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 & McLemore!
11/26: Happy Birthday to the inimitable Tina Turner (who turns 84-years-young, today!) And honoring the endearing, multi-award-winning Irene Cara whose untimely death was reported today, she brought joy and hope in her music, which as the lyric to her mega-hit FAME states, will “live forever.”
From Marilyn & Billy’s social media (with photo courtesy McCoo/Davis management) …
We are deeply saddened by the loss of the incredibly talented and lovely, Irene Cara. She contributed so much to the world of music. May she rest in peace. Sending our love and prayers to her family.
Of Special Note from Forever 5th Dimension:
Fans may recall guest Irene Cara charmingly introducing Marilyn (as host of “Solid Gold”) in the episode where Marilyn was to sing a selection from her current album, also title “Solid Gold.” Moreover, Marilyn performed “Out Here on My Own” to mark the beginning of her solo career, onstage and as seen in a YouTube clip from the Merv Griffen Show, where both Merv & Marilyn graciously acknowledge Irene’s poignant interpretation of her hit ballad from the movie “Fame.”
As a child actor, Irene Cara (as indicated on the sheet music) appeared in the memorable Broadway show, “The Me Nobody Knows.” Also spotlighted, “Light Sings” from the musical was recorded by The 5th Dimension, a fan favorite to this day.
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-22, intellectual property, all rights reserved.
Rewound Radio, the top “oldies” internet station, is always so kind to The 5th Dimension legacy of excellence, continually presenting their numerous Top 10, 20 & 40 hits, saluting the star’s birthdays, and featuring their current events & recordings. Our good pal, Program Director Allan Sniffen often mentions FOREVER 5th DIMENSION on his live Saturday Show.
Rewound Radio presents The 25th Annual Top 77 Songs Of All Time Survey!
The Original Internet Voted Songs Survey! A Quarter Century Strong!
VOTE NOW for your favorite songs of The Rock n’ Soul Era, HERE:
On Sunday, November 20th, 8pm EST (and repeated on Thanksgiving, November 24) on the CW network, join the “new” Waltons for “A Waltons Thanksgiving.” Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. reprise their roles from last Christmas as Sister Harriet and Brother William. It will be a heartwarming story with holiday spirit on Walton Mountain!
Attention New York and East Coast Fans! On Saturday evening, Dec. 3, 8pm, Marilyn & Billy star in their Broadway-styled hit-packed story, “Up-Up & Away: A Musical Fable” in Brookville, Long Island at the beautiful Tilles Center for the Performing Arts. Featuring all the historic hits, fan favorites, and much more…don’t miss this special McCoo & Davis live event! For tickets go to:
#ThrowbackThursday How many special fans remember The 5th Dimension‘s charming appearance circa ’71 on the syndicated DavidFrost Show? Among the songs performed were “Light Sings,” “Time and Love,”…Florence even sang a snippet of “April in Paris” (in French!) sitting on the panel! And The 5th received their #goldrecord from David, for “One Less Bell to Answer” (pictured above). Wouldn’t it be cool if this episode would one day be posted on YouTube?! –Robert-Allan Arno
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-22, Intellectual Property, Photos: Arno 5th Legacy Collection, all rights reserved)
What a way to usher in the holiday season ’22! Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension (Patrice, Leonard, Floyd & Sidney) star onstage in “Home for the Holidays” on Friday evening, November 4, 8pm with other legends, Peabo Bryson, Oleta Adams and Taylor Dane at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, California.
Best-seat tickets are available at this link, get your sunshine holiday groove on, it’s musical magic for the entire family!
It promises to be a festive fall must-see live event with special fans coming in from all over the country…and around the world. Lovely Hiromi (pictured with Marilyn & Billy at their 50th anniversary wedding anniversary renewal celebration) will be flying in all the way from Japan! Up-Up & Away, indeed!
Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2022, intellectual property, all rights reserved. Photo Courtesy: Hiromi, the Deniserose Torres Collection
With Halloween in the air, enjoy this retro bit of Original 5th Dimension fun, yes, it’s Marilyn, Billy, Florence, Mac and Sweets as you’ve never seen them before, as the Addams Family. Watch here!
October has already been a notable month for the stars of The Original 5th Dimension, plus current members!!
