Celebrating our 18th Year! A TRIBUTE TO THE MULTI-GRAMMY WINNING LEGENDARY STARS of THE ORIGINAL 5TH DIMENSION, Curated by Biographer, Robert-Allan Arno ~~ History & Current Events, Exclusive Quotes & Interviews, Rare Photo Collection! Recommended by McCoo/Davis, LaRue & Remembering LaMonte McLemore
We recently lost the popular and beloved Suzanne Somers. She was an industry survivor known for her roles in “American Graffiti,” as Chrissy Snow in “Three’s Company” …and as an advocate for equal pay for women, for melding eastern & western health, for balanced nutrition & fitness…and author of numerous NY Times best sellers, tireless in reinventing herself and empowering others through her diverse efforts. I had thought about one of her talk forums back in the ‘90’s where Marilyn McCoo, a fellow lovely Libra, was her special guest. Suzanne talked one-on-one of seeing The Original 5th Dimension as her first Las Vegas show at age 18, and how Marilyn carried herself onstage and moved a certain way, inspiring the hopeful Somers. Marilyn’s response to such a compliment was quite humble. Here is a snippet of that reflection as Suzanne introduces Marilyn’s song (a rollicking “Ticket to Ride” with the Glenn Zottola Band) and alludes once again to Marilyn/The 5th’s influence. Notice Andre Carthen, part of #MarilynBilly’s in-concert team to this day, adding his choreographed touch to the soul stirring rendition. It’s a sweet footnote to know that Suzanne was an authentic “5th fan.” She brought Light & Love to her many endeavors and left this world a better place.
Marilyn (McCoo) refers to them as “the precursor group to The 5th Dimension,” they’re the Hi-Fi’s, later called the Vocals! Managed by none other than Ray Charles, their sound was vocal Jazz and one of their tunes (later re-recorded by The Friends of Distinction most excellently) is “Lonesome Mood.” In fact, this rare photo comes to Forever 5th Dimension courtesy of our good friend, Mr. Harry Elston of The Friends. LaMonte (McLemore) writes about a rollicking time with the group in his memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” in the amusing chapter titled, “Hi-Fi Nights n’ Flights.” Pictured left to right: Harry Elston, Fritz Basket, Lawrence Summers, Rex Middleton (front, conductor), Marilyn McCoo and LaMonte McLemore.
—Robert-Allan Arno
“From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” the hip hit memoir available at Amazon:
Enjoy “Lonesome Mood” by The Friends of Distinction, here:
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2023, intellectual property, all rights reserved.
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:
A couple of years ago, LaMonte McLemore was honored for Lifetime Achievement by the Dream Awards. (Sharing below the autobiographical video that went with the presentation). This year, LaMonte is thrilled that his dearest of friends, Marilyn McCoo & Bily Davis, Jr. and Jayne Kennedy, among other luminaries, will be given special tributes at the 2023 Dream Awards, Oct 29, 7pm, at the Suncoast Casino Hotel, Las Vegas. Cocktail attire; get your tickets now*, friends & fans, for an elegant, joyful evening saluting icons of Black excellence.
Join “The 1st Couple of Pop & Soul,” Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. for a spectacular autobiographical musical show featuring all the greatest hits and favorites as they star in “Up-Up & Away: A Musical Fable” at the beautiful Peace Center, Greenville, South Carolina, Thursday, November 16, 2023, 7:30pm.
McCoo & Davis have left their mark on the music industry. The pair first found fame as lead singers and co-founders of the original 5th Dimension, the legendary group behind classics such as “Up-Up & Away,” (Grammy Hall of Fame, 2004) and “Aquarius / Let the Sunshine In,” (Grammy Hall of Fame, 2003). After leaving the quintet, Marilyn & Billy broke barriers as the first Black married couple to star in their own TV series after garnering the mega hit, “You Don’t Have to Be a Star (to be in My Show).”
The seven-time Grammy Award-winning duo performed at the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, are winners of the Tokyo Musical Festival, and recipients of four Playboy Jazz Festival wins. In 2021, they released their first studio album in 30 years. “Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons” weaves themes of social justice into soulful renditions of classic Beatles hits. The album was met with critical acclaim for breathing new life into “Blackbird.”
