PORTRAIT: An Anniversary

Posted on April 1, 2026 | Leave a comment

#5thHistory On April 1, 1970, the seminal PORTRAIT album was released, The 5th Dimension‘s first for Bell records, after their association with Soul City. Marilyn calls it “The 5th Dimension’s version of a protest album” with songs like “Save the Country,” and the Independence Medley: “The Declaration”/”A Change is Gonna Come”/”People Gotta Be Free.” It was also the home of “One Less Bell to Answer,” “Puppet Man,” “This is Your Life,” “A Love Like Ours,” and “Dimension 5ive.” With songwriters like Laura Nyro, Bacharach/David, Jimmy Webb, Felix Cavaliere…and we remember those we just lost, Neil Sedaka and the group’s beloved LaMonte McLemore.

On this April 1st in 2026, the echoes of PORTRAIT remain important in 5th Dimension history, and in timelessly meaningful musical history. Experience PORTRAIT in new ways…with exciting news coming from FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, soon. —Robert-Allan Arno

More PORTRAIT Information from our friends at the Wrecking Crew:

The album went on to peak at #20 on the Billboard 200. The single release from the album “One Less Bell To Answer” peaked at #2.

Track listing:

Side one

“Puppet Man” (Howard Greenfield, Neil Sedaka) – 3:00

“One Less Bell to Answer” (Burt Bacharach, Hal David) – 3:31

“Feelin’ Alright?” (Dave Mason) – 4:28

“This Is Your Life” (Jimmy Webb) – 4:13

“A Love Like Ours” (Bob Alcivar, Lamonte McLemore) – 2:39

Side two:

“Save the Country” (Laura Nyro) – 2:39

“The Independence Medley” – 10:12: “The Declaration” (Julius Johnsen, René DeKnight) from the play “Bread, Beans & Things”/”A Change Is Gonna Come” (Sam Cooke)/”People Gotta Be Free” (Eddie Brigati, Felix Cavaliere)

“Dimension 5ive” (Bob Alcivar) – 4:15

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-26, intellectual property, all rights reserved

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Marilyn & Billy: April Concert in Palm Desert!

Posted on March 31, 2026 | Leave a comment

Our First Couple of Pop & Soul, the legendary Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. are thrilled to be performing for their dedicated fans at one of their favorite venues, the McCallum Theater in Palm Desert, Ca. Here’s the details for this Saturday, April 11 highly anticipated event, tickets going fast!

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Honoring the Birthday of Bones Howe

Posted on March 18, 2026 | Leave a comment

Dateline March 18: Happy 93rd Birthday to the “man with the golden ears,” Grammy winning producer Bones Howe. Saluting a gentleman, a genius, and a mentor, whose vast musical contribution lives forever!

Read this FOREVER 5th DIMENSION tribute to Mr. Bones with exclusive quotes about his work from Marilyn, Florence, Billy and our beloved LaMonte, at this link:

Happy Birthday, Mr. Bones! | FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION

Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, all photos and commentary copyright 2026, intellectual property, all rights reserved. A Production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd.

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Reflections of Neil Sedaka and The 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno

Posted on February 28, 2026 | Leave a comment

Another sad moment in the music world with the passing of acclaimed singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka. Known for multi-generational hits from early confections like “Sweet Sixteen” and “Calendar Girl” to 1970s staples such as “Laughter in the Rain” and the reimagined ballad classic, “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” Neil was also a prolific hitmaker for others — penning songs for Connie Francis (“Where the Boys Are”), Captain & Tennille (“Love Will Keep Us Together”), and, of course, The 5th Dimension: “Puppet Man” and “Working on a Groovy Thing.”

Neil was among the most generous of artists — always gracious when I requested a quote for liner notes, books, or onstage tributes. A flood of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION memories comes to mind.