Peter Max Special Reunion! On Saturday, Oct. 1, The 5th Dimension’s first network TV special, preserved by the UCLA Film & Television Archive, with original commercials, “The 5th Dimension Special: An Odyssey in the Cosmic Universe by Peter Max” was presented at UCLA. Followed by a conversation with The 5th Dimension original members, Florence LaRue, UCLA alumna Marilyn McCoo, and Billy Davis Jr., with Cheryl L. Keyes, chair of the UCLA Department of African American Studies and professor of Ethnomusicology, Global Jazz Studies & African American Studies. The special first aired 5/21/1970 on CBS and is described as such: “Chart-topping pop and soul group The 5th Dimension take a light-hearted psychedelic trip through a colorful ‘Land of Lost Things’ designed by iconic ’60s pop artist Peter Max.”
Florence visits with Sherri Shepherd
Florence graces “Sherri!” Then it was a media trip to the east coast for Florence who, on Oct. 4, was special guest on the new “Sherri” talk show. Florence chatted about her book with Sherri Shepherd, “Grace in Your Second Act” and endeared herself all the more to Sherri and the enthusiastic audience with her trademark delightful personality and wise advice. Watch the episode here, Florence starts at 31:30:
“Amsterdam,” the movie! In theaters now with an all-star cast, 2 members of the current 5th Dimension, Floyd Smith Armstrong and Leonard Tucker appear, singing a duet! Look for them as Forever 5th Dimension congratulates these talented gents on their cinematic success! And just in, both Floyd & Leonard will also be featured on the film’s jazzy soundtrack CD!
Remembering Loretta: Finally, on a somber note, LaMonte McLemore shared his reflections on the passing of Loretta Lynn:
“We mourn the loss of Country music legend and national treasure, Ms. Loretta Lynn. The Original 5th Dimension loved all genres of music and appearing on TV in Nashville was always a thrill with the echoes of such icons as Loretta surrounding us, a lady with a whole lotta soul. God bless her eternal memory.” —LaMonte
Loretta Lynn receives Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in 2013
Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd, copyright 2008-22, intellectual property, all rights reserved
September 30 is a memorable day for the millions of fans of Marilyn McCoo because her birthday–and 2023’s milestone one at that–brings a time of reflection on her artistry and exemplary persona. The 7-time Grammy award winner whose roots are with the legendary quintet, The 5th Dimension along with hubby of over 50 years & duet partner, Billy Davis, Jr. is known for her elegance, grace, way with a torch song, and a smooth, soulfully healing multi-octave voice that is simply as astonishingly beautiful as the woman herself.
30 Performances–FOREVER 5th DIMENSION presents The Best of Marilyn!
In honor of her milestone birthday, 2023, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION is pleased to share our 30 curated performances (reviewed by Marilyn & Billy, themselves!)–Marilyn’s hit Solos with The 5th, her “Solid Gold” tunes, live TV segments, inspirational, Broadway and movie theme moments– yes, a real “deep dive” into the musical magic that is La McCoo including a unique twist on some of the classics. (*See Song List below!) And special thanks to the many YouTube fans who have saved such special performances for us to savor!
Press the button to start the “Marilyn Listening Party,” here:
Today, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. known as “The First Couple of Pop n’ Soul,” perform in concert across the country, to sold-out crowds and rave reviews. Their recent resurgence with a critically acclaimed CD, “Blackbird: Lennon–McCartney Icons” and being part of the Oscar-winning docu-film SUMMER OF SOUL has brought a renewed spotlight on their eternal talents.
We complete our special tribute to Marilyn featuring the following quotes given exclusively to FOREVER 5th DIMENSION by renowned musical colleagues including legendary songwriters whose work Marilyn has interpreted. And personally, may I add my heartfelt appreciation to Marilyn. Over many years if not decades of knowing and working with her, Billy and the original members of The 5th Dimension, she has been an encouraging force, a mentor, an arbiter of good taste, fairness and loyalty–as an artist myself, I am wishing a cherished friend abundant blessings on her milestone birthday, with love. –Robert-Allan Arno, 2023
Exclusive Quotes–Tributes to Marilyn
Jimmy Webb: “Marilyn…when we first started working on ‘Up-Up and Away’ with the 5th Dimension, I had laid eyes on one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. When I get the opportunity to sing with Marilyn and Billy today, I always make sure to up my vocal game!”
Richard Addrisi (“Never My Love”): “If I could take any voice and bottle it, it would surely be Marilyn McCoo’s…her voice is love!”
Neil Sedaka (“Working on a Groovy Thing,” “Puppet Man,”): Marilyn is what is noted as ‘the singer’s singer.’ I am a true fan, anytime I’ve gotten to sing with her, like duetting on ‘The Hungry Years’ on SOLID GOLD, is a total joy.”
