Monthly Archives: August 2021

A Breathtaking Florence Chats with Judge Harvey!

Posted on August 24, 2021 | Leave a comment

Our “delightful diva,” Florence LaRue is on an exciting multi-media book tour for “Grace in Your Second Act” and one of her first stops may just be one of her best. I was so pleased to help orchestrate her all-encompassing chat with my good friend, the wise and compassionate esteemed Judge Harvey Brownstone. When he’s not in his robes, banging a judicious gavel, he is becoming one of our top interviewers. Here’s my review of “the festivities” with Florence:

Absolutely stellar, Harvey! Florence LaRue is a true sweetheart of the Rock n’ Roll (and Champagne Soul!) era…here, her light shines in a way we have all come to know and love. As someone who personally knows Florence and has been honored to work on projects with her & The 5th Dimension, I found myself not only beaming as I enjoyed the dynamic you two shared but objectively moved by Florence’s inspirational wisdom, it literally brought tears of joy (and insight) to my eyes. “A-plus” for you both…this interview is a definitive blessing. –Robert-Allan Arno, “Forever 5th Dimension”

Enjoy the interview on YouTube:

My Visit with “MarBill” at Culture Sonar

Posted on August 24, 2021 | Leave a comment

Of the many in-depth, candid interviews we’ve conducted with Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. over the years here at FOREVER 5th DIMEMSION, it’s always nice to “step-out” and get to Q & A the First Couple of Pop n’ Soul at a special forum like Culture Sonar. I spoke with “MarBill” for “A Soaring Blackbird, A Summer of Soul” focusing on the recording secrets behind their latest critically-acclaimed CD, “Blackbird: Lennon/McCarnty Icons.” Read their cool n’ savvy take here:

Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr: A Soaring “Blackbird,” A “Summer of Soul”

Special thanks to editor Cindy Grogan and Editor-in-Chief Al Cattabiani at Culuture Sonar.

Happy Birthday, Jimmy Webb

Posted on August 15, 2021 | Leave a comment

From LaMonte McLemore’s FB page:

Dateline 8/15: #HappyBirthday to our forever friend and the musical genius who is Jimmy Webb. In fact, it’s Jimmy’s 75th today and you can join him on his official Facebook page for a live Q & A at 2pm, est. From the Grammy magic of The 5th Dimension’s signature tune “Up-Up and Away,” to the iconic “Magic Garden” album, to the progressive “Earthbound”…Jimmy, you are simply the best! Love and God bless from “Mac”

The 5th Dimension at the Grammy’s with Jimmy Webb. Multi-awards for them…and special Grammy costumes for “The 5th” by Boyd Clopton

Happy Birthday to “Tunesmith extraordinaire” Jimmy Webb. Over the years, he’s given me wonderful quotes for magazine articles and liners about my cherished The 5th Dimension and is an indelible part of LaMonte’s memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” which I had the pleasure and honor to co-author. God bless you, Jimmy! And how thrilling for you to acknowledge Mac on your live birthday broadcast. Noting his bass, and “authentic trash barrel sound”…aka, singing on the doo-wop street corner ’round the barrel for echo, is something LaMonte truly appreciates. ~~Robert-Allan Arno, 2021