Beyond their musical achievements, the couple was featured in Questlove’s directorial debut “Summer of Soul,” has made countless television appearances, authored a book, and headlined Las Vegas.
At Forever 5th Dimension we’re gearing up early for Sunday’s birthday celebration of Grammy legend, founder of The 5th Dimension, the group’s mellow bass, and author of such gems as “The Singer,” and “A Love Like Ours”…not to mention a renowned trailblazing photographer, Mr. LaMonte McLemore.
Personally, I’m leaving town to be with my mom upon today’s passing of my dad at age 93. Dad always loved the members of The 5th Dimension because he knew I loved them so much. He made sure to drive me from Long Island to my first 5th Dimension concert at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City, circa ’72–I was too young to even take a subway there, lol! And when he read, cover-to-cover, the memoir I penned with LaMonte, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” he expressed, “It’s beautiful!” I replied, “Oh, you mean the pretty picture of The 5th on the cover?” Dad responded, “No…I mean the inspirational and poetic manner you and LaMonte expressed yourselves.” Dad always respected LaMonte, two good looking dudes with cool n’ classy fashion sense. And they always sent regards to one another, through me.
On such a somber day, special thanks to LaMonte & Mieko who took my call at 1am (OK, they were 3 hours earlier in Vegas!), Florence who called immediately with prayerful words, and to Marilyn & Billy’s team at KIWW including Jason Winters and Steve Rosenblum for such edifying sentiments. Marilyn & Billy’s profound call of deep fellowship was incomparable as well as their kind posting, remembering Dad on their social media. The duo also called me right before my August birthday this year…I was in my parents’ home taking care of things for them, and it was so full circle as this was the house as a kid, where I first discovered The 5th Dimension. I know Dad would be proud of such an outpouring from my heroes & sheroes…they were his, too. And he is certainly mine, always.
Join Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension for their fall ’23 tour, stops including Leisure World, Laguna Woods Village, CA on Sept 9, Wildwood Convention Center, NJ on Oct 14, and The Sellersville Theater, PA on Oct. 15–2 shows! A concert with 6-time Grammy winning delightful diva Ms. LaRue and The 5th Dimension is an event for the entire family—all the Greatest Hits, moves n’ grooves, audience participation and special surprises! They always “Let the Sunshine In!” –R-A A
#SundaySummerSmiles It’s late August beach weather across the US, and we bring you this special shot. Who’s the gifted young man portrayed, and who took this photo?
Here’s our exclusive answer, from LaMonteMcLemore‘s hit memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” of which I’m the as-told-to author. It’s a really cute, rib-tickling one: The photo of Stevie Wonder was taken by our famed photographer, LaMonte in ’64, and graced Stevie’s album cover for, “At the Beach.” LaMonte shared:
Then there was “Little” Stevie Wonder, the boy prodigy. Our photo session took place on Hermosa Beach, where Stevie, complete with harmonica, asked me, “Mac, can you get me some wine?” “You’re underage and I don’t wanna go to jail,” I replied loud enough for all to hear then whispered, “OK, but don’t tell nobody!” So, we sat on the sand, sipping the grape, and to this day, every time I know someone is going to be seeing Stevie, I’ll request, “Just walk up to him and say, ‘Now, about that wine!’ Stevie always laughs. “Oh, it’s that damn LaMonte, still telling everyone!”
—Robert-Allan Arno
It’s a great summer read, the hip, hit memoir by LaMonte McLemore as told to Robert-Allan Arno, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” 2nd Edition, available at Amazon! LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Hobo-Flats-5th…/dp/0692307362
Forever 5th Dimension and From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension, a production/imprint of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2023, 2014, respectively, intellectual property, all rights reserved.
7/26/23: Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., the 7-time Grammy winning original lead singers of legends, The 5th Dimension…the “You Don’t Have to be a Star” duo dubbed the First Couple of Pop & Soul, celebrate their 54 years of marriage on July 26, 2023. The ever-beautiful Marilyn, the debonair Billy, stand for artistic joy as they continue to tour, appearing on concert stages and in cabaret venues to their greatest reviews, record new music, and brighten our TV & social media screens. More so, they represent the spiritual sweetness of a union that stands the test of time. Yes, they always put their elemental friendship and trust in God first, in all they do.
