…put them together and it’s simply magic. Here’s the special link to listen:

A Visit From The 5th Dimension – 77 WABC

And stay tuned, we’re all working together to bring you more Marilyn, Billy, and Florence as our stars promote the new “Let the Sunshine In” box set, available at Cherry Red Records and on Amazon! –Robert-Allan Arno

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“57 Years of Love”: Celebrating Marilyn & Billy’s Wedding Anniversary with 45 Non-Stop Performances!

Posted on July 24, 2026 | Leave a comment

At FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, July 26th signifies an anniversary date in the hearts of fans and friends who feel Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.  have been part of our lives…well, forever—as musical artists of harmony, grace, and stylish soul…as role models of faith, class, and individual and collective excellence.

Indeed, it seems that “the First Couple of Pop & Soul,” the 7-time Grammy-winning “You Don’t Have to be a Star” duo and former lead singers of legends, The 5th Dimension, have always welcomed us to “be in their show.”

For their “57 Years of Love,” the best way to celebrate their timelessly enduring wedding anniversary is with this newly updated FOREVER 5th curated non-stop playlist—featuring 45 of Marilyn & Billy’s greatest recordings and performances, from iconic hits to treasured rarities.

“Hit the Player for Non-Stop Marilyn & Billy…45 performances!”

Two of the most distinct and recognizable voices of the Rock and Soul era, Marilyn’s silky, multi-octave approach and Billy’s textured, soaring timbre meld to sound “as one”—a remarkable musical alchemy Marilyn once discussed with me in one of our many interviews. Billy concurred: “It’s amazing that Marilyn and I can get a family blend when we sing together!”

Considering their eternal bond of deep friendship as spiritual soulmates, it’s perfect to begin our player with “The Two of Us.” Enjoy the artistic twists and turns throughout—quintessential TV appearances, including collaborations with Captain & Tennille, Sonny & Cher, Dolly Parton and Mel Torme, plus the danceable recordings, the inspirational ones, and lots of love songs from break-up to make-up, and everything in between. Yes, Marilyn & Billy always seem to “make us feel brand new!”

I personally thank Marilyn & Billy for their longtime trust, continuing mentorship, plus unwavering loving kindness towards global fans…and they too, get such a kick out of our annual, ever expanding Forever 5th Dimension playlist! So along with our “MarBill,” special fans & friends, we ask you to simply start the player above, and let our lovebirds artfully fill the air with incomparable beauty and effortless musicianship.

With Love Always to you, Marilyn & Billy,

Robert-Allan Arno and Worldwide Fans

FOREVER 5th DIMENSION by Robert-Allan Arno. Copyright © 2008–2026 The Soul of The Voice, Ltd. All rights reserved. Intellectual property of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., no portion may be reproduced, distributed, or used without prior written permission.

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Happy Birthday, Billy: A Dedication to Our Gentleman of Soul (Featuring over 30 of His Greatest Solos*)

Posted on June 25, 2026 | Leave a comment

Dateline June 26: Happy Birthday to the incomparable Billy Davis, Jr. One of the world’s greatest Soul singers, with a voice that is instantly recognizable, Billy’s gift lies in his ability to turn a ballad into “the movies of his mind.” Then he can turn on a dime and put the funky groove or the Gospel-tinged improvisation into our most memorable tunes.

As early as THE MAGIC GARDEN album, Billy was an astutely sensitive interpreter of the lyrics, curious but insistent in knowing composer Jimmy Webb’s vision. Conversely, Jimmy has cited Billy as one of his all-time favorite vocalists—a testament to the deep mutual respect they share. Maurice White, too, of Earth, Wind and Fire singled out Billy as an influence, as well as The 5th Dimension as a whole.

Billy, as producer Bones Howe says, is like a major “horsepower engine under the hood” when it comes to delivering “Feelin’ Alright” and “I’ve Got a Feeling,” too. You’ll hear the sly Blues undertones of his native St. Louis in his superlative covers of “Help” and “When a Man Loves a Woman,” the latter his wife of over 50 years, Marilyn McCoo told me she convinced him to record for their MANY FACES OF LOVE project. Fellow Original 5th-mate Florence LaRue has a personal favorite of Billy’s—one of tender sweetness, “Misty Roses” while one of producer Bones’s favorites in that department is “Summer’s Daughter.” Billy in interviews with both Michael Feinstein and here at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION has stated he’s drawn stylish inspiration from the cool crooning of legends like Nat “King” Cole.

“It’s non-stop Billy…at the player below!”

More from his beloved wife and musical partner, Marilyn, who confided that it was Billy who helped shape the authentic cadence of her own signature song, “One Less Bell to Answer.” And founding 5th member, the late LaMonte McLemore has an eternal favorite—Yes, when Billy poured his soul into Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” on The 5th Dimension’s PORTRAIT album, it became a watershed moment of their entire recorded catalog.

Truly, every Billy solo on those classic 5th albums is not only a precious gem but is “event listening”—whether it’s “The Worst that Could Happen,” “Requiem: 820 Latham,” “Let It Be Me,” “The Singer,” “Leave a Little Room,” or “Speaking with My Heart.” And Billy himself has shared a chuckle with FOREVER 5th over quirky tunes like “Rosecrans Boulevard,” and “Diggin’ for a Livin’.”

