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!
#ForYourConsideration: Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., “blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons” for the Grammy nomination. An 8th Grammy Award for the 1st Couple of Pop n’ Soul is in the air! #besttraditionalalbumR&B
At FOREVER 5th DIMENSION we are always so pleased & proud to follow the stellar acting career of GG Townson, granddaughter of the beloved Ron “Sweets” Townson of The Original 5th Dimension. Read this exclusive from VARIETY about her latest starring role in the upcoming series, “Sacrifice,” on BET Plus. GG says, “Can’t wait for y’all to meet Ms. Jameson! She is something else!” And so are you GG, beautiful, savvy, oh-so-talented…you do The 5th Dimension legacy proud! ~~Robert-Allan Arno
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2021 all rights reserved)
LaMonte McLemore is so proud to announce the following: Singer, activist, author, fashion icon, actress, mother, grandmother, friend, trailblazer, legend, Supreme: Mary Wilson earned her place in music history. Now, the late superstar’s remarkable legacy of music is being collected for the very first time in a deluxe 2-CD set. Real Gone Music and Second Disc Records present Mary Wilson’s The Motown Anthology. This comprehensive overview of Wilson’s Motown discography presents 38 songs. It boasts nearly two dozen Supremes classics, deep cuts, and never-before-heard songs (most in stunning new mixes). Its 44-page booklet is stuffed with rare and previously unpublished color photos, plus in-depth liner notes. The booklet also features exclusive tributes to Mary from such luminaries as LaMonte McLemore of The 5th Dimension, Dionne Warwick, Darlene Love, Otis Williams of The Temptations, Duke Fakir of The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, and RuPaul.
As LaMonte’s biographer & media spokesman, we are so pleased and grateful for LaMonte’s participation in this project for his dear beloved friend with special thanks to Andy Skurow. Pre-order this ultimate celebration of the late, great Supreme legend Mary Wilson due for early December release. ~~Robert-Allan Arno
While vivacious 6-time Grammy award winning Florence LaRue continues a successful media tour for her new book, “Grace in Your Second Act” (available at Amazon), Florence & The 5th Dimension (Patrice, Floyd, Leonard & Sidney) are booked in concert through 2022…with more dates upcoming! And kudos, their early October Florida tour was a sold-out affair! Check out their itinerary including a cruise ship, Niagara Falls & Atlantic City…and a concert near you! Join Florence & The 5th Dimension for an evening (or afternoon!) of Champagne Soul…all the greatest hits, choreography and special surprises, too!
Patrice of The 5th Dimension shares her personal tour sheet…with us! Don’t miss The 5th Dimension feat. Florence LaRue…coming to a city near you!
“As soon as we met, I knew she’d be a star. Today, Marilyn never ceases to surpass herself.”–Jimmy Webb
“Who does not like if not revere Marilyn? She is the personification of beauty and class.”–LaMonte McLemore
“Marilyn is ‘the singer’s singer.’ I am a true fan.”–Neil Sedaka
In celebration of Marilyn McCoo’s birthday, September 30—that magical date for a mellifluous soul and for her millions of fans worldwide—FOREVER 5th DIMENSION reviews her greatest solos with quotes from the songwriters & composers, a Grammy-winning producer, and fellow stars about each treasure.Marilyn’s stellar 7-time Grammy winning artistry, which comes from “the soul of the voice” is interpreted through the eyes & ears of these luminaries who honor Ms. McCoo’s Top 10 (in no necessary order!)