Forever 5th Dimension honors “MarBill” with this newly curated playlist spotlighting 30+ of their greatest duet hits featuring recordings from all decades of their career, beloved live performances on TV & worldwide stage, rarities, and our own Forever 5th Dimension videos (produced over the past 15 years). Personally, I send my love and appreciation to my dearest of friends, colleagues, and role models…they are true angels to myself and millions of fans, the world over. #Happy54, our “MarBill,” —Robert-Allan Arno
Press the YouTube player below to savor 30 (plus!)* of the Best of Marilyn & Billy…a thrilling musical journey, just stay here at Forever 5th for uninterrupted listening:
*Playlist Contents: Just Like Starting Over, Your Love (Johnny Carson Tonight Show), I Believe in You & Me (Live), How Do You Keep the Music Playing (Live), Soul & Inspiration (Unvaulted-Forever 5th Dimension), The Two of Us (Toyko Music Festival), I Hope We Get to Love in Time (McCoo/Davis TV show-Forever 5th Dimension), I’m So Glad I Found You (Forever 5th Dimension), Bye Bye Baby, What Does It Take (To Win Your Love), Together Let’s Find Love (Live), You are So Beautiful (Live, Philippines), The Greatest Love of All (CMN telethon), Land of Make Believe (McCoo/Davis TV show-Forever 5th Dimension), Sad Eyes with My Reason to Be is You (Live), I Thought It Took a Little Time (Sha Na Na show), Shine on Silver Moon (Soul Train), Perfect Dancer (Skatetown soundtrack), Jingle Bells (with Mel Torme), Every Night, If I Ain’t Got You…California Soul (Marlyn/Billy Live CD), You’re All I Need to Get By (with Captain & Tennille), Easy Way Out, Bobbie’s Blues (Who Do You Think Of?), Praise Ye the Lord (Forever 5th Dimension), Keep the Lovelight Burning, You Make Me Feel Brand New (Forever 5th Dimension), And I Love Her, You Don’t Have to Be a Star (To Be in My Show), Bonus: Guess the Lyrics (Today Show), Epilogue: Silent Night (The Waltons soundtrack)
Special thanks to the special fans for their YouTube collections utilized as part of our Marilyn & Billy Top 30
With appreciation to Kathy Ireland/KIWW, Jason Winters and Steve Rosenblum
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, copyright 2008-2023, a Production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., Intellectual Property, all rights reserved; Photos: The Arno 5th Legacy/McCoo/Davis Collection, courtesy Deniserose Torres, Artwork: “50 Years of Love” commissioned by Robert for #MarilynBilly’s 50th by Nigerian artist Ephraim David Udoka
LaMonte (McLemore) says it well on his FB page, today:
#ThrowbackThursday With record heatwaves around the country and the world, let’s cool off with this rare photo, found by my biographer Robert-Allan Arno a couple of years ago, which then went viral on the ‘net! I myself didn’t remember it…but what fun times with my forever friends, Marilyn, Billy, Florence and our beloved Ron. from Mac
Thanks, Mac! Fans & Friends, enjoy these quintessential “Summertime Moves & Easy Grooves” by The 5thDimension curated by FOREVER 5th DIMENSION. Just press the YouTube player below and stay here at Forever 5th, for uninterrupted listening….in other words, come on & “surry down” as we go “On the Beach” with “Summer’s Daughter.” Then “Walk Your Feet in the Sunshine” to a “Stoned Soul Picnic” while “High on Sunshine” with a touch of the grape aka “Sweet Blindness,” and later on under a “Half Moon!” Brothers & Sisters, “It’s a Great Life” and a “Groovy Thing” as we pray that “Light Sings” all over the world while we sing a “Sailboat Song” under “Sky…” and over “…Sea!”
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., intellectual property, all rights reserved, copyright 2008-2023.
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
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