Later in his career, his rendering of “The Love of God,” from his Gospel album (produced by the legendary Rev. James Cleveland), is a powerful testimony of ultimate faith from a man who today, is also a pastor. According to Billy, “Those songs are God working through me.”

Let’s not forget his seven Grammy Awards—earned both with The 5th Dimension and in duet with Marilyn. The twosome’s hit “You Don’t Have to Be a Star” stands with danceable grace as an anthem of unconditional love, just as Billy’s improvised “take it to church” contribution to the quintet’s generation-defining “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” ushered the mashup of “harmony and understanding” to the mountaintop of six straight weeks at Number 1.

“What comes from the heart goes to the heart,” Billy proclaims about the art of delivering a tune—and our hearts are indeed full when we think of his gentle, intuitive, consistently sunny demeanor…Billy Davis, Jr. is certainly a role model to millions.

On a personal note, the many interviews we’ve conducted with Billy and Marilyn for FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, or equally meaningful, having them call me to share rich fellowship, are ever a dream for me. To have a hero as both influential mentor and wise friend is one of God’s greatest gifts.

So, fans, friends and family, let’s unite “all the world over,” as we celebrate the extraordinary life and musical legacy of Billy Davis, Jr., and savor this special FOREVER 5th DIMENSION curated playlist of over 30 of his most memorable solo performances (just hit the non-stop player below! *)

With our respect, gratitude, and love,
Robert-Allan Arno with Worldwide Fans
Biographer, The Original 5th Dimension

*Press “play” for non-stop Billy, over 30 of his greatest solos:

FOREVER 5th DIMENSION by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2026, intellectual property, all rights reserved. Re-printing without permission is prohibited.

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The 5th Dimension, A First-Ever Box Set Debuts Globally

Posted on June 19, 2026 | Leave a comment

For nearly two decades at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, I’ve been blessed to chronicle the timelessly harmonious and unifying legacy of the stars of The Original 5th Dimension: Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr., Florence LaRue, LaMonte McLemore and Ron “Sweets” Townson.

Today, June 19, 2026, is a special day. Not only is it Juneteenth but it marks the official global release of The 5th Dimension’s “Let the Sunshine In: The Soul City & Bell Albums 1967-1974” 6-CD box set on Cherry Red Records and now available at Amazon (see links below). It gathers the group’s entire Soul City, Bell and Arista recordings into one expansive collection, including rare tracks, unreleased material, live recordings and an extensive booklet.

As someone honored to be known as The Original 5th Dimension biographer as well as LaMonte McLemore’s historian, I’m pleased that, as a tribute to Mac’s memory, quotes from the memoir we co-wrote, From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension, are featured in the project’s liners. I’m equally pleased that FOREVER 5th DIMENSION has upcoming news related to the box set that we think fans will find exciting…stay tuned!

The 5th Dimension remains ever-relevant, as evidenced by the group’s performances and lead vocalists Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr.’s special appearance in Questlove’s directorial debut, the Academy Award- and Grammy-winning documentary “Summer of Soul,” which celebrated the Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969.

So, let’s dig into more about the “Let the Sunshine In” box set, once again, it’s available at the Cherry Red website and on Amazon. And special thanks to Marilyn & Billy and Florence for their continued support and lovely enduring friendship, and to managers Susan Muneo and Jason Winters for their kind trust and mentorship. As we remember LaMonte and Ron “Sweets.” –Robert-Allan Arno

Spotlighting the Box Set:

• Celebrating 60 years of The 5th Dimension. First-ever box set dedicated to the legendary “champagne soul” quintet!

• This 6-CD set presents newly remastered editions of all ten Soul City and Bell albums plus a whopping 25 bonus tracks. The six-time Grammy-winning quintet brought their rich vocal harmonies to songs written by Laura Nyro, Jimmy Webb, Burt Bacharach and Hal David, Ashford and Simpson, Neil Sedaka, and Harry Nilsson to create some of the most enduring music of the 1960-1970s.

• The collection includes the chart-topping ‘Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In’ and ‘Wedding Bell Blues’ plus top ten hits ‘Up, Up, And Away,’ ‘Stoned Soul Picnic,’ ‘One Less Bell To Answer,’ and ‘(Last Night) I Didn’t Get To Sleep At All’ as well as the psych-pop classic song suite album, ‘The Magic Garden.’

• Bonus tracks encompass non-LP singles, outtakes, the authorized debut of rare live versions, and the previously unreleased Bones Howe production of Carole King and Gerry Goffin’s ‘Hi-De-Ho.’

• The liners provide an oral history of the group based on a 2025 roundtable with McCoo, Davis, and LaRue, and archival quotes from McLemore, Townson, and others. The deluxe booklet features a new introduction by legendary songwriter Jimmy Webb and boasts rare photos, too.

• The new box set can be purchased directly from Cherry Red Records, at Amazon, and all good retailers and record shops.

Available now at Cherry Red Records: The 5th Dimension: Let The Sunshine In – The Soul City & Bell Albums, 6CD

Available on Amazon at this link: The 5th Dimension – Let The Sunshine In: The Soul City & Bell Albums 1967-1974 – Amazon.com Music

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2026

Photos Courtesy Cherry Red Records, used by permission

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