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!
Chuck Mangione, the celebrated fluegelhorn-playing jazz musician, has passed away at the age of 84. His music, particularly the iconic track “Feels So Good,” resonated with audiences worldwide, earning him two Grammy Awards and a lasting legacy in jazz. In celebration of his artistry, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION features 2 memorable clips of Chuck with Marilyn McCoo, as they seamlessly duet together, instrumentalist with songstress, first to the heavenly “Chase the Clouds Away” (a personal “Solid Gold” favorite performance of Marilyn’s), and then with Ms. McCoo’s signature, “One Less Bell to Answer.” Their charming rapport, not only musically but as professionals and friends who respected and delighted in each other’s gifts, is something to behold, as we remember the timeless musical joy of Chuck Mangione. —Robert-Allan Arno
Bonus! Enjoy Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr.‘s interpretation of Chuck Mangione’s “Land of Make Believe” from the duo’s summer variety series, a FOREVER 5th DIMENSION video production.
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2025, intellectual property, all rights reserved.
This past week, the music world lost the legendary pop songstress Connie Francis, whose early ’60s hits captured her versatility–one of dynamic prowess, playfulness, and adeptness in interpreting both beloved Italian and Jewish tunes. Connie scored hits co-written by Neil Sedaka, including the bubbly “Stupid Cupid” and the anthemic “Where the Boys Are.” Nearly a decade later, The 5th Dimension found chart success with Sedaka songs, too—“Workin’ on a Groovy Thing” and “Puppet Man.” Our prayers are with Connie’s family, whom she always considered to be her legions of global fans.
We also mourn the passing of Alan Bergman, who—alongside his late wife Marilyn—gave us timeless standards such as “The Way We Were” (with Marvin Hamlisch) and “How Do You Keep the Music Playing” (with Michel Legrand). We remember the prolific magic of the Bergmans, as Marilyn McCoo movingly delivers the former, and Marilyn & Billy (Davis, Jr.) duet on the latter from their album The Many Faces of Love.–Robert-Allan Arno
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., intellectual property, all rights reserved, copyright 2008-2025
The 5th Dimension‘s recording of “The Declaration” reverberates on many levels–to special fans and the group members, themselves–all these years later. The put-to-music version of the preamble to The Declaration of Independence was brought to producer Bones Howe from the play, “Bread, Beans and Things” by the members of the quintet. It was Howe who had the panoramic view to make it part of “The Independence Medley” (combined with “A Change is Gonna Come,” and “People Gotta be Free”) that began side 2 of the statement-making PORTRAIT album.
Simply stated for this 4th of July weekend in 2025, please watch The 5th Dimension’s emotional performance of “The Declaration” with “People Gotta be Free”–a historic one. May it bring a moment of reflection, remembrance, and the feeling of convicted joy in taking action–in our unique ways–in making today’s world a better place. —Robert-Allan Arno
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2025, intellectual property, all rights reserved.
Last week, Bobby Sherman, the 1960-70’s teen idol, pop vocalist, and actor who later became a public servant, passed away. LaMonte McLemore shared with FOREVER 5th DIMENSION and in his social media: “He truly was a nice guy, and in 1971, The 5th Dimension had great fun appearing on his ABC network TV special–we performed “Light Sings” on elaborate scaffolding, and then Billy (Davis, Jr.) traded soulful licks with Bobby as the rest of the group danced to “Feelin’ Alright.” Bobby was a good sport collaborating with us as “The 6th”–even donning our caped costuming.” As we remember Mr. Sherman, we present this classic fan-favorite clip:
Happy Birthday to the incomparable Billy Davis, Jr. One of our finest Soul singers, with a voice that is instantly recognizable, Billy’s gift lies in his ability to turn a ballad into “the movies of his mind.”
As early as THE MAGIC GARDEN album, Billy was a devoted interpreter of the lyric, curious and insistent in knowing composer JimmyWebb’s vision. In turn, Jimmy has cited Billy as one of his all-time favorite vocalists—a testament to the deep creative connection they share.
Billy can get down with grit as heard on “Feelin’ Alright” and “I’ve Got a Feeling,” reveal the sly groove of the St. Louis Blues, or offer up the tender sweetness of “Misty Roses” and “Summer’s Daughter.” With deep Gospel roots, Billy has also drawn inspiration from the cool crooning of legends like Nat “King” Cole, whose influence on his phrasing and lyricism he’s openly shared.
His beloved wife and musical partner, Marilyn McCoo, once confided that it was Billy who helped shape the cadence of her own signature song, “One Less Bell to Answer.” And when Billy poured his soul into Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” on The 5th Dimension’s PORTRAIT album, it became a watershed moment in their catalog.