For my ULTIMATE 5th DIMENSION liner notes, Neil recounted, “I literally fell off the couch while watching The 5th Dimension on The Ed Sullivan Show… I couldn’t believe they chose ‘Groovy Thing’ as their follow-up single to ‘Aquarius!’” He stated, “I was truly a fan of The 5th Dimension.” Notice his joy in the photo above, trading songs with the group on The Mike Douglas Show, Neil at the piano with (left to right): comedian David Steinberg, actor Alan Alda, Florence, Marilyn, Ron, LaMonte, and Billy. Regarding “Puppet Man,” for PLAYLIST: THE VERY BEST OF THE 5th DIMENSION, he confided to me, “They did my song justice,” before adding with a smile, “I preferred their version to Tom Jones’s — although he also did a good job.”

Neil once surprised Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. at their Friars Roast, appearing as an unlisted guest to perform “Working on a Groovy Thing.” “How could I not be here for this lovely, talented couple?” he told us — moving Marilyn to tears. He later shared with me, “Marilyn is what I call the ‘singer’s singer.’ I always love when I get a chance to perform with her.” Indeed, their emotionally sparkling duet of “The Hungry Years” on SOLID GOLD remains unforgettable. (Let’s hope it appears back on YouTube again.)

Neil enthusiastically contributed a back cover recommendation as well as anecdotes when I co-wrote LaMonte McLemore’s memoir, From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension. He also offered a special congratulatory greeting that I was honored to read from the Las Vegas stage at LaMonte’s book signing and chat show, 11 years ago.

And now these two gentlemen reunite in heaven, harmonizing hits and surely making new music to shine upon a world more in need of their sunshine and laughter (even in the rain) than ever.

*****

Please read Marilyn & Billy’s statement about the loss of their friend, Neil, at their official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mccoodavis/

Listen to Workin’ on a Groovy Thing, here: https://youtu.be/OAVZcmlaoLw?si=nXefYZ291PwfTAO2

Listen to Puppet Man, here: https://youtu.be/e_TpFZ51AP0?si=IkqMg5NhLOkNpZZB

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a Production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd, copyright 2008-26, intellectual property, all rights reserved. Photos: Arno 5th Legacy Collection

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The Story of LaMonte McLemore: Official Celebration of Life Video

Posted on February 27, 2026 | Leave a comment

The Story of LaMonte McLemore: 6-time Grammy award winner, the founder and bass of legendary singing group The 5th Dimension, renowned photographer, author, humanitarian. We invite friends, global fans, and family to experience his official Celebration of Life tribute film, as featured at the private event held in Las Vegas, on February 22, 2026.

Produced by The Soul of The Voice, Ltd. Narrated by his biographer Robert-Allan Arno, exclusive photos: Arno 5th Legacy Collection, Mieko McLemore Collection, all rights reserved

Those wishing to honor LaMonte’s legacy may consider a donation in his name to the
America to Africa Higher Education Foundation (AAHEF) — where he served as a member of the Board of Directors — reflecting his enduring commitment to education and global unity:

https://www.AmericatoAfricaHigherEducationFoundation.com

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Celebration of Life: LaMonte McLemore

Posted on February 21, 2026 | Leave a comment

The Celebration of Life for LaMonte McLemore will be a private gathering.

Those wishing to honor LaMonte’s legacy may consider a donation in his name to the America to Africa Higher Education Foundation (AAHEF) — where he served as a member of the Board of Directors — reflecting his enduring commitment to education and global unity:
www.americatoafricahighereducationfoundation.com

(The Official Celebration of Life video, titled “The Story of LaMonte McLemore” will be shared here at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, next week.)

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Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. Honor LaMonte McLemore with a True Musical Fable…

Posted on February 6, 2026 | Leave a comment

My appreciation, Marilyn & Billy for sharing exclusively with FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, your homage to LaMonte that is equal parts heartfelt, historic and charming… —Robert-Allan Arno

In 1965, five young African American singers came together to form an obscure vocal group. We called ourselves The Versatiles. Once we created our sound, the people around us were convinced the name was too square, too vanilla. Ron Townson, along with his wife Bobette, suggested a new name: The 5th Dimension.

And The Original 5th Dimension, we became. The unknown story behind the gold records, the platinum records, the Grammys, the television specials and shows, amazing fans at the thousands of concerts—the laughter and tears is best seen through the photographic lens of the man who brought us all together: LaMonte McLemore, who left this life on Tuesday, February 3rd.

