#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.
For tickets call: (203) 438-5795
Or order online at: http://ridgefield.playhousect.org/tickets/4780214/marilyn-mccoo-billy-davis-jr
Marilyn & Billy share more here: https://vimeo.com/612322748/eaa93298e2
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged ConcertMcCooDavis, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Up-Up and Away
From LaMonte’s Facebook page…
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
LaMonte’s memoir as-told-to Robert-Allan Arno, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” is available at Amazon, here: https://www.amazon.com/Hobo-Flats-5th-Dimension-Photography/dp/0692307362
(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-Allan Arno
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.” 
View a live & lively “Light Sings” and “Never My Love” here: https://youtu.be/6FSQpjVddVM
Visit The 5th Dimension official for touring schedule here: http://5thdimensionlive.com/calendar/
Visit Florence LaRue at http://www.florencelarue.com ~Learn about her new inspirational self-help book!
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:
Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr: A Soaring “Blackbird,” A “Summer of Soul”
Special thanks to editor Cindy Grogan and Editor-in-Chief Al Cattabiani at Culuture Sonar.
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., all rights reserved, copyright 2008-2021)
From LaMonte McLemore’s FB page:
Dateline 8/15: #HappyBirthday to our forever friend and the musical genius who is Jimmy Webb. In fact, it’s Jimmy’s 75th today and you can join him on his official Facebook page for a live Q & A at 2pm, est. From the Grammy magic of The 5th Dimension’s signature tune “Up-Up and Away,” to the iconic “Magic Garden” album, to the progressive “Earthbound”…Jimmy, you are simply the best! Love and God bless from “Mac”
Happy Birthday to “Tunesmith extraordinaire” Jimmy Webb. Over the years, he’s given me wonderful quotes for magazine articles and liners about my cherished The 5th Dimension and is an indelible part of LaMonte’s memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” which I had the pleasure and honor to co-author. God bless you, Jimmy! And how thrilling for you to acknowledge Mac on your live birthday broadcast. Noting his bass, and “authentic trash barrel sound”…aka, singing on the doo-wop street corner ’round the barrel for echo, is something LaMonte truly appreciates. ~~Robert-Allan Arno, 2021
Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2021, intellectual property, all rights reserved
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged Earthbound, Grammys, Jimmy Webb, The 5th Dimension, The Magic Garden, Up Up and Away
Congratulations to the 1st Couple of Pop n’ Soul—my musical heroes, dear friends and mentors–Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. on their 52nd Wedding Anniversary, today, July 26. Enjoying a marvelous “resurgence” due to their touching current appearance (along with The 5th Dimension’s circa ’69 at the Harlem Cultural Festival) in the hit docu-movie “Summer of Soul,” a thought-provoking & critically acclaimed new CD (“Blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons”), and an upcoming star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the 1st African American couple to have one, and much more…it’s a “Summer of MarBill!” It seems like just yesterday I was invited to their grand 50th wedding anniversary celebration. Unable to attend due to a work commitment “on the other coast”…the next best thing was to commission for them this stunning sketch by one of my all-time fave artists in Africa, Nigeria’s own Ephraim David Udoka. We called this piece “50 Years of Love” and Marilyn & Billy were so gracious with their thanks to me and Ephraim, upon receiving the framed artwork. One of their favorite aspects was the medallion we conjured up, bottom center, of “MarBill” back in the day via a rare shot from my photo collection…juxtaposed with the main sketch portraying them today. Happy 52nd, our dearest MarBill! God bless you always…as you bless your many friends, fans, and all who know you, the world over.
With Love. –Robert-Allan Arno
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd. copyright 2008-2021, intellectual property, all rights reserved)
FOREVER 5th DIMENSION presents the Top 5 for Summer of 2021 for your listening, reading & viewing pleasure–in no necessary order…they’re all spectacular with kudos to Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue and LaMonte McLemore. Oh, and don’t forget our exclusive online magazine interview with Marilyn & Billy coming for their 52nd wedding anniversary, the end of July! OK, let’s countdown…or count up “Up and Away!”
(Hit right arrow to experience slideshow!)
Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-21, intellectual property, all rights reserved
Did you know our “delightful diva,” the ever-vivacious Florence LaRue has a new book?! It’s called “Grace in Your Second Act: A Guide to Aging Gracefully.” Leave it to the refreshingly innovative Florence to never take the expected route…this is not a memoir, per se, but a much-needed inspirational self-help book on how to age with grace—with dignity, in good health, with lotsa’ style, class, and in God’s smilingly wise vision for us all. Those who have followed Florence with The 5th Dimension for decades now, marvel at her “eternally youthful glow” …and here, in her true “teacher essence” she lays out, carefully with savvy, poignancy and even cute anecdotal (and sometimes celebrity-referenced) evidence, the secrets of her beautiful success…and yours! It is a lifestyle book with focus for women…yet as esteemed reviewer Rev. Kenneth Ulmer notes, “The principles, priorities and practices in this book transcend gender…” Those in the entertainment field will find Florence’s sensible but diligent discipline particularly relevant…then again, Florence welcomes ALL readers to feel like shining stars! ~~Robert-Allan Arno
Forever 5th Dimension congratulates Florence on this latest achievement…go on over to Amazon and order the paperback, hardcover, or Kindle, it’s a smooth summertime read…and a guide for all seasons, at this link:
And join Florence and The 5th Dimension on tour this summer…for the best “Champagne Soul” in town, all the tasty greatest hits, and surprises! Check out the latest touring schedule of Florence, Patrice, Floyd, Leonard & Sidney, here: Calendar – The Official 5TH Dimension (5thdimensionlive.com)
(Forever 5th Dimension, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2021, Intellectual Property, All Rights Reserved)
I had just been thinking of Marc Gordon, the beloved manager of The 5th Dimension when the lovely Florence LaRue contacted me, reflecting on Marc’s important history-changing impact, too. This summertime 2021, with there being a resurgence in interest in The Original 5th Dimension due to their vibrant appearance in the docu-film hit of the season, “Summer of Soul” circa the Harlem Cultural Festival, ’69, it is timely to remember Marc’s contributions. Florence expresses, “What many people don’t realize is that without Marc Gordon, The 5th Dimension would not be what it wound up being! He never got the notoriety he deserved; I hope to give it to him.”
Here’s an excerpt of what Florence and I put together via his written memorial tribute as featured in “Goldmine” and JET magazines over a decade ago, and today, it bears reiteration at Forever 5th Dimension:
Marcus Melvin Gordon, known professionally as Marc Gordon, the manager of The 5th Dimension circa its heyday of the late ’60’s through the ’70s, passed away June 16, 2010, according to the original group’s biographer, Robert-Allan Arno, and group member Florence LaRue. He was 74.
An executive at Motown in the early ’60s, Gordon departed the label in 1966 while discovering The Versatiles, who auditioned for but were not signed to the label. He asked the quintet to find a hipper moniker —The 5th Dimension — and connected them with Johnny River’s Soul City label. The rest was Grammy, Gold and Platinum record history. Gordon co-produced The 5th Dimension’s signature tune, Jimmy Webb’s “Up-Up and Away.”
“We had so much respect for Marc Gordon and his vision…his faith and hard work,” said founding former members Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. Retired founding member, LaMonte McLemore stated, “Marc spoke gently but his plans for us were mighty.” “Marc envisioned The 5th Dimension as ‘the Black Beatles,’” Florence LaRue reflected. Ms. LaRue had been married to Gordon and has a son, Geoffrey, with him. She continues to tour as Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension.
Mr. Gordon also managed Tony Orlando and Dawn, Thelma Houston and Willie Hutch. His Rocky Road records garnered mega-hits hits for Al Wilson (“Show and Tell”) and Climax (“Precious and Few”) in the ’70s.
As Forever 5th Dimension remembers Marc Gordon, Florence & I invite you to view his appearance on this classic “Soul Train,” talking with Don Cornelius in his charming manner, at this link: https://youtu.be/LrWeiGI3EVg
Bonus! And here are Florence and Marc (along with Jimmy Webb’s minister dad!) on this vintage game show, “I’ve Got a Secret,” celebrating the magic of “Up-Up and Away.” View here: https://youtu.be/iA7yyspHdek
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2021, Intellectual Property, All Rights Reserved)
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
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