Monthly Archives: December 2019

Light Sings: 2019 in Review

Billy Center
2019 marked the 50th anniversary of The 5th Dimension’s greatest hit single, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In”…we got to chat about the medley’s timelessness at the prestigious “Culture Sonar” in an interview with LaMonte McLemore and myself. And how cool to end the year with Rewound Radio voting the “mash-up” #15 in their all-time Top 77 countdown! AAAMarBill RARE50 was also magical for Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. as the First Couple of Pop n’ Soul celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July. Marilyn, Billy and I got to “croon” about the romantic milestone and their 7-time Grammy winning favorite hits, too, also at “Culture Sonar.”
Florence good oneThe ever vivacious 6-time Grammy winning Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension brought their “Champagne Soul” myriad hits all through the country, in concert, selling out every venue where they performed! Florence, Patrice, Leonard, Floyd and Sidney are already racking up important appearances for 2020.  See their exciting developing schedule  here: http://5thdimensionlive.com/calendar/
UDOKA MARBILL PHOTOMERGE

50 Years of Love: Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. by Ephraim Udoka, Exclusive Artiste All Rights Reserved

Still touring to raves, Marilyn & Billy had a featured song on the “Thank you, Mr. Rogers” CD. And in early November, Marilyn made a poignant , heralded return as Tamara Price on “Days of Our Lives”…Billy appeared too.  For MarBill’s 50th anniversary, I had personally commissioned African artist, Ephraim David Udoka to do a rendering of the couple today, juxtaposed with their earlier selves. It was thrilling to have the talented Udoka study the work of McCoo & Davis and then see the duo’s metamorphosis through his young yet ingenious eyes. Marilyn & Billy’s response to the framed piece received as their special gift was enthusiastic, as follows:

“Wow Robert, what an amazing piece of art, and done by an incredibly gifted artist from Nigeria!! Thank you, thank you!! We love the theme–capturing the two of us in the beginning and now, 50 years later–so perfect for our 50th anniversary (and my birthday!). Thank you for the thought and love you poured into the concept, commissioning the execution of it, and now its ultimate delivery. We couldn’t wait to see what was inside! It’s such a special way for our 50 years together to be celebrated and so unique; there is nothing else like it!! Please tell Ephraim, too, that we love the photos you included of him in the creative process and then holding the final result. Ephraim’s handsome face has a wonderful look of satisfaction. With our Love, Marilyn & Billy”
A 1 UDOKA

Nigerian Artist, Ephraim Udoka poses with his MarBill!

Modeling in LAIn June, LaMonte celebrated the 105th birthday of his cherished mom, “Mama June.” On Sept 29th, a few hours after he and I confabbed as his social media/press coordinator, about saluting Marilyn’s birthday the following day on his Facebook page, I and subsequently global fans learned that Mac had suffered a mild stroke. I am pleased to report that his recovery has been “sparkling.” He and his lovely wife Mieko are constantly out and about in their hometown of Las Vegas and his trademark rich bass offered a resounding:”Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Rev. Arno!” (his nickname for me) just the other day on the phone!  As Mac says, “The best is yet to come!”  Look for a new coffee table book on the photos of icon Jayne Kennedy, as historically photographed by LaMonte coming in early 2020.
LIGHT SINGSThis year we even un-vaulted a tune by The Original 5th circa ’70: “A Pocketful of Seeds.” And thank you fans, friends and “5th Family” from all over the world, for stopping by these soon-to-be dozen years at our information central, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION. We love and appreciate our favorite stars: Florence, LaMonte and Marilyn & Billy…and we thank YOU most certainly, for your continued support! Indeed, we know you agree…The 5th Dimension…is forever!  Light Sings!
AUG PHOTO FINAL 33  —Robert-Allan Arno 
(Please see “Recent Posts” at right to find the 2019 blog entries & accompanying links to all the aforementioned)

Visit our stars on the web…

Florence & The 5th Dimension:  http://5thdimensionlive.com/

Marilyn & Billy at their Facebook Official or: http://mccoodavis.com

LaMonte on Facebook and Linked-In

VERY RARE BATHING
Forever 5th Dimension, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2019, all rights reserved

“Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” Scores in Top 77 of All-time!

5th 69Number 15, in All-time Hits! To Program Director Allan Sniffen and all our friends at Rewound Radio including the special listeners, The 5th Dimension Family thanks you for placing the medley of “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” at #15 in this year’s Top 77 hits of all time! We always joke that today, they’d call it a “mash-up!”  We honored its 50 year anniversary this year, and leave it to Rewound to add to the glorious celebration!

Love from The Stars of The Original 5th Dimension: Florence LaRue, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.,  LaMonte McLemore and biographer, Robert-Allan Arno & the fans at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION.

–Be sure to listen to this year’s Top 77 Hits of All-time, now thru New Year’s day at Rewound Radio, here: www.rewoundradio.com