Ron, LaMonte, and Billy all knew each other from St. Louis. Florence was from Pennsylvania, and Marilyn grew up in California. We all had solo dreams. Somehow, with LaMonte’s incredible heart, charm, goodness, and humility, he convinced us to put those dreams on hold for ten years—a full decade—and make beautiful music together.

Every time you hear a 5th Dimension harmony, every time you hear an Original 5th Dimension melody, pause and give thanks for our beloved friend. Without his grace, the egos of everyone else might have kept that dream from ever coming true.

Our hearts are broken. We love LaMonte and his wonderful wife, Mieko, so deeply. They are both rare and truly good human beings.

LaMonte would be the first to tell you he may not have been our group’s strongest lead singer—many have said that honor belongs to Billy—but he was a genius of strength in art, creativity, energy, friendship, kindness, and love.

Many years ago, we recorded a song that feels prophetic today as we lift LaMonte to God, with Whom we know he will be for eternity. The song is called “It’ll Never Be the Same Again.” That is the truth—and it hurts deeply because it is so true.

Thank you, LaMonte, for the miracle of The 5h Dimension and for the music that will live on forever. You gave us a priceless gift: making music, history, and memories that will never fade.

We love you. God bless you and your beautiful family, always.

— Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.

Listen to “It’ll Never Be the Same Again” here: https://youtu.be/OFn-KsfkeTg?si=x8AMeGFq8Gwk8fuo

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GRAMMY-WINNING FOUNDER of THE 5TH DIMENSION, LaMONTE McLEMORE DIES AT 90 (Official Press Release)

Posted on February 4, 2026 | Leave a comment

It is with profound sadness that I present this press release we have created to honor LaMonte McLemore‘s legacy. As his biographer, it was the blessing of a lifetime to work with his genius, as his close friend and someone he mentored, LaMonte’s compassion for others, artistic passion, gentle warmth juxtaposed with endearing humor, and impeccable intuition are with me forever. “Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.” —Robert-Allan Arno

Singer helped define an era of pop-soul; his camera chronicled decades of women of color and music icons
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Feb. 4, 2026) — LaMonte McLemore, a founding member of The 5th Dimension and a longtime celebrity and sports photographer whose images appeared in publications including Jet magazine, died Tuesday morning, Feb. 3, at his home in Las Vegas surrounded by his wife of 30 years and family. He was 90. LaMonte died from natural causes following a stroke suffered several years ago.

With The 5th Dimension, McLemore helped bring a polished, genre-blending sound to American pop and soul in the late 1960s and early 1970s, scoring era-defining hits including “Up, Up and Away” and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” The group won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year twice—first for “Up, Up and Away” (1968) and again for “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)” (1970). Both recordings were later inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame (“Up-Up and Away,” 2003; “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” 2004).

The “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” medley topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks in the spring of 1969, becoming one of the signature recordings of its generation. Other mega-hits included the Number 1, “Wedding Bell Blues,” and the iconic “Stoned Soul Picnic,” amid seven Gold albums and six Platinum RIAA-certified singles. In 1991, The Original 5th Dimension received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Born Sept. 17, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri, McLemore served in the United States Navy, where he trained and worked as an aerial photographer—an early chapter in what became a lifelong parallel career behind the lens. He later pursued professional baseball in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ farm system, one of the first African Americans to participate, before settling in Southern California and turning his attention to music and photography full time.

McLemore co-founded The 5th Dimension in Los Angeles, joining Billy Davis Jr., Florence LaRue, Marilyn McCoo, and Ron Townson. Known for his warm bass vocals and easygoing presence, he helped anchor the group’s sophisticated harmonies and modern pop sensibility, which broadened the palette of soul and R&B on mainstream radio. They appeared on major television variety shows of the era and toured internationally, including a 1973 State Department cultural tour that brought American pop music behind the Iron Curtain.

Outside the recording studio, McLemore built a distinguished reputation as a photographer, with work spanning entertainment, sports, and editorial portraiture. His images captured many of the defining figures of 20th-century popular culture, and he contributed photography to Jet magazine over the course of multiple decades.

