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
(Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a Production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-23, Intellectual Property, all rights reserved. Photos: Arno Legacy Collection)
The final weekend of Black Heritage Month ’23, and we bring you some beloved & rare photos of TheOriginal 5th Dimension, reflecting their intoxicating energy and spirit of joyful elegance.
–R-AA for Team Mac
Enjoy our curated Forever 5th Dimension playlist, “21-plus” tunes celebrating The 5th Dimension stars’ artistic excellence and diverse stylings, here:
FOREVER 5th DIMENSION FLASHBACK! Since the title of this edition is “Joy!” how pertinent to share an excerpt, full circle, from our very first edition of Forever 5th, the summer of 2008. This had to do with the musical play JOY and how The 5th Dimension’s recording of “Sky and Sea” came about:
In the “rarities” department and back to my recent visit with Marilyn & Billy, our discussion got into the fan-fave “Sky and Sea,” from The 5th Dimension’s INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY album. Marilyn beamed, “Oh, I LOVE that song…it’s such a happy tune…and I love a vocal challenge!” I also remember Marilyn talking about this tune on the radio over NYC’s WNEW-AM way back in the ’70’s with the great broadcaster William B. Williams. She noted that just as the group discovered “Aquarius” while attending Broadway’s “Hair,” “Sky and Sea” was “found” while attending the musical “Joy” by the socially conscious singer, actor and writer, Oscar Brown, Jr. Composed by Johnny Alf and performed in the play by Brazilian jazz musician Sevuca–employing accordion and breathy vocal phrasing–the song was a head-turning experience.
Arranged for The 5th Dimension by the renowned and Jazz-oriented Bob Alcivar and producer BonesHowe, “Sky and Sea” is a wordless vocalese that is as complex as aptly joyful, invoking romantic ocean breezes, a hand-in-hand walk on the sand, a romp in the surf, and perhaps a seagull or two to observe the entire affair! In my discussion with the late Ron Townson back in the ’90’s, I remember him being extremely proud of this endeavor as well, noting, “That’s why The 5th Dimension is also embraced by jazz lovers, winning the Playboy All Star Jazz Polls!”
“Now I’m going to have to listen to ‘Sky and Sea’!” Marilyn enthused during our chat, while Billy laughingly agreed. And on that charming note, I’ll conclude our installment of “Forever 5th Dimension” by suggesting we all join Marilyn & Billy and take a listen to this incredible outing!
Very Special Thanks with Love to: Florence LaRue, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. #MarilynBilly, LaMonte & Mieko McLemore, the Townson Family, Bones Howe, Miles Robinson, Steve Rosenblum, Jason Winters, Patrice Morris, Floyd Smith Armstrong, Leonard Tucker and Sidney Jacobs…and the worldwide fans, the readers of Forever 5th Dimension for over 15 years! —Robert-Allan Arno
Visit the official website of Florence & The 5th Dimension for 2023 touring schedule & more, here:
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2023, intellectual property, all rights reserved, photos: Arno 5th Legacy Collection)
“We’re so sorry to note the passing of legendary composer and songwriter, Burt Bacharach. Along with lyricist Hal David, their “One Less Bell to Answer” remains one of The 5th Dimension’s most beloved of our greatest hits, a true fan favorite….and ours too. The 5th Dimension was also so blessed to appear on Burt’s TV special, ‘Burt Bacharach in Shangri-La,’ where we co-arranged with him the spiritual “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” before going into the studio.” ~~LaMonte McLemore as told to Robert-Allan Arno
Marilyn McCoo told FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, “We couldn’t believe we were creating with Burt!” Watch The 5th Dimension co-arranging, and then in the studio with “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen,” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3atfqfWmwo&t=168s
Listen to “What the Word Needs Now is Love” by Bacharach/David as part of “Love Medley,” performed on “The 5th Dimension/Live,” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rW3DKIpKxM
Listen to “This Girl’s in Love with You” by Bacharach/David from “The Many Faces of Love,” Marilyn McCoo/Billy Davis, Jr. (Marilyn solo) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh2-Fiwb2s8
Jimmy Webb notes in his poignant tribute to Burt Bacharach: “I studied him…I learned about chords from listening to Burt’s songs on the radio. I tried to write like him (listen to my song “The Girls’ Song” by The 5th Dimension). He was integral to my informal songwriting education.” Listen to Burt’s influence on this Marilyn/Florence duet, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AP0qBPSg1vc
Dateline February 4, 2023: We’re wishing the indomitable, vivacious, and radiant “Delightful Diva,” Ms. Florence LaRue, a joyful birthday celebration. It’s been an exciting past year for Florence, and she continues to tour all throughout 2023 with The 5th Dimension. Read our updated, supersized recap and tribute to Florence with history, special quotes, and music memories at this FOREVER 5th DIMENSION link: https://forever5thdimension.com/2014/02/03/the-delightful-divas-birthday/
God bless my dear, inspiring friend, a true sweetheart of the Rock n’ Soul era.
