Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Love’s Lines Album

#BlackHistoryMonth Thank you to our good friends at The Wrecking Crew for posting about the “Love’s Lines, Angles and Rhymes” album, often noted as a fan fave for its smooth yet varied vocal & musical stylings and crystalline production values. In fact, to salute its 50th anniversary last year, I offered a retrospective review, my personal reflections at this Forever 5th Dimension link: https://forever5thdimension.com/2021/02/03/the-loves-lines-album-happy-50th/

Now here’s what the WC reports:

During the first week of February of 1971, the LP “Love’s Lines, Angles and Rhymes” by The 5th Dimension was released on Bell Records, Production & Sound by Bones Howe. Vocal Arrangements by Bob Alcivar. It is the group’s sixth studio album.

The “Love’s Lines” single peaked at # 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album reached #17 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album Chart and became the quintet’s third consecutive album to be certified Gold.

Side One

“Time and Love” (Laura Nyro)

“Love’s Lines, Angles and Rhymes” (Dorothea Joyce)

“What Does It Take” (Harvey Fuqua, Johnny Bristol, Vernon Bullock)

“Guess Who?” (Jessie Belvin, JoAnne Belvin)

“Viva Tirado” (Gerald Wilson, Norman Gimbel)

Side Two

“Light Sings” (Gary William Friedman, Will Holt)

“The Rainmaker” (Bill Martin, Harry Nilsson)

“He’s a Runner” (Laura Nyro)

“The Singer” (Elliott Willensky, Lamonte McLemore)

“Every Night” (Paul McCartney)

Personnel:

Marilyn McCoo – lead, group and background vocals

Florence LaRue – lead, group and background vocals

Billy Davis, Jr. – lead, group and background vocals

LaMonte McLemore – group and background vocals

Ron Townson – group and background vocals

Hal Blaine – drums

Joe Osborn – Bass Player, Max Bennett – bass

Larry Knechtel, Gary Illingworth – keyboards

Dennis Budimir, Fred Tackett, Mike Deasy, Mike Anthony – guitars

Jimmy Rowles – piano

Catherine Gothoffer – harp

Jack Arnold, Larry Bunker, Victor Feldman – percussion

Jim Horn, Tom Scott, Pete Christlieb, Lanny Morgan – saxophones

Lew McCreary, Bob Edmondson – trombones

Bud Brisbois, Chuck Findley, Oliver Mitchell, Ray Triscari – trumpets

The Sid Sharp String Section – strings

#thefifthdimension#thewreckingcrew

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2022, intellectual property, all rights reserved)

Valentine’s Music & Message from #MarilynBilly


#ValentinesDay
 What a lovely time so many special fans and friends like LaMonte & Mieko McLemore had with the 1st Couple of Pop n’ Soul, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. this weekend in Vegas! Today, we bring you their new Valentine’s video*, “Silly Love Songs.” With a poignant message, Marilyn & Billy express, “We lift our voices in honor of those whose voices have been silenced. When people become iconic in death, we fail to appreciate the great loss of happy, loving moments. Their joy and laughter are forgotten. This music is for the ‘Silly Love Songs’ our ‘blackbirds’ of every color will never be able to sing.”
~~Robert-Allan Arno, Forever 5th Dimension

“Summer of Soul” Nominated for an Oscar! Featuring quotes from the stars of The Original 5th Dimension!

Forever 5th Dimension is so pleased to share that #SummerOfSoulMovie has been nominated for the Academy Award for BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE! Featuring luminous performances by The 5th Dimension onstage at the Harlem Cultural Festival of ’69, here’s what our stars say…

“Who knew that 50 years later this movie would be out! It was so wonderful to see all these Black performers…some young people, they don’t know that music, those performers, it’s great to be part of that history. And to see Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight…and to know they are still performing today, just as we are!” –Florence LaRue

“Congratulations, @Questlove, on the ‘Summer Of Soul’ Oscar nomination by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences! Your brilliant work goes into the history books for its groundbreaking social commentary and incredible uncovering and presentation of these music performances. We are truly proud and blessed to be a part of this @SummerOfSoulMovie project!” –Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.

“It is fabulous to be a part of this historic movie along with my fellow members of The Original 5th Dimension! Congratulations to Questlove, Searchlight Pictures and Hulu.” –LaMonte McLemore

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2022, intellectual property, all rights reserved)

Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension: More Concert Dates for ’22! Including Niagara Falls, Atlantic City & Wolf Trap!

Don’t miss the vivacious Florence LaRue & The 5th DimensionPatrice, Floyd, Leonard and Sidney for an evening of Champagne Soul! All the hits, the medleys, the dancin’ and special audience participation surprises! Coming to your city or one near you, Florence & The 5th bring family entertainment to sold-out crowds the world over!
*Featuring updates & re-scheduled dates!
Aug 5 (*re-scheduled), Ridgefield, CTRidgefield Playhouse
May 9-10 (*re-scheduled), Niagara Falls, Ontario, CanadaFallsview Casino
March 3, Vienna, VA *SOLD OUT!!The Barns At Wolf Trap
March 4, Atlantic City, NJhttps://www.tropicana.net/event/shows/5th-dimension  
March 6, San Diego, CAPRIVATE PARTY
March 11, Wheeling, WVCapitol Theater
March 12, Lorain, OHLorain Palace
March 24, NEW!, Cohoes, Spindle City, NY
8:00 PM and 10:00 PM shows!
Cohoes Music Hall: https://www.thecohoesmusichall.org/new-events
New Date! Friday, May 20, Hopewell, VABeacon Theater
New Date! Sunday May 22, Greensburg PAPalace Theater

Marilyn & Billy: Valentines in Vegas!