McLemore and The 5th Dimension also reached new audiences in recent years. Their musical performances were featured in Questlove’s Oscar-winning documentary ‘Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised),’ which revisited the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival and its enduring musical impact.

In 2014, he co-authored with Robert-Allan Arno the autobiography ‘From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography, and Music,’ reflecting on a career that moved effortlessly between the stage and the camera.

Statements

“All of us who knew and loved him will definitely miss his energy and wonderful sense of humor.” – Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.

“Proverbs 17:22 states that “A joyful heart is good medicine…” Well, Lamonte really knew my prescription! His cheerfulness and laughter often brought strength and refreshment to me in difficult times. We were more like brother and sister than singing partners. I didn’t realize the depth of my love for Lamonte until he was no longer here. His absence has shown me the magnitude of what he meant to me and that love will stay in my heart forever,” said Florence LaRue.

“As a childhood friend to me from St. Louis, Mo., he will certainly be missed,” shared bandmate Billy Davis Jr.

“Lamonte loved music and was always so generous, making his photography studio available to us in our early years before the hits started,” said Marilyn McCoo.

Life Motto

“All in all, we are only in this world to help one another. If I can make you smile, if I can see the greatness in others and help propel them to excellence, I wake up each day a happy man,” McLemore previously expressed.

Survivors

McLemore is survived by his wife, Mieko McLemore, his daughter Ciara, son Darin, sister Joan, and three grandchildren.

Services

A memorial service and celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

For more information on The 5th Dimension, visit forever5thdimension.com, 5thdimensionlive.com, or follow on: YouTube
# # #
Media Contacts:
Jeremy Westby, jpw@2911.us
Robert-Allan Arno, voiceactions@hotmail.com
Susan Munao, Lighthouseent@me.com

You can also view the official Press Release at this link: https://mailchi.mp/2911/5th-dimension-lamonte-mclemore-dead-at-90

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Birthday Flowers: Celebrating Florence LaRue’s Radiant Musical Legacy — Her top 10+ Solos Curated by Robert-Allan Arno

Posted on February 3, 2026 | Leave a comment

For February 4, 2026: What better way to celebrate the birthday of our “Delightful Diva,” Ms. Florence LaRue than with a delivery of radiant flowers in the form of a listening party spotlighting her best loved recorded solos. Join us at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION with these select 10 “Florence’s Greatest Hits” and rarities, tunes by Jimmy Webb, Laura Nyro, Bacharach/David, Stevie Wonder, and more:

Let’s begin, appropriately with “This is Your Life,” from the PORTRAIT album, here: https://youtu.be/zGXhzYP9aR4?si=3dUzVDWtC8lClcA-

“He’s a Runner” from the LOVE’s LINES album sparkles with pathos: https://youtu.be/kb8XzRFBZ3M?si=xpp6cisXjI66jiJP

“All Kinds of People” from INDIVIDUALLY & COLLECTIVELY presents a message as relevant today as it was in ’72: https://youtu.be/uwCjsGo32fM?si=g27NtIStqSXY-5d-

“Salty Tears” (Unvaulted, alternative version produced by FOREVER 5th DIMENSION from the SOUL & INSPIRATION outtakes) is mesmerizing: https://youtu.be/4bEsmKHEhBM?si=W1ol7x5xNy0Pw0bC

“Magic in My Life” from EARTHBOUND was a promising single and stands as definite fan favorite: https://youtu.be/ko1Kw76RhY8?si=uzwfkjMRnmaa1oCq

“Love Hangover” is still talked about today, what do you say? Listen here: https://youtu.be/OWF7FDLeuE4?si=YqgC9P5ON9gxEAMr

The joyful “You Are the Reason I Feel Like Dancing” from ’78’s STAR DANCING was played in the clubs and featured in the movie, “Thank God, It’s Friday”: https://youtu.be/6rtVK-BQ7U4?si=xE9DrsggDAJd_44L

“You Bring Out the Woman in Me” from the un-vaulted FANTASY sessions is a knockout: https://youtu.be/VumoKW2reZU?si=_-Dp_YzML3wubNEZ