Truly, every Billy solo on those classic 5th albums is an event—whether it’s “The Worst that Could Happen,” “Requiem: 820 Latham,” “Let It Be Me,” “The Singer,” “Leave a Little Room,” or “Speaking with My Heart.”
Or, later in his career, his deeply felt Gospel rendering of “The Love of God,” produced by the legendary Rev. James Cleveland, stands as a powerful inspirational statement from a man whose faith is foundational.
Let’s not forget his seven Grammy Awards—earned both with The 5th Dimension and in duet with Marilyn. The twosome’s hit “You Don’t Have to Be a Star” stands tall as an anthem of unconditional love, just as Billy’s improvised Spiritual flair lit up the quintet’s generation-defining “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.”
“What comes from the heart goes to the heart,” Billy says—and our hearts are indeed full when we think of this ever-optimistic gentleman. As a respected Pastor and a musical role model to many, Billy is a beacon of joy, faith, and artistry.
On a personal note, the many interviews we’ve conducted with Billy and Marilyn for FOREVER 5th DIMENSION—or equally meaningful, having them on the line for rich fellowship—are always a dream. To have a hero as both mentor and friend is one of God’s greatest gifts.
And today, as we unite “all the world over,” we celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Billy Davis, Jr.
With admiration, gratitude, and love, –Robert-Allan Arno Biographer, The Original 5th Dimension
🎶 Enjoy our curated FOREVER 5th DIMENSION playlist here, endorsed by #MarilynBilly—we call it“Billy’s Greatest Solos.” The 30+ tunes unwind like the ticking of a fabulous clock, just hit the button for continuous play:
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2025, intellectual property, all rights reserved.
I wish to express my deep appreciation to @mccoodavisMarilyn & Billy, Mieko & LaMonte, Florence, and @jasonwintersgriotJason Winters, plus Melodie & Bones Howe, John Florez and Randall Jeffries, for their warm support, wisdom and prayers during this sensitive time. My beloved mom, Annette (who through me, adored The Original 5th Dimension and its stars) passed away on Friday, June 20th. She was a woman of glamour, integrity, and equality for all as a trailblazing job placement councilor. Also, to the special fans, your heartwarming notes have been greatly appreciated. God bless each of you, in loving kindness.
FOREVER 5th DIMENSION reports special fans are attending from around the world for this “intimate” but truly dynamic (duo) event! The First Couple of Pop n’ Soul…Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. are “just two hearts, beatin’ out loud!!”
It’s a difficult week in music history with the passing of Sly Stone and today, news of the loss of harmonic genius, Brian Wilson. Mr. Wilson, cofounder of The Beach Boys and the creative force behind the group’s surf sound, orchestral arrangements and perfect harmonies, has passed away, his family announced. He was 82.
FOREVER 5th DIMENSION shares this touching clip from 1984’s “Summer Songs” episode of “Solid Gold,” where host Marilyn McCoo duets with Brian Wilson on the ’60’s Beach Boys’ classic, “God Only Knows.” Surely, Mr. Wilson’s sweet, pure sound will soar forever…
Forever 5th Dimension mourns the passing of Sly Stone, a true innovator of multi-dimensional Funk who reshaped music and pop culture. His work with Sly & the Family Stone broke barriers in the late ’60’s and early ’70’s — bringing diverse people together, and melding musical genres (Rock, Jazz, Pop, Soul with Funk) spotlighting bold sound that resulted in unapologetic, unadulterated joy.
Sly’s songs like “Everyday People,” “Stand!,” “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” and “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” weren’t just hits — they were anthems of unity, love, and a revolutionary spirit.
LaMonte McLemore adds: “Some things we had in common: Earth, Wind and Fire consider both Sly & The Family Stone and The 5th Dimension as inspirations. And The 5th Dimension was proud to appear at the Harlem Cultural Festival with such greats as Sly & The Family Stone.”
Our prayers for his many worldwide fans, and his family.
–Go to YouTube and find numerous live performances of Marilyn & Billy (McCoo & Davis) opening their more recent concerts with “Everyday People.”
#MarilynBilly‘s 1977 appearance on the Captain & Tennille’s variety show remains a fan favorite classic with Marilyn, Billy and Toni trading powerful vocals on “You’re All I Need to Get By” and Daryl providing soulful keyboard orchestration. It’s on YouTube courtesy of our friend DeniseRose/In Celebration and we’re featuring this moment at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION for #ThrowbackThursday. ENJOY!
Bonus shot! Marilyn presents with the Captain & Tennille at the America Music Awards circa the 80’s, while Marilyn was hosting “Solid Gold”
Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, copyright 2008-25, intellectual property, all rights reserved, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd.
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