Monthly Archives: July 2021

Happy 52nd Wedding Anniversary, Our Very Special “MarBill”

Posted on July 26, 2021 | Leave a comment

Congratulations to the 1st Couple of Pop n’ Soul—my musical heroes, dear friends and mentors–Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. on their 52nd Wedding Anniversary, today, July 26. Enjoying a marvelous “resurgence” due to their touching current appearance (along with The 5th Dimension’s circa ’69 at the Harlem Cultural Festival) in the hit docu-movie “Summer of Soul,” a thought-provoking & critically acclaimed new CD (“Blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons”), and an upcoming star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the 1st African American couple to have one, and much more…it’s a “Summer of MarBill!” It seems like just yesterday I was invited to their grand 50th wedding anniversary celebration. Unable to attend due to a work commitment “on the other coast”…the next best thing was to commission for them this stunning sketch by one of my all-time fave artists in Africa, Nigeria’s own Ephraim David Udoka. We called this piece “50 Years of Love” and Marilyn & Billy were so gracious with their thanks to me and Ephraim, upon receiving the framed artwork. One of their favorite aspects was the medallion we conjured up, bottom center, of “MarBill” back in the day via a rare shot from my photo collection…juxtaposed with the main sketch portraying them today. Happy 52nd, our dearest MarBill! God bless you always…as you bless your many friends, fans, and all who know you, the world over.

With Love. –Robert-Allan Arno

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd. copyright 2008-2021, intellectual property, all rights reserved)

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Summer of Champagne Soul: Our FOREVER 5th DIMENSION Top 5!

Posted on July 14, 2021 | Leave a comment

FOREVER 5th DIMENSION presents the Top 5 for Summer of 2021 for your listening, reading & viewing pleasure–in no necessary order…they’re all spectacular with kudos to Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue and LaMonte McLemore. Oh, and don’t forget our exclusive online magazine interview with Marilyn & Billy coming for their 52nd wedding anniversary, the end of July! OK, let’s countdown…or count up “Up and Away!”

  1. Marilyn & Billy‘s latest CD, “Blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons” is a statement piece in their recording legacy. Our “MarBill” add their inimitable approach with freshness, and a distinct Civil Rights bent to the music of Lennon/McCartney. Critically, celebrity and fan-acclaimed, available at Amazon here: Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons by Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. on Amazon Music – Amazon.com
  2. I just reviewed Florence‘s new book “Grace in Your Second Act– A Guide to Aging Gracefully” (see our previous Forever 5th article) and I am still marveling at the amount of research and anecdotal information our “delightful diva” has compiled. It’s an important self-help & faith-based book with strategies that are practical, revelation-al, and oftentimes cute, poignant and celebrity-inspired. Read it “On the Beach (In the Summertime),” available at Amazon here: Grace in Your Second Act: A Guide to Aging Gracefully: LaRue, Florence, Paschall, Jenny: 9781664227088: Amazon.com: Books
  3. LaMonte‘s hit memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” now in its 2nd edition, and something I am so honored to have co-written with Mac, is one hip literary trip. Recommended by Johnny Mathis, Nancy Sinatra, Otis Williams of the Temptations, more, LaMonte talks music history, Black history, and shares the secrets that made The 5th Dimension harmonic unifiers–bringing together generations, races and crossing record chart boundaries. Lots of laughs and celeb anecdotes…as only “Mac” can tell a story! Available at Amazon…another great beach read!: Amazon.com: From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music (9780692307366): McLemore, LaMonte, Arno, Robert-Allan: Books
  4. The Ultimate 5th Dimension CD reviewed as “the best-sounding, best-annotated anthology”​ of the quintet by All Music Guide is a 21 song overview of The 5th’s recorded hit magic. And yes, I was so proud to compile the tunes with mega-producer Bones Howe for this project and write the extensive liners. Ultimate is a perennial AND back on the charts due to the “5th resurgence” created by “Summer of Soul,” and now at the “nice price,” at Amazon: The 5th Dimension – Ultimate 5th Dimension – Amazon.com Music
  5. Last by not least, “Summer of Soul” is the hit docu-film of the summer! Producer Questlove unearthed countless pristine celluloid hours of African American musical luminaries performing at The Harlem Cultural Festival, circa 1969. Akin to a “Black Woodstock,” Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Mahalia Jackson, Sly & The Family Stone, and more took to the stage before hundreds of thousands. The #1 song of the day (and the year for that matter), actually a “mash-up” of “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” courtesy of Broadway’s HAIR, performed with verve and optimistic joy by a brightly attired The 5th Dimension (Marilyn McCoo, Florence LaRue, Billy Davis, Jr., Ron Townson and McLemore) is one of the movie’s centerpieces. As biographer of The Original 5th Dimension and Mr. McLemore, I stated to SoulTracks and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: “To see The 5th Dimension on the big screen at the apex of their career is thrilling for their many fans, more so it underscores the unexpected power of the group’s unique ebullient flavor.” Be sure to see “Summer of Soul” at a theater near you…or enjoy at home on Hulu! ~~Robert-Allan Arno