Forever 5th Dimension is proud to present this curated “21-plus” playlist in honor of African American Heritage Month, 2023. Songs of soul, inspiration, peace, unity, and artistic versatility by The 5th Dimension and #MarilynBilly, including unvaulted treasures. Please press this YouTube link to begin the playlist (song list posted below):
Black Patch (The 5th Dimension, solos: Marilyn, Florence, Billy, Ron, LaMonte)
Stoned Soul Picnic (The 5th Dimension)
Dontcha Hear Me Callin to Ya (The 5th Dimension, Billy solo)
Hi-De-Ho (from the vaults by Forever 5th Dimension, courtesy Bones Howe, Billy solo)
Soul & Inspiration (alternative version, from the vaults by Forever 5th Dimension, courtesy Bones Howe, Marilyn/Billy duet)
All Kinds of People (The 5th Dimension, Florence solo)
Blackbird (Mike City Mix,, McCoo/Davis, Marilyn solo)
A Change Is Gonna Come/People Gotta Be Free (video by Forever 5th Dimension, Billy solo)
Harlem (The 5th Dimension, Bobby Goldsborro Show)
Ticket to Ride (McCoo/Davis, Billy solo)
California Soul (The 5th Dimension, Forever 5th Dimension extended mix)
Save the Country (The Original 5th Dimension live)
Your Love (McCoo/Davis, Tonight Show w/ Johnny Carson)
Nothing Can Stop Me (McCoo/Davis)
You Make Me Feel Brand New (McCoo/Davis, video by Forever 5th Dimension)
All in Love is Fair (The 5th Dimension, Florence LaRue, solo)
Motherless Child (Marilyn McCoo)
Recitar Vesti La Giubba (Pagliacci) (The 5th Dimension, Ron Townson solo, Travelling Sunshine Show)
Dimension 5ive (The 5th Dimension)
Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (The Original 5th Dimension, Billy solo, the Arsenio Hall Show)
Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen (The 5th Dimension, soundtrack, Burt Bacharach in Shangri-La)
Day by Day (The 5th Dimension, Marilyn solo, Marilyn/Florence duet, Billy solo)
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-23, all rights reserved. Photos: The Arno 5th Legacy Collection.
Dateline Jan 29: FOREVER 5th DIMENSION honors the birthday of the beloved original member of The 5th Dimension, Ron “Sweets” Townson. In this comprehensive and updated for 2023 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 operatically influenced vibe, his robust dignity, and touching pride will never be forgotten. Please join us at this special FOREVER 5th link: https://forever5thdimension.com/2014/01/
Join the 1st Couple of Pop n’ Soul at the beautiful Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, Florida, Wednesday evening 8pm, Feb 1st!
FEB 1, 2023 |ALEXANDER W. DREYFOOS CONCERT HALL
Join 7-time Grammy Award-winning duo MARILYN McCOO & BILLY DAVIS, JR. for an evening of pop & soul classics. The legendary couple began their career as the original stars and lead singers of the group The 5th Dimension, whose magical harmonies drew equal inspiration from pop, R&B, soul, gospel, jazz, and Broadway. UP UP & AWAY–A Musical Fable is a journey and musical celebration of their iconic music. The show also includes tributes to fellow music legends including The Beatles and The 5th Dimension’s original lineup.
Join 6-time Grammy winning delightful diva, Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension (Patrice, Leonard, Floyd & Sidney), their 2023 tour dates are stacking “up-up & away,” coming to a city near you! An evening of Champagne Soul with all the harmonious Greatest Hits, the dance moves, the costumes, and audience participation is fun for the entire family! Go to this link, for their official winter/early spring 2023 schedule:
Join “the 1st Couple of Pop n’ Soul” at Atlanta’s Rialto Center for the Arts–Georgia St. University, this Saturday, Jan. 21st, 8pm for an evening of hits, new favorites and musical magic. And how exciting for longtime fan Robyn Pippins who is getting to see 7-time Grammy winners, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. for the very first time, in her hometown! For more information and tickets, press the Rialto link, below:
AFTER SHOW! And here is Robyn posing with Marilyn & Billy backstage. She shares, “Thanks Robert and their manager Steve for arranging this. Marilyn and Billy are two of the nicest people I’ve ever met!”
#DeepCuts Friends & fans, go to this link and enjoy 39 YouTube-curated “deep cuts” by The 5th Dimension, amazing tunes like “Dont’cha’ Hear Me Callin’ to Ya,” “Black Patch,” “The Singer,” “Viva Tirado,” “Day by Day,” “A Change is Gonna Come,” “Leave a Little Room,” “Sailboat Song,” “Light Sings,” “On the Beach,” “Orange Air,” “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye,” “I Just Wanna be Your Friend,” “Skinny Man,” “Summer’s Daughter,” “Together Let’s Find Love,” “Poor Side of Town,” “Dimension 5ive”…yes, 39 in total! Have a “5th Deep Cuts Listening Party!” As we usher in 2023, it’s “Forever 5th Dimension,” indeed! ~~Robert-Allan Arno
Florence LaRue (left) and Marilyn McCoo of American vocal group The Fifth Dimension, circa 1970. (Photo by Terry O’Neill/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Special Mention: Thank you to our friends at the #1 internet oldies radio station, REWOUND RADIO and Program Director AllanSniffen. The 5th Dimension placed 3 iconic tunes in this year’s Top 77 of all time, “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Up-Up and Away,” and Medley: “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.”
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd. copyright 2008-23, intellectual property, all rights reserved, Photo montage: Arno 5th Legacy Collection, and courtesy Michael Collopy and where otherwise noted)
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
You must be logged in to post a comment.