“All in Love is Fair” from the IN THE HOUSE sessions is mighty: https://youtu.be/APXWBAK2wOQ?si=NfOCK09E1VOIzVvf

“All You Do is Dial,” a fan-fave from IN THE HOUSE is an addictive Heatwave cover with Florence gliding through the lead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgtva5B4CAA

BONUS 1! Florence’s vulnerable solo rendering of “Stoney End” as part of the Laura Nyro Medley on LIVE is another sentimental fan favorite: https://youtu.be/FaiwWeFvaxc?si=b__NTgLhUde8lrS_

BONUS 2! “I Knew You When” as featured on Bob Gallarza‘s VISIONS project of 1996 is one of Florence’s personal favorites…and ours too: https://youtu.be/28iWFWeLaYo?si=7mSXnbsi2bT5PE_V

EXTRA! Read our comprehensive tribute to Florence at this FOREVER 5th DIMENSION link: https://forever5thdimension.com/2014/02/03/the-delightful-divas-birthday/

Happy Birthday Blessings to a cherished personal friend of decades and one of the true sweethearts of the Rock n’ Soul era. With Love from Robert & the Fans

Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a Production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., intellectual property, copyright 2018-2026, all rights reserved.

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Remembering the “Sweet Man,” Ron Townson

Posted on January 29, 2026 | Leave a comment

January 29th is a sentimental day among myriad fans of The 5th Dimension. As we celebrate the birthday of the late great Ron “Sweets” Townson, we instantly remember his dignity, operatic overtones, his robust presence–lovable, sometimes comedic (think the group’s appearance on the Flip Wilson Show!) and certainly prideful. Sorely missed among The Original 5th Dimension’s members–Florence, LaMonte and Marilyn & Billy–each have special remembrances of Ron. For that and more we refer you to FOREVER 5th DIMENSION’s comprehensive tribute to Ron at this link: https://forever5thdimension.com/2014/01/

FILE–Memebrs of the pop group, The 5th Dimension, pose in this 1973 file photo. Shown left to right, are: Billy Davis, Florence LaRue, Ron Townson, Marilyn McCoo, and Lamonte McLemore. Townson, the centerpiece singer for the Grammy-winning group, died Thursday, Aug. 2, 2001, of renal failure at his home in Las Vegas. Townson was 68. (AP Photo/File)

Personally, I’ll never forget sitting with Ron for over 2 hours along with Florence, Billy and LaMonte (Marilyn had a previous appointment), as I (with special fan Susan Aglio) interviewed these thoughtful artists, mellow in the afternoon, coming off the exhilaration of the previous evening’s premier of The Original 5th Dimension reunion tour, 1990. Ron, in particular, expressed deep satisfaction with the quintet’s trailblazing place in history and talked specifically about his solos, “Sailboat Song” and “MacArthur Park,” the latter which brought down the show, that glorious night before.

In honoring his birthday in 2026, let’s savor 3 of Ron’s most beloved tunes in the pantheon of his fan-favorite solos:

From the STONED SOUL PICNIC album, here’s the phosphorescent “Sailboat Song”: https://youtu.be/aqbd_b10R2o?si=cwF98iwD9pt2NRMz

From LIVE!, here’s the cinematic approach to Laura Nyro‘s “Eli’s Coming”: https://youtu.be/CRi7JPf3Iko?si=rusIUS1aVDXPf6Uu

From INDIVIDUALLY & COLLECTIVELY, here’s the 50’s-tinged falsetto delivery of “Band of Gold”: https://youtu.be/EmcfrJ1DU20?si=9TMbzekua5N3_4J1

BONUS: From the SOUL & INSPIRATION re-issue, here’s the unvaulted tour-de-force, “(Where Do I Begin) Theme from Love Story”: https://youtu.be/yYkm1L_C3Gk?si=ah-D53tR2gv9Wq2y

Ron “Sweets” Townson, forever in the hearts of colleagues, fans and the American Pop & Soul golden era. —Robert-Allan Arno, Biographer, The Original 5th Dimension

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2026, intellectual property, all rights reserved

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