(Hit right arrow to experience slideshow!)

Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-21, intellectual property, all rights reserved

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Florence LaRue’s New Book & Summertime Touring Schedule with The 5th Dimension

Posted on July 10, 2021 | Leave a comment

Did you know our “delightful diva,” the ever-vivacious Florence LaRue has a new book?! It’s called “Grace in Your Second Act: A Guide to Aging Gracefully.” Leave it to the refreshingly innovative Florence to never take the expected route…this is not a memoir, per se, but a much-needed inspirational self-help book on how to age with grace—with dignity, in good health, with lotsa’ style, class, and in God’s smilingly wise vision for us all. Those who have followed Florence with The 5th Dimension for decades now, marvel at her “eternally youthful glow” …and here, in her true “teacher essence” she lays out, carefully with savvy, poignancy and even cute anecdotal (and sometimes celebrity-referenced) evidence, the secrets of her beautiful success…and yours! It is a lifestyle book with focus for women…yet as esteemed reviewer Rev. Kenneth Ulmer notes, “The principles, priorities and practices in this book transcend gender…” Those in the entertainment field will find Florence’s sensible but diligent discipline particularly relevant…then again, Florence welcomes ALL readers to feel like shining stars! ~~Robert-Allan Arno

Forever 5th Dimension congratulates Florence on this latest achievement…go on over to Amazon and order the paperback, hardcover, or Kindle, it’s a smooth summertime read…and a guide for all seasons, at this link:

Grace in Your Second Act: A Guide to Aging Gracefully: LaRue, Florence, Paschall, Jenny: 9781664227088: Amazon.com: Books 

And join Florence and The 5th Dimension on tour this summer…for the best “Champagne Soul” in town, all the tasty greatest hits, and surprises! Check out the latest touring schedule of Florence, Patrice, Floyd, Leonard & Sidney, here:  Calendar – The Official 5TH Dimension (5thdimensionlive.com)

(Forever 5th Dimension, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2021, Intellectual Property, All Rights Reserved) 

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Remembering Marc Gordon

Posted on July 10, 2021 | Leave a comment

I had just been thinking of Marc Gordon, the beloved manager of The 5th Dimension when the lovely Florence LaRue contacted me, reflecting on Marc’s important history-changing impact, too. This summertime 2021, with there being a resurgence in interest in The Original 5th Dimension due to their vibrant appearance in the docu-film hit of the season, “Summer of Soul” circa the Harlem Cultural Festival, ’69, it is timely to remember Marc’s contributions. Florence expresses, “What many people don’t realize is that without Marc Gordon, The 5th Dimension would not be what it wound up being! He never got the notoriety he deserved; I hope to give it to him.”

Here’s an excerpt of what Florence and I put together via his written memorial tribute as featured in “Goldmine” and JET magazines over a decade ago, and today, it bears reiteration at Forever 5th Dimension:

Marcus Melvin Gordon, known professionally as Marc Gordon, the manager of The 5th Dimension circa its heyday of the late ’60’s through the ’70s, passed away June 16, 2010, according to the original group’s biographer, Robert-Allan Arno, and group member Florence LaRue. He was 74.