Dorothea Joyce (“Love’s Lines, Angles & Rhymes”): She’s in the stratosphere with Barbra Streisand and Lena Horne. Marilyn possesses superior vocal chops and interpretive skills, no one else could have done ‘Love’s Lines’ justice.”
Randy McNeil (“If I Could Reach You”): “An unmatchable vocal performance, with a voice so mellow it could melt our hearts yet possessing an electrifying energy. God’s gift to her has been her gift to us.”
Bones Howe (Grammy-winning Producer, The 5th Dimension): “Marilyn has that quality…it’s plaintive with a subtle cry in her voice, it’s very feminine, and it’s all her own. I think she (and Billy, too) should be singing forever…even with just a piano!”
LaMonte McLemore, founding member The 5th Dimension: “We go way back to our days with the Hi-Fi’s and have fun nicknames for one another to this day, mine is ‘Herm,’ hers is…I’ll let her tell you! Marilyn stands for class, she is a voice of reason, and always beautiful.”
Billy Davis, Jr., husband: “Marilyn always mentions that she learns for me. Well, I like listening to her voice, I learn from her, too. Among many things, I love the way she pronounces her words!”
*SONG LIST:
Open Your Window
Who’s Crying Now (live)
I’m On Your Side (Theme from “Chapter Two”)
(Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All (live)
Love’s Line’s Angles & Rhymes
Overjoyed (live)
If Only for One Night (live)
Saving All My Love for You
Bill (from SHOWBOAT) (live)
Wedding Bell Blues (live)
Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye
One Less Bell to Answer
Never My Love (2008 version)
If I Could Reach You (live)
When Did I Lose Your Love
The Long & Winding Road
Why Should I Care (live)
I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues (live)
Any Day Now (live)
Chase the Clouds Away (live with Chuck Mangione)
A Song for You/At this Moment (live)
Heart Stop Beating in Time
This Girl’s in Love with You
The Me Nobody Knows
Out Here on My Own (live)
I Dreamed a Dream (live)
O Holy Night
Sweet Little Jesus Boy (live)
My Tribute (To God be the Glory) (live)
Blackbird
Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., intellectual property, all rights reserved, copyright 2008-2023; Photo Credits: Arno 5th Legacy McCoo/Davis Collection, Deniserose Torres, LaMonte McLemore
September 17, 2022: Birthday Greetings to the inimitable LaMonte McLemore. The St. Louis-born founder of Grammy legends The 5th Dimension, the group’s mellow bass for over 40 years. Their timeless tunes like “Up-Up and Away,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” are iconic uplifting anthems for a generation. The premiere freelance photographer for JET magazine’s “Beauty of the Week” for 5 decades with a documentary about this trailblazing feature in the works. Known for his sense of humor & style and overall kindness, “The Bronze Clark Gable” is the author of the popular inspirational memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5thDimension (A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music)” as told to Robert-Allan Arno. There’s so much more to the tapestry of “Mac”– from his impactful mentoring by his beloved Grandma Gertrude, a Cherokee Indian, to his philosophies on life, love, happiness, and representation of African Americans in the media.
LaMonte & Mieko, enjoying life!
Today in 2022, LaMonte adds a new humanitarian “dimension” as a member of the Board of Directors to America to Africa Higher Education Foundation, assisting brilliant Nigerian scholars in attending college, making their dreams come true. Mr. McLemore states, “We are only in this world to help one another.” Enjoying life residing in Las Vegas with his lovely wife of over 20 years, Mieko, he continues a smooth recovery from a stroke that occurred shortly after his birthday 3 years ago. The couple shares, “We are grateful for daily simple, joyful pleasures, and the kindness of all people we encounter on the journey.” In celebration of his birthday weekend, on LaMonte’s lively Facebook page of 5,000 followers, fans, friends, and family are invited to share their “memories of Mac.” In honor of his birthday, LaMonte welcomes tax-deductible contributions to America to Africa Higher Education Foundation at: www.AmericatoAfricaHigherEducationFoundation.com
As his biographer and social media curator, I send my love, respect and admiration to a personal hero, mentor, dear friend, and brother like no other, LaMonte McLemore. –Robert-Allan Arno
Mac & Arno
Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd, copyright 2008-2022, all rights reserved, intellectual property. Photos courtesy African American History Museum, LA, and Mieko McLemore.
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