Before we dig in, I will share that personally, like many of you, the eternal grace of Marilyn McCoo has made my life all the brighter. Each shining “Marilyn recording”…every TV appearance…all the “live” concerts with The Original 5th Dimension, as solo headliner, or with husband & duet partner, Billy Davis, Jr.…from Carnegie Hall to Atlantic City to Las Vegas…remain indelible. And to have her friendship along with Billy’s, their mentorship and guidance is a blessed gift. ~~Robert-Allan Arno
~1~Marilyn’s interpretation of “Blackbird,” the title song of her and husband, Billy Davis, Jr.’s latest critically-acclaimed CD, “BLACKBIRD: Lennon/McCartney Icons.” As I reviewed on Amazon: The title tune, soloed by Marilyn is ingenious, Ms. McCoo translates “Blackbird” into a cousin of Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit.” She takes a gut-wrenching, contemporary Broadway showstopper style and combines it with her recording finesse…it boils down to a fine simmer, in the pantheon of one of Marilyn McCoo’s greatest vocal solos. Listen here: https://youtu.be/Yg5FZJ3AZww
~2~”Love’s Lines, Angles & Rhymes”: Marilyn’s personal favorite…from the album of the same title. Composer Dorothea Joyce says, “Marilyn was the perfect artist for this tune, her interpretive abilities as well as impeccable vocal chops, took my song to a new level…she is in a class by herself.” Listen here: https://youtu.be/f8YHTxftS0w
~3~“One Less Bell to Answer”: “It’s really a jazz ballad,” says Grammy-winning producer Bones Howe. Marilyn herself calls it a “torch song.” And it’s been “informally” voted as the fans’ favorite all-time Pop/Soul superhit by The Original 5th Dimension. With words & music by Bacharach/David, from the seminal PORTRAIT album, multi-Tony Award winner, Audra McDonald hummed a few bars of it during a recent TV interview and sited Marilyn’s “beautiful voice” as an early influence. Listen here: https://youtu.be/lBrbu7PvMU0
~4~“Wedding Bell Blues”: “It’s a Laura Nyro tune I always loved…and saved! When I found out Marilyn and Billy were dating, I knew it was the right time for Marilyn to record the lead…we surprised Billy and the group with it when they added their back-ups.” That’s producer Bones Howe talking about the Number 1 classic hit for The Original 5th Dimension, “Wedding Bell Blues.” Composer Nyro shared, “The 5th Dimension’s interpretations of my tunes were like a delicious ice cream soda!” Listen here: https://youtu.be/7q21Bky7r2A
~5~“Never My Love”: Evoking this striking sentiment from Richard Addrisi of song composers, the Addrisi Brothers: “If I could capture any voice in a bottle, it would surely be Marilyn’s…it’s pure love.” Listen to the classic version from THE 5th DIMENSION: LIVE here: https://youtu.be/RgAP_FvQrD0 And the re-visited version from the MANY FACES OF LOVE project here: https://youtu.be/hP5RLu1fjFo
~6~“If I Could Reach You”: Composer Randy McNeil weighs in with this compelling quote: “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.” Listen here: https://youtu.be/QFTZrB-7d3I
~7~The delightful “(Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep At All”: Producer Howe’s secret? Mixing melancholy with a 50’s back-beat and orchestra bells! Listen to Marilyn’s addictively lilting lament here: https://youtu.be/3OY77yy7V00
~8~“Open Your Window”: An album “mood-setter” that happens to be one of Grammy-winning producer Bones Howe’s personal faves. He shares, “When I heard Harry Nilsson’s ‘Open Your Window’ I had a hunch it would be perfect for Marilyn…and I was right. Marilyn has that quality…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!” Take “a deep sigh,” with “Open Your Window;” here: https://youtu.be/T_fqDjs24VA
~9~The original version of “Saving All My Love for You, ” pre-Whitney Houston‘s smash hit: From the “Marilyn & Billy” album, the style was envisioned in the genres of hits of the day, “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” Did you know it was a hit in the Philippines? Enjoy Marilyn’s sincere, bluesy interpretation here: https://youtu.be/EJtgtaRZm5M
~10~”When Did I Lose Your Love”: By Jimmy Webb from The 5th Dimension’s EARTHBOUND album defines “ethereal plaintiveness” and is enhanced by the guitar stylings of Larry Coryell. Listen here: https://youtu.be/ebpEUH8ECMo
10/2: And finally, my own “bonus” addendum, if I may share. What a pleasure to have just spent Marilyn’s birthday weekend with “The 1st Couple of Pop n’ Soul” in New Hope as their guest at a scenic outdoor gala and concert benefiting the prestigious Bucks County Playhouse, in support of their exciting star-studded shows and educational endeavors. Delicious food, an invigorating auction, and a standing-O garnering concert by Marilyn & Billy with all the legendary hits floating upon the crisp night air, “under a twilight canopy”–literally! Including newest selections from “Blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons.” Here we are backstage, fellowshipping post-concert!
