About Forever 5th Dimension…

FOREVER 5th DIMENSION by Robert-Allan Arno: A blog in tribute to the multi-Grammy winning stars of The original 5th Dimension–yesterday, today, forever.  In ’23 according to WordPress stats, the blog garnered close to 17,000 worldwide visitors, representing the enduring appeal of The 5th Dimension…Think The 5th Dimension and a kaleidoscope of hiply elegant sounds and images so readily dance in the mind’s eye, that we still breathe a collective sigh of unadulterated joy.  Their uniquely eclectic brand of “Champagne Soul” garnered chart-toppers galore as Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue, LaMonte McLemore and Ron Townson united people with their uplifting, harmonious sound during the turbulent times of the late 60′s-early 70′s.

At Forever 5th Dimension we present some history, new interviews & lots of current events:

Marilyn & Billy news--known as “the 1st Couple of Pop n’ Soul,” and married 54 years in July ’23, the dynamic duo of McCoo & Davis tour with their acclaimed concerts, titled “Up-Up and Away,” “Up-Up & Away: A Musical Fable,” plus “A Solid Gold Christmas,” to the best reviews of their career! Their stunning current interview appearance in the Oscar-winning docu-film “Summer of Soul,” and a critically acclaimed latest CD, “Blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons” make this a time of resurgence for the 7-time Grammy winners…not to mention an upcoming star (their 2nd!) on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Florence & The (current) 5th Dimension news--6-time Grammy winner and warmly known as the “Delightful Diva,” Ms. LaRue leads today’s 5th (Patrice Morris, Leonard Tucker, Floyd Smith & Sidney Jacobs) on world stages to sold-out crowds & also appears in her one-woman show, “Just As I Am.”  Ms. LaRue, since its beginning, has spent over 50 years with The 5th Dimension, and now has a newly released self-help, inspirational book: “Grace in Your Second Act,” available on Amazon.

LaMonte news–Mr. McLemore’s memoir FROM HOBO FLATS to THE 5th DIMENSION (A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music) arrived  on Valentine’s Day 2015 with a book-signing launch at the Orleans Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, where Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. were special guests; a major media/in-person tour continued in LA, St. Louis and NYC. Robert-Allan Arno is the project’s as-told-to author and appeared with LaMonte for special “on-stage chat” presentations.  The book received *****Star reviews from fans and luminaries like Johnny Mathis, Nancy Sinatra, Neil Sedaka and the beloved Mary Wilson of The Supremes, and is available at Amazon, in its 2nd edition:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0692307362

“Mac” has also been adding to his songwriting legacy. The author of fan-faves “A Love Like Ours,” & “The Singer,” more recently, “Cease Fire” is another jewel in the McLemore composing crown. A viral hit, with Mac doing the spoken-word narrative (and Julio Hanson on lead), “Cease Fire” is an anthem for global peace.  (Mr. McLemore’s new tunes, available on CD Baby)

And coming for February 14, 2024….LaMonte’s new luxurious coffee table artbook, titled “Black is Beautiful” reflects his iconic work as the premier freelance photographer for JET magazine’s Beauty of the Week feature, which edified the beauty of women of color and changed cultural norms.

It’s Sunshine, Picnics, Balloons and Bells, always with lots of love…here at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION!

Robert-Allan Arno–media-appearing spokesman, voice-actor, teacher, Bible lector and humanitarian–has been covering The 5th Dimension in print, in liner notes, on radio & TV for decades, including acclaimed liners for Sony’s THE ULTIMATE 5th DIMENSION and PLAYLIST: THE VERY BEST OF THE 5th DIMENSION. He co-wrote LaMonte McLemore’s hit memoir, FROM HOBO FLATS TO THE 5th DIMENSION.  Robert’s interviews with McCoo/Davis and McLemore were published in 3 popular articles at Culture Sonar, celebrating the 50th wedding anniversary of the duo (’19) & highlighting the secrets of their “Blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons” CD (’21), as well as McLemore giving insight into the iconic medley: “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” (’19) In early 2024, Robert appeared at the “Black is Beautiful” event in Las Vegas, delivering a tribute speech to Mr. McLemore as his biographer and members of The Original 5th Dimension who were also in attendance, Ms. McCoo, Ms. LaRue, and Mr. Davis.

Now celebrating our 16th year! Forever 5th Dimension debuted in 2008 on MySpace with the blessing of McCoo & Davis.  Over 5 years, interviews with the duo as well as LaMonte McLemore, Bones Howe, John Florez and features on Florence LaRue garnered a large global response.  Forever 5th Dimension found its new home on WordPress for new year ’14.  Its ’08-’13 posts are archived and will be re-released in the near future.  Please enjoy our wealth of current postings including links to the Forever 5th Dimension YouTubes.  The blog and Mr. Arno’s writings are recommended by the stars of The original 5th Dimension–Marilyn & Billy, Florence and LaMonte…

Quotes:

“Robert, no one can weave all of those elements about our music together in a superb lyrical tapestry like you do. You have a way with words that is truly God’s gift to you.” ~Marilyn McCoo

“I’m so proud of the work Robert does for The 5th Dimension’s biography and my own, I’ve truly learned so much from him!” ~LaMonte McLemore

“Robert is ‘The 6th Dimension!'” ~Florence LaRue on Rewound Radio

“Robert, you never cease to amaze us! Know how much we appreciate you & your involvement in our life & career over the years. With so much knowledge to share, you bring a spirit of excellence to all that you do. We love you!” ~Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.

“Robert brings his rare passion to The 5th Dimension legacy, he is wonderful in keeping it fresh in his creativity.” ~Bones Howe, The 5th Dimension Producer

About Robert’s liners for “Playlist: The Very Best of The 5th Dimension” on Sony Legacy: “I enjoyed how the liner introductions provided a bit of history & gave me something new & specific to listen for in each beloved song!” ~Fan, DeniseRose Torres