An executive at Motown in the early ’60s, Gordon departed the label in 1966 while discovering The Versatiles, who auditioned for but were not signed to the label. He asked the quintet to find a hipper moniker —The 5th Dimension — and connected them with Johnny River’s Soul City label. The rest was Grammy, Gold and Platinum record history. Gordon co-produced The 5th Dimension’s signature tune, Jimmy Webb’s “Up-Up and Away.”

“We had so much respect for Marc Gordon and his vision…his faith and hard work,” said founding former members Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. Retired founding member, LaMonte McLemore stated, “Marc spoke gently but his plans for us were mighty.” “Marc envisioned The 5th Dimension as ‘the Black Beatles,’” Florence LaRue reflected. Ms. LaRue had been married to Gordon and has a son, Geoffrey, with him. She continues to tour as Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension.

Mr. Gordon also managed Tony Orlando and Dawn, Thelma Houston and Willie Hutch. His Rocky Road records garnered mega-hits hits for Al Wilson (“Show and Tell”) and Climax (“Precious and Few”) in the ’70s.

As Forever 5th Dimension remembers Marc Gordon, Florence & I invite you to view his appearance on this classic “Soul Train,” talking with Don Cornelius in his charming manner, at this link: https://youtu.be/LrWeiGI3EVg

Bonus! And here are Florence and Marc (along with Jimmy Webb’s minister dad!) on this vintage game show, “I’ve Got a Secret,” celebrating the magic of “Up-Up and Away.” View here: https://youtu.be/iA7yyspHdek

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2021, Intellectual Property, All Rights Reserved) 

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We Hold these Truths…

Posted on July 4, 2021 | Leave a comment

On this 4th of July 2021, the essence of The Original 5th Dimension resounds loud & clear, the excitement of movie-goers, Hulu-viewers, reviewers, news & talk hosts countrywide in viewing “Summer of Soul” has been exhilarating, seemingly all over the media and social media. The unearthing of vintage footage from 1969’s Harlem Cultural Festival, 52 years later in producer Questlove‘s docu-film he titles a “jawn,” is all the more poignant and “re-empowered” now, featuring: Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Sly & the Family Stone, David Ruffin, Hugh Masekela, The Edwin Hawkins Singers, The Staple Singers (more)…and The 5th Dimension with the top medley or “mashup” of the day, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” (Featuring an engaging current interview appearance by Marilyn & Billy.) Here are screen shots from “Summer of Soul” supplied by lovely fans Deniserose Torres and Judy Millet with Marilyn McCoo, Florence LaRue, Billy Davis, Jr., Ron Townson and Lamonte McLemore in action onstage, literally before thousands…

Rolling Stone! And here’s the link to a very astute current article by David Browne in Rolling Stone, discussing The 5th Dimension’s gentle subversive-ness aka “Remembering The 5th Dimension’s Quiet Revolution.”: Fifth Dimension: Remembering Sixties Stars Seen in ‘Summer of Soul’ – Rolling Stone

It wouldn’t be 4th of July without this iconic clip of The 5th Dimension performing “The Declaration” with “People Gotta Be Free” on The Ed Sullivan Show. LaMonte smiles, “By singing the song, I learned the words of The Declaration of Independence along with each of our fans!” Watch this moving presentation here: https://youtu.be/oOUxNAexRzs

And then tomorrow, it wouldn’t be the same without acknowledging “The July 5th Album.” Marilyn jokingly calls it “our not-so-greatest-hits album.” Soul City, in capitalizing on the hugely popular Greatest Hits, rushed out this “More Hits” edition with some pretty cool covers like “Let it Be Me,” “Sunshine of Your Love,” and “Ticket to Ride,” the latter re-visited on Marilyn & Billy’s latest, “Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons” project. Wouldn’t it be nice to have “July 5th” reissued in ’21 with additional fan-fave material? Let’s take a survey!

As we approach our official 14th year of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION in late July, we declare, “The 5th is forever”…now, ain’t that the truth!

–Robert-Allan Arno

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd, copyright 2008-2021, intellectual property, all rights reserved)

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