Fans & Friends, with so much personally going on due to the recent loss of my dad and tending to my fragile mom, travel is due yet again. And thus, I am posting this “open letter” to Ms. Marilyn McCoo a bit early for the upcoming occasion of her milestone birthday, this Saturday, September 30. Marilyn & Billy along with the other original members of The 5th Dimension, Florence and LaMonte, have been instrumental in lending their special, blessed support during this sensitive time. The letter I share…well, I know each of you, global fans & friends, have your own unique tributes to Marilyn, and may find some commonality in the one I proudly share, as follows…
September 30, 2023
Dear Marilyn,
I am simply honored, touched, and even a bit overwhelmed to write this letter to you for the occasion of such a “milestone birthday” that as noted in our recent call, is really your 39th! You defy age and really, so many other attributes that mere mortals can possess. For to whom much is given, much is expected. You have taken your gifts and shared them with the world in ways that are unfathomable to comprehend. I have fellowshipped with countless people via my own “archetype” as biographer, supporter, eternal fan. You resonate with diverse women and men who hold your ethic and talent in such high regard. You stand for beauty and define it in the dictionary of life. Your voice is indeed soulful, it is an authentic healer. It has brought mellifluous joy to the world. All of those quotes I garnered at the Forever 5th blog from your famed musical colleagues—certainly important. And I remember Billy talking about the way you pronounce your words. That impeccable quality reflects your heart. Your empathy. Your sense of balance and fairness. You have been a role model to so many, and it is always fascinating for me to hear how other fans’ personal histories inform what strikes them “about Marilyn.” In this way, you bring us all together.
Personally, I have learned so much from you over the years. And you have gone out of your way to share: To never rest on my laurels…to tell the story of a song and not show off my voice…to “dance” upon God’s Word when reading the Bible publicly, after doing all the deep preparation…and above all, to stand in my integrity. To be discerning and never to overstate things in a way that could hurt someone. To always leave room for God’s graceful wisdom to intercede, inform, and bring peace.
Yes, thank you for being a woman of Grace, and of the most profound sense of elegance…and for choosing Billy, my other role model. I can never forget the two of you in my walk, how you continue to shape my life. How your standard of genuine excellence is a spiritual thread that continually runs through my own discernment and how I choose to conduct myself in my career…and in life.
Also, you are a trendsetter. One of the first of the Pop n’ Soul era to talk richly about your musical history. The astuteness and passion you bring in these reflections of your craft amid the many interviews I’ve done with you and Billy could certainly write another book! Thank you for trusting me and being so receptive on these artistic journeys.
And thus, my birthday testimonial to you, Marilyn! I wish you immeasurable Birthday Blessings with much love, appreciation, and my ultimate respect,
Robert
Robert-Allan Arno, September 2023
Go to this link for our FOREVER 5th DIMENSION musical tribute to Marilyn featuring 30 curated solos from all eras of her career, reviewed by Marilyn & Billy, themselves, including exclusive celebrity quotes, and slide show:
https://forever5thdimension.com/2022/09/
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-23, intellectual property, all rights reserved.
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
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