What a charming & charmed “Champagne Soul” summer of ’21…we could certainly say it was a “Summer of Soul,” literally all the world over! The Original 5th Dimension made the cover of 2 international magazines, “Shindig” out of England, and “Blues & Soul” from Japan in honor of their appearance in this summer’s hit docu-movie, “Summer of Soul.” (Thank you to our friend Ryuji for bringing the latter cover to our attention.)
Forever 5th Dimension celebrated our 14th year and I did so, personally by seeing Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension for my pre-birthday weekend in the quaint town of Sellersville in early August. Right now, I’m wearing the beautiful silver crucifix Florence had so thoughtfully gifted me for the occassion…it truly symbolizes the love and protective essence that The 5th Dimension has provided since I was a young boy. And so many of you have a similar story of feeling that warmth in your early life…all the way to today because of what “The 5th” has meant to you…the stories people have shared with me over the years define fellowship…and I hope to compile them in the near future.
More birthday gifts from LaMonte & Mieko (delectable biscuits & coffee!) and these extra-special words from Marilyn & Billy capped off quite a sweet celebration: “Robert, you are such a blessing in our personal & professional lives. We appreciate the many loving ways you show how much you care. We’re proud to call you our friend. Love, Billy and Marilyn.”
Yes, today, to be in a position to work with and showcase my artistic heroes–Marilyn & Billy, Florence & The 5th Dimension, and LaMonte via various social media and other projects is always a “gotta’ pinch myself” moment–something I never take for granted amid my other media, teaching and humanitarian work. But above all, to have their valued friendship and love re-defines the “Up-Up and Away” lyric: “the world’s a nicer place.”
“Love is waiting there!” Do see The 5th Dimension on tour…it’s family fun, “fresh” nostalgia and Florence, Patrice, Leonard, Floyd and Sidney make sure the harmonies are precise, pristine and exhilarating. ALL the hits…and superlative presentations like the extensive “Rain Medley”…and intimate moments when Florence sits on a stool and talks from the heart to an enraptured audience sharing her life philosophy & cute humor make for a thoroughly memorable experience.
Coming for later September, it’s birthday time for both LaMonte and Marilyn! Then in early October, I’ll be with Marilyn & Billy in New Hope, PA for a special charitable gala & their performance. Stay tuned to Forever 5th for the latest & greatest! For now, I’ll leave you with this indelible Labor Day weekend memory from 50 years ago, yes 50–it truly seems like yesterday!! ~~Robert-Allan Arno
Enjoy The Original 5th Dimension on the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day telethon. LaMonte shares, “We had just completed a major summer tour and were so happy to be there with ‘Light Sings,’ ‘Never My Love,’ and more so, to help an important cause for Muscular Dystrophy. Remember, we are only in this world to help one another.” 
View a live & lively “Light Sings” and “Never My Love” here: https://youtu.be/6FSQpjVddVM
Visit The 5th Dimension official for touring schedule here: http://5thdimensionlive.com/calendar/
Visit Florence LaRue at http://www.florencelarue.com ~Learn about her new inspirational self-help book!
Visit Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. at http://www.mccoodavis.com ~Featuring their critically-acclaimed CD, “Blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons”
Visit LaMonte McLemore on Facebook! ~Big News from Mac coming for the holiday season!
Select Photo Credits: Robert w/ The 5th Dimension, and Florence & Patrice courtesy M. Robinson; Marilyn & Billy commissioned artwork by Ephraim David Udoka; Marilyn & LaMonte by Arnie Lee
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2021, Intellectual Property, All Rights Reserved.)
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
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