With great thanks to all the renowned contributors to our special salute.
Remember to visit Marilyn & Billy’s official website at http://www.mccoodavis.com for latest concert news, to order their CD’s, more!
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., Intellectual Property, all rights reserved, copyright 2008-2021)
#ConcertCorner East coast friends! Join 7-time Grammy winners, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. on Marilyn’s birthday, this Thursday, Sept. 30 at 7:30 pm for an evening of “Up-Up & Away: the Concert” at the lovely Ridgefield Playhouse, Connecticut.
Dateline September 17: Today is a sweet celebration, the birthday of the one & only LaMonte McLemore. Some know him worldwide as the multi-Grammy winning “mellow bass” and stylish, visionary founder of legends, The 5th Dimension. Others know him as the premier freelance photographer for JET magazine’s trailblazing Beauty of the Week feature. In your own life’s journey, you may have been in a 5th Dimension sold-out audience, modeled for & been photographed by him, or played a cool game of softball sharing the field. And everyone who has had a personal “moment with Mac” is made to feel special because LaMonte has a knack for seeing everyone’s individual “greatest hit!”
About 2 years ago, LaMonte suffered a stroke. May this greeting also serve as an update, since many of you have inquired. He is progressing well and via this message reaches out to each of you to say “Right on,” and even remember your own birthdays! Like you, LaMonte was thrilled with The 5th Dimension’s appearance in this summer’s Indy film blockbuster, “Summer of Soul.” And he appreciated your sympathies at the passing of his cherished “Mama June” at age 106, this past year. And guess what? Something you probably know…LaMonte always “keeps on steppin’!” He will soon announce some very exciting new projects he & his team have been working on, always pleasing friends, fans, and family!
We appreciate LaMonte’s capacity 5,000 Facebook friends here, we keep his page fresh and up-to-date with not only rare photos & select memories but current events…and making it inclusive, supporting the projects of the other members of The Original 5th Dimension, the married team of Marilyn & Billy, plus Florence & The current 5th Dimension…we call them “5th Family.” And in that family spirit, LaMonte, Mieko and myself, his biographer & social media curator/media spokesman love putting our heads together to bring you our lively best.
So please leave your birthday greetings for LaMonte…he will certainly enjoy reading them and sends you his love & blessings on his special day! ~~Robert-Allan Arno
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-21, intellectual property, all rights reserved)
What a charming & charmed “Champagne Soul” summer of ’21…we could certainly say it was a “Summer of Soul,” literally all the world over! The Original 5th Dimension made the cover of 2 international magazines, “Shindig” out of England, and “Blues & Soul” from Japan in honor of their appearance in this summer’s hit docu-movie, “Summer of Soul.” (Thank you to our friend Ryuji for bringing the latter cover to our attention.)
Forever 5th Dimension celebrated our 14th year and I did so, personally by seeing Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension for my pre-birthday weekend in the quaint town of Sellersville in early August. Right now, I’m wearing the beautiful silver crucifix Florence had so thoughtfully gifted me for the occassion…it truly symbolizes the love and protective essence that The 5th Dimension has provided since I was a young boy. And so many of you have a similar story of feeling that warmth in your early life…all the way to today because of what “The 5th” has meant to you…the stories people have shared with me over the years define fellowship…and I hope to compile them in the near future.