#AquariusLettheSunshineIn

Found Gem by The Original 5th Dimension: “A Pocketful of Seeds”

rare-box-shot-e1576466364453.jpgMany of you know the fan favorite tune from The 5th Dimension‘s “Love’s Lines, Angles & Rhymes” album, “The Singer” co-written by LaMonte McLemore and Elliot Willensky. “Mac” proudly writes in his memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” about this “poetry to song” achievement executed so profoundly with Billy Davis, Jr. in the lead with complex group back-ups. LaMonte noted that Frank Sinatra even considered recording the homage to one “who finds the perfect meaning, in all the dreams that dance across his mind.”
The late Elliot Willensky is also responsible for the Michael Jackson hit, “Got To Be There,” and more. His brother, Steven Willensky was so kind to recently draw our attention to this excavated film clip of The Original 5th Dimension circa 1970 singing one of Elliot’s tunes about the environment and love for fellow man titled, “A Pocketful of Seeds.” It’s from the Bell Telephone produced special “They Said It Couldn’t Be Done.” The anthemic powerhouse features that un-matchable, quintessential 5th Dimension blend–arranged by the renowned Rene DeKnight–with mini solos from Marilyn, Florence, Ronald and Billy tying it up with his classic improv.
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FULL IMAGE MARBILLUpon seeing this rare gem, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. commented to FOREVER 5th DIMENSION:
It was an early piece.  We know that from the style of harmony and “bop bop bahs” that we sang from time to time in those earlier songs.  What a special way to remember Rene DeKnight, who taught us so much: music, harmonies, what quality performances required, and professionalism if we were going to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities coming our way.  Thank you, Robert once again, for digging up special memories from our past.
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And so, as a holiday season gift of sorts, we invite you to savor the experience that is “A Pocketful of Seeds” at this link: 
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Bonus! From the same TV special, The 5th Dimension with “If I Had a Hammer”– Golden Gate bridge in the background!:
–Robert-Allan Arno
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Our cherished fans add to the festivities with these kind remarks:

Susan Aglio Wow… what gems! Thank you for sharing, Robert!

Robyn Pippins  Loved the video, Robert!

Blake Morant  Fantastic, Brother Robert-Allan Arno. I remain hopeful that you’ll continue to unearth these rare 5th Dimension gems.

Ty Stephens That’s a Christmas gift!! Thank you, Robert!!!

Douglas C. Charles Now if we could just get a hold of that “lost” recording of “Crazy Spaces!”

Jane Marsh Thanks for sharing Robert! Enjoyed it very much. Loved the one at the Golden Gate Bridge too. 🙂

Andy Gard Wow! It’s extraordinary to be able to hear an undiscovered 5th Dimension song for the first time all these years later, just days away from 2020. Thanks for making this possible, Robert!

Martha E. Vink I love these! So upbeat, with a message we continue to need today. Wouldn’t it have been great to have those on an album! Thanks for sharing Robert-Allan!

 
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Vote Now…Rewound Radio’s Top 77 of All-time!

Photo of 5th Dimension

Our friends at Rewound Radio, one of the Internet’s top “Oldies” formats are always so kind to The 5th Dimension legacy…this past year on his Saturday afternoon show, Program Director Allan Sniffen heartily saluted Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.’s 50th wedding anniversary as well as sent good wishes to LaMonte McLemore for a speedy recovery.

As is yearly tradition, we encourage fans of The 5th Dimension and of Rewound to vote for the Top 77 of all time…it’s fun and easy to do…be creative, vote anyway you wish…your personal Top 10!!  Here’s the link, results to be unveiled the week between Christmas & New Year!!:

Vote at: https://www.musicradio77.com/voting2019.html

Listen to Rewound Radio at: http://www.rewoundradio.com

12/9: Voting is now officially closed…thank you for your participation fans & friends…remember to hear the exciting results on Rewound between Christmas & New Year!

 

 

LaMonte McLemore Keeps it Merry & Bright for the Holidays!

mac santa hat

FOREVER 5th DIMENSION is pleased to report that founding member of The 5th Dimension,  LaMonte McLemore is keeping it forward-moving this #ChristmasSeason with the following charming update from “Mac” (LaMonte) & his lovely wife Mieko, as featured on Mr. McLemore’s Facebook page:

“We’re going out as often as possible–shopping, restaurants, movie theaters, an on-field visit with Mac’s softball buddies…exercise and activity is key! We may face challenges sometimes but we often laugh! And we always find people’s kindness on the journey.”

Speaking of laughs, LaMonte also wanted to remind fans & friends that the perfect holiday gift is both his hit memoir–recommended by Johnny Mathis, Nancy Sinatra, Neil Sedaka & Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.–chock full of humor, warmth & music: “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension.” And then there’s his “naughty but nice” joke book…over 500 funnies that Mac has compiled for you! Here are their links, available on Amazon. “Team Mac” appreciates your support! —Robert-Allan Arno

MEMOIR COVERLaMonte’s Memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” is available here: https://www.amazon.com/…/dp/0692307…/ref=asc_df_0692307362/…

Mac’s Joke-book is available here: https://www.amazon.com/Everyone-loves-dirty-t…/…/ref=sr_1_1…

Mac w Books

Florence & The 5th Dimension bring Hits for the Holidays at Egyptian Theater Residency

5th with SidneyThe 5th Dimension–our Delightful Diva, Ms. Florence LaRue along with Patrice, Leonard, Floyd and Sidney we’ll be bringing their myriad Champagne Soul mega hits in a holiday mood, in residency at the historic Egyptian Theater, 328 Main St., Park City, Utah, from December 26 thru December 31. Tickets for The 5th Dimension are sure to sell-out…it’s fun for the entire family with Florence and classy crew and all your favorites.  For tix and more information:

https://holdmyticket.com/event/338465-the-5th-dimension

florpatchrist

Lovely, legendary Florence LaRue (right) with vivacious Patrice Morris (left)…The 5th Dimension will delight fans between Christmas & New Year at the Egyptian Theater, Utah.

With over 20 million records sold worldwide, 22 Top 40 Hits and 6 GRAMMYS, The 5th Dimension continues to awe sold-out audiences with their amazing harmonies and showmanship!

Marilyn & Billy Star in “A Solid Gold Christmas”

It’s always a festive occasion when the 1st Couple of Pop n’ Soul, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. bring their Christmas magic to the masses…and what venue better than the intimately popular Catalina Jazz Club! For our west coast fans or those who travel to see them…get your tix now…it promises to be a “soul-ed out” holiday event!

CATALINA