Monthly Archives: January 2022

Remembering the Birthday of the Beloved Ron “Sweets” Townson

Dateline Jan 29: FOREVER 5th DIMENSION is so proud to honor the birthday of the beloved original member of The 5th Dimension, Ron “Sweets” Townson. In this comprehensive and updated for 2022 tribute to Ron, we hear from his fellow musical stars, family members and the special fans…plus we count down his top 5 (plus!) solos. Ron’s soaring classical vibe, his robust dignity, his touching pride in his contributions to music history will never be forgotten. Please read more at this FOREVER 5th link: https://forever5thdimension.com/2014/01/

“Summer of Soul” Soundtrack Brings Winter Sunshine!

Available this Friday Jan 28! Yes, the “Summer of Soul” Soundtrack will be available!! Due to popular request, hear all the songs featured in this multi-award-winning docu-movie, live, in their entirety! Hear The Original 5th Dimension Summer of ’69 onstage at the Harlem Cultural Festival with a vibrant n’ funky “Don’t Cha Hear Me Callin’ To Ya,” and their smash #1, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” Order at Amazon, Target and all major sellers. Here’s the official track list with FOREVER 5th DIMENSION’s kudos to Questlove, The 5th Dimension‘s original members–Florence, #MarilynBilly and LaMonte (and remembering our beloved Ron “Sweets”) and all the artists featured! ~~Robert-Allan Arno

1. The Chambers Brothers – “Uptown”
2. B.B. King – “Why I Sing The Blues”
3. The 5th Dimension – “Don’t Cha Hear Me Callin’ To Ya”
4. The 5th Dimension – “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)”
5. David Ruffin – “My Girl”
6. The Edwin Hawkins Singers – “Oh Happy Day”
7. The Staple Singers – “It’s Been A Change”
8. The Operation Breadbasket Orchestra & Choir Featuring Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples – “Precious Lord Take My Hand”
9. Gladys Knight & The Pips – “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”
10. Mongo Santamaria – “Watermelon Man”
11. Ray Barretto – “Together”
12. Herbie Mann- “Hold On, I’m Comin’”
13. Sly & The Family Stone – “Sing A Simple Song”
14. Sly & The Family Stone – “Everyday People”
15. Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach – “Africa”
16. Nina Simone – “Backlash Blues”
17. Nina Simone – “Are You Ready”

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of the Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2022, all rights reserved)

Florence & The 5th Dimension’s January Tour Includes Florida Sunshine & the High Seas!

An exciting January 2022 for fans of our delightful diva, Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension (Patrice, Leonard, Floyd & Sidney)!! Experience the Champagne Soul in-concert, hits galore excitement in Milwaukee on Jan. 12, in Boca Raton on Jan. 14, and on the high seas with other musical legends to the Caribbean via Concerts at Sea, the Where the Action Is cruise, Jan. 15-22. (See details above). Florence & The 5th hope to see you, real soon!

Remembering Mr. Poitier

From LaMonte McLemore’s social media…

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sidney Poitier, the renowned and groundbreaking actor, director and activist who commanded the screen, reshaped the culture and paved the way for countless other Black actors. His soul-stirring performances in classics such as “In the Heat of the Night,” “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” “To Sir, With Love,” and “Lillies of the Field,” established him as one of the finest performers in America. He made history as the first Black man to win an Academy Award for best actor and, at the height of his fame, became a major box-office draw. Ever the trailblazer, my friend, Sidney Poitier stood for excellence.

Statement from Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr….

Sidney Poitier was a national treasure whose contributions to the arts were tremendous. He was the first African American to win an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and, through his entire body of work, opened the door for many talented actors and actresses of color whose gifts have been ignored. He was a wonderful person and also a good friend. Billy says, “I’ll miss our chance meetings at the local grocery store where we would catch each other checking our list prepared by our beautiful wives.” We are deeply saddened by his loss and our hearts go out to Joanna and the Poitier family.