We’re excited about the 1st Couple of Pop n’ Soul, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. headlining this Valentine’s Weekend @OrleansCasino in Las Vegas! Join them Sat. Feb 12th at 8pm as they soar “Up-Up & Away!” Enjoy all the hits along with music from their new critically acclaimed CD, “Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons!”

Going fast…get your tix here: https://www.orleanscasino.com/whats-new/events/2022-february-showroom-mccoodavisjr

#OrleansCasinoHotelLasVegas #McCooDavisValentinesinVegas

It’s a Florence LaRue Celebration

Dateline Feb 4: The day possesses a special brand of magic for Florence LaRue fans the world over, for it’s the birthday of our “delightful diva!” It’s been a special year for Florence with the release of her inspirational life & style book, “Grace in Your Second Act” and an accompanying media tour. And Florence’s enthusiasm in being part of the docu-film blockbuster “Summer of Soul” underscores another highlight. Not to mention continuing to lead The 5th Dimension to sold-out crowds on multi-season tours, navigating smoothly through pandemic safety. Personally, I cannot forget the charming way I celebrated my own birthday in August, as guest of Florence at one of the group’s east coast concerts. The crucifix I proudly wear around my neck is something she gifted me with for the occasion and marks the thoughtfulness, care and faith my dear friend and the world’s legendary icon stands for. And now our “Florence Celebration” prevails at this FOREVER 5th DIMENSION link as her musical colleagues and the fans weigh in, with an in-depth biographical tribute, updated for 2022: –Robert-Allan Arno

Our Heartfelt Condolences

Forever 5th Dimension is so sorry to report the passing of current member of The 5th Dimension, Leonard Tucker‘s lovely wife Denice. On behalf of the worldwide fans, we extend our deep condolences and many prayers. Leonard expresses his thoughts so poignantly; we share as follows, as a testimony to Denice and their eternal love.

–Robert-Allan Arno

On January 28 we lost our battle with cancer and God received the angel back into His loving arms, whom he gifted me 44 years ago. My heart aches to tell you this news, but even more because I miss her already, incredibly. Heaven was truly missing an angel until now. As you know, Denice found the strength to accompany me on The 5th Dimension’s recent concert Cruise of the Caribbean where we celebrated, early her 64th birthday. We had an incredible time together just relaxing and reflecting on our incredibly blessed life together. I’m so very glad we were able to share this last adventure and experience together. Please continue to keep me and my family in your prayers and if you would for me, a special prayer of thanks to God for my Angel Denice–an amazing wife, mother, and the best friend anyone could ever have.

I love you all. Thank you, and God bless you,

Leonard

Honoring Black History Month

Happy #BlackHistoryMonth from Forever 5th Dimension. We begin with The 5th Dimension‘s medley of “A Change is Gonna Come” with “People Gotta be Free.” This tour-de-force mashup that’s forever in our hearts, comes from the seminal PORTRAIT project of 1970 where, as Marilyn McCoo recounted, “The 5th Dimension wanted to make our version of a protest album.” With one of our greatest Soul singers, Mr. Billy Davis, Jr. at the hub, Sam Cooke’s anthem of pathos and “defiant uplift” takes on a life of even greater magnitude. Coupled with “Free,” there is resolution in a way so specific to The 5th Dimension–that of unbridled joy and vibrant finesse–that the medley heralds the unique legacy of “The 5th,” itself during this special month.

~~Robert-Allan Arno

***Listen to the medley, video produced/music re-mastered by FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqC1yENvEMY

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., all rights reserved, copyright 2008-2022)

Remembering the Birthday of the Beloved Ron “Sweets” Townson

Dateline Jan 29: FOREVER 5th DIMENSION is so proud to honor the birthday of the beloved original member of The 5th Dimension, Ron “Sweets” Townson. In this comprehensive and updated for 2022 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 classical vibe, his robust dignity, his touching pride in his contributions to music history will never be forgotten. Please read more at this FOREVER 5th link: https://forever5thdimension.com/2014/01/

“Summer of Soul” Soundtrack Brings Winter Sunshine!

Available this Friday Jan 28! Yes, the “Summer of Soul” Soundtrack will be available!! Due to popular request, hear all the songs featured in this multi-award-winning docu-movie, live, in their entirety! Hear The Original 5th Dimension Summer of ’69 onstage at the Harlem Cultural Festival with a vibrant n’ funky “Don’t Cha Hear Me Callin’ To Ya,” and their smash #1, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” Order at Amazon, Target and all major sellers. Here’s the official track list with FOREVER 5th DIMENSION’s kudos to Questlove, The 5th Dimension‘s original members–Florence, #MarilynBilly and LaMonte (and remembering our beloved Ron “Sweets”) and all the artists featured! ~~Robert-Allan Arno

1. The Chambers Brothers – “Uptown”
2. B.B. King – “Why I Sing The Blues”
3. The 5th Dimension – “Don’t Cha Hear Me Callin’ To Ya”
4. The 5th Dimension – “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)”
5. David Ruffin – “My Girl”
6. The Edwin Hawkins Singers – “Oh Happy Day”
7. The Staple Singers – “It’s Been A Change”
8. The Operation Breadbasket Orchestra & Choir Featuring Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples – “Precious Lord Take My Hand”
9. Gladys Knight & The Pips – “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”
10. Mongo Santamaria – “Watermelon Man”
11. Ray Barretto – “Together”
12. Herbie Mann- “Hold On, I’m Comin’”
13. Sly & The Family Stone – “Sing A Simple Song”
14. Sly & The Family Stone – “Everyday People”
15. Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach – “Africa”
16. Nina Simone – “Backlash Blues”
17. Nina Simone – “Are You Ready”

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of the Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2022, all rights reserved)