We are so sorry to note the sudden passing of music legend, Harry Elston of The Friends of Distinction. More than that, for six decades he was LaMonte McLemore of The 5th Dimension‘s very best friend, and as well, a close, cherished friend to Marilyn & Billy @mccoodavis. Please join us in prayer for Harry’s wife, Yukari and his family, and for all—colleagues & friends—who loved and cherished Harry for his joyful optimistic manner, and the kindness, honesty and witty humor that were his trademark. Like his timeless musical legacy of “Grazin’ in the Grace” and so much more, his spirit will live forever.
—Robert-Allan Arno
Marilyn & Billy share with Forever 5th Dimension this texted cute story in honor of their dear friend: “Hi Robert, thanks for your condolences and for honoring Harry on Forever 5th. He was in the group (The Hi-Fi’s) in the beginning when we toured with Ray Charles before The 5th Dimension formed. After The 5th got together and had some hits (‘Up-Up and Away,’ and our first Grammy), Harry said ‘I can do that!’ So, he formed The Friends of Distinction. They recorded ‘Grazin’ in the Grass’ (a major hit for them) and they took off! We all stayed in touch with one another. So sad…”
My personal reflection posted on Harry’s Facebook page: “Soar high, honored friend. Great memories and chats, both the Vegas book launch of LaMonte‘s memoir 10 years ago that we co-hosted onstage, and then the “Black is Beautiful” event last year where you MC’ed masterfully and brought us all up for a speech. Your kindness, honesty, and wit will not be forgotten, and your writing style whether a hit legacy song or the review of Mac’s memoir proudly in “our” book’s insert was stellar…a smart soul you were and continue to be, now with the angels. Just sayin’ (your slogan!)…with #Respect.” —Robert-Allan
(Pictured in Collage above: Top: A recent photo of best pals, Harry and LaMonte, The Friends of Distinction, Harry’s memoir, Bottom: The Hi-Fi’s with Harry left, Marilyn & LaMonte, right. Below: The Friends of Distinction ’73, The 5th Dimension ’70)
READ MORE ABOUT HARRY:
Our good friends at Soultracks present this consummate tribute to Sir Harry and his artistry with The Friends of Distinction including his “intersection” with The 5th Dimension, here: https://soultracks.com/news-friends-of-distinction-founder-harry-elston-dies/?fbclid=IwY2xjawI0WSpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQXWo8XeO2BhCzh9CD3ot0Cap-CtqCW2XsUfZB2dx9Gy1J9uZSqWyWAaUQ_aem_2mZ8es-P3BtlGRLzWuX21Q
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-25, intellectual property, all rights reserved.
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
You must be logged in to post a comment.