More birthday gifts from LaMonte & Mieko (delectable biscuits & coffee!) and these extra-special words from Marilyn & Billy capped off quite a sweet celebration: “Robert, you are such a blessing in our personal & professional lives. We appreciate the many loving ways you show how much you care. We’re proud to call you our friend. Love, Billy and Marilyn.”
Yes, today, to be in a position to work with and showcase my artistic heroes–Marilyn & Billy, Florence & The 5th Dimension, and LaMonte via various social media and other projects is always a “gotta’ pinch myself” moment–something I never take for granted amid my other media, teaching and humanitarian work. But above all, to have their valued friendship and love re-defines the “Up-Up and Away” lyric: “the world’s a nicer place.”
“Love is waiting there!” Do see The 5th Dimension on tour…it’s family fun, “fresh” nostalgia and Florence, Patrice, Leonard, Floyd and Sidney make sure the harmonies are precise, pristine and exhilarating. ALL the hits…and superlative presentations like the extensive “Rain Medley”…and intimate moments when Florence sits on a stool and talks from the heart to an enraptured audience sharing her life philosophy & cute humor make for a thoroughly memorable experience.
Coming for later September, it’s birthday time for both LaMonte and Marilyn! Then in early October, I’ll be with Marilyn & Billy in New Hope, PA for a special charitable gala & their performance. Stay tuned to Forever 5th for the latest & greatest! For now, I’ll leave you with this indelible Labor Day weekend memory from 50 years ago, yes 50–it truly seems like yesterday!! ~~Robert-AllanArno
Enjoy The Original 5th Dimension on the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day telethon. LaMonte shares, “We had just completed a major summer tour and were so happy to be there with ‘Light Sings,’ ‘Never My Love,’ and more so, to help an important cause for Muscular Dystrophy. Remember, we are only in this world to help one another.”
Visit Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. at http://www.mccoodavis.com ~Featuring their critically-acclaimed CD, “Blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons”
Visit LaMonte McLemore on Facebook! ~Big News from Mac coming for the holiday season!
Select Photo Credits: Robert w/ The 5th Dimension, and Florence & Patrice courtesy M. Robinson; Marilyn & Billy commissioned artwork by Ephraim David Udoka; Marilyn & LaMonte by Arnie Lee
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2021, Intellectual Property, All Rights Reserved.)
Our “delightful diva,” Florence LaRue is on an exciting multi-media book tour for “Grace in Your Second Act” and one of her first stops may just be one of her best. I was so pleased to help orchestrate her all-encompassing chat with my good friend, the wise and compassionate esteemed Judge Harvey Brownstone. When he’s not in his robes, banging a judicious gavel, he is becoming one of our top interviewers. Here’s my review of “the festivities” with Florence:
Absolutely stellar, Harvey! Florence LaRue is a true sweetheart of the Rock n’ Roll (and Champagne Soul!) era…here, her light shines in a way we have all come to know and love. As someone who personally knows Florence and has been honored to work on projects with her & The 5th Dimension, I found myself not only beaming as I enjoyed the dynamic you two shared but objectively moved by Florence’s inspirational wisdom, it literally brought tears of joy (and insight) to my eyes. “A-plus” for you both…this interview is a definitive blessing. –Robert-Allan Arno, “Forever 5th Dimension”
Enjoy the interview on YouTube:
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., intellectual property, all rights reserved, copyright 2008-2021)
Of the many in-depth, candid interviews we’ve conducted with Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. over the years here at FOREVER 5th DIMEMSION, it’s always nice to “step-out” and get to Q & A the First Couple of Pop n’ Soul at a special forum like Culture Sonar. I spoke with “MarBill” for “A Soaring Blackbird, A Summer of Soul” focusing on the recording secrets behind their latest critically-acclaimed CD, “Blackbird: Lennon/McCarnty Icons.” Read their cool n’ savvy take here:
Join Florence & The 5th Dimension for an evening (or afternoon!) of Champagne Soul…all the greatest hits, choreography and special surprises, too! 
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
You must be logged in to post a comment.