Category Archives: Uncategorized

Found Gem by The Original 5th Dimension: “A Pocketful of Seeds”

rare-box-shot-e1576466364453.jpgMany of you know the fan favorite tune from The 5th Dimension‘s “Love’s Lines, Angles & Rhymes” album, “The Singer” co-written by LaMonte McLemore and Elliot Willensky. “Mac” proudly writes in his memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” about this “poetry to song” achievement executed so profoundly with Billy Davis, Jr. in the lead with complex group back-ups. LaMonte noted that Frank Sinatra even considered recording the homage to one “who finds the perfect meaning, in all the dreams that dance across his mind.”
The late Elliot Willensky is also responsible for the Michael Jackson hit, “Got To Be There,” and more. His brother, Steven Willensky was so kind to recently draw our attention to this excavated film clip of The Original 5th Dimension circa 1970 singing one of Elliot’s tunes about the environment and love for fellow man titled, “A Pocketful of Seeds.” It’s from the Bell Telephone produced special “They Said It Couldn’t Be Done.” The anthemic powerhouse features that un-matchable, quintessential 5th Dimension blend–arranged by the renowned Rene DeKnight–with mini solos from Marilyn, Florence, Ronald and Billy tying it up with his classic improv.
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FULL IMAGE MARBILLUpon seeing this rare gem, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. commented to FOREVER 5th DIMENSION:
It was an early piece.  We know that from the style of harmony and “bop bop bahs” that we sang from time to time in those earlier songs.  What a special way to remember Rene DeKnight, who taught us so much: music, harmonies, what quality performances required, and professionalism if we were going to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities coming our way.  Thank you, Robert once again, for digging up special memories from our past.
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And so, as a holiday season gift of sorts, we invite you to savor the experience that is “A Pocketful of Seeds” at this link: 
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Bonus! From the same TV special, The 5th Dimension with “If I Had a Hammer”– Golden Gate bridge in the background!:
–Robert-Allan Arno
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Our cherished fans add to the festivities with these kind remarks:

Susan Aglio Wow… what gems! Thank you for sharing, Robert!

Robyn Pippins  Loved the video, Robert!

Blake Morant  Fantastic, Brother Robert-Allan Arno. I remain hopeful that you’ll continue to unearth these rare 5th Dimension gems.

Ty Stephens That’s a Christmas gift!! Thank you, Robert!!!

Douglas C. Charles Now if we could just get a hold of that “lost” recording of “Crazy Spaces!”

Jane Marsh Thanks for sharing Robert! Enjoyed it very much. Loved the one at the Golden Gate Bridge too. 🙂

Andy Gard Wow! It’s extraordinary to be able to hear an undiscovered 5th Dimension song for the first time all these years later, just days away from 2020. Thanks for making this possible, Robert!

Martha E. Vink I love these! So upbeat, with a message we continue to need today. Wouldn’t it have been great to have those on an album! Thanks for sharing Robert-Allan!

 
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Vote Now…Rewound Radio’s Top 77 of All-time!

Photo of 5th Dimension

Our friends at Rewound Radio, one of the Internet’s top “Oldies” formats are always so kind to The 5th Dimension legacy…this past year on his Saturday afternoon show, Program Director Allan Sniffen heartily saluted Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.’s 50th wedding anniversary as well as sent good wishes to LaMonte McLemore for a speedy recovery.

As is yearly tradition, we encourage fans of The 5th Dimension and of Rewound to vote for the Top 77 of all time…it’s fun and easy to do…be creative, vote anyway you wish…your personal Top 10!!  Here’s the link, results to be unveiled the week between Christmas & New Year!!:

Vote at: https://www.musicradio77.com/voting2019.html

Listen to Rewound Radio at: http://www.rewoundradio.com

12/9: Voting is now officially closed…thank you for your participation fans & friends…remember to hear the exciting results on Rewound between Christmas & New Year!

 

 

LaMonte McLemore Keeps it Merry & Bright for the Holidays!

mac santa hat

FOREVER 5th DIMENSION is pleased to report that founding member of The 5th Dimension,  LaMonte McLemore is keeping it forward-moving this #ChristmasSeason with the following charming update from “Mac” (LaMonte) & his lovely wife Mieko, as featured on Mr. McLemore’s Facebook page:

“We’re going out as often as possible–shopping, restaurants, movie theaters, an on-field visit with Mac’s softball buddies…exercise and activity is key! We may face challenges sometimes but we often laugh! And we always find people’s kindness on the journey.”

Speaking of laughs, LaMonte also wanted to remind fans & friends that the perfect holiday gift is both his hit memoir–recommended by Johnny Mathis, Nancy Sinatra, Neil Sedaka & Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.–chock full of humor, warmth & music: “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension.” And then there’s his “naughty but nice” joke book…over 500 funnies that Mac has compiled for you! Here are their links, available on Amazon. “Team Mac” appreciates your support! —Robert-Allan Arno

MEMOIR COVERLaMonte’s Memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” is available here: https://www.amazon.com/…/dp/0692307…/ref=asc_df_0692307362/…

Mac’s Joke-book is available here: https://www.amazon.com/Everyone-loves-dirty-t…/…/ref=sr_1_1…

Mac w Books

Florence & The 5th Dimension bring Hits for the Holidays at Egyptian Theater Residency

5th with SidneyThe 5th Dimension–our Delightful Diva, Ms. Florence LaRue along with Patrice, Leonard, Floyd and Sidney we’ll be bringing their myriad Champagne Soul mega hits in a holiday mood, in residency at the historic Egyptian Theater, 328 Main St., Park City, Utah, from December 26 thru December 31. Tickets for The 5th Dimension are sure to sell-out…it’s fun for the entire family with Florence and classy crew and all your favorites.  For tix and more information:

https://holdmyticket.com/event/338465-the-5th-dimension

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Lovely, legendary Florence LaRue (right) with vivacious Patrice Morris (left)…The 5th Dimension will delight fans between Christmas & New Year at the Egyptian Theater, Utah.

With over 20 million records sold worldwide, 22 Top 40 Hits and 6 GRAMMYS, The 5th Dimension continues to awe sold-out audiences with their amazing harmonies and showmanship!

Marilyn & Billy Star in “A Solid Gold Christmas”

It’s always a festive occasion when the 1st Couple of Pop n’ Soul, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. bring their Christmas magic to the masses…and what venue better than the intimately popular Catalina Jazz Club! For our west coast fans or those who travel to see them…get your tix now…it promises to be a “soul-ed out” holiday event!

CATALINA

Marilyn, Billy and Mr. Rogers!

AAAMarBill RAREMarilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. participated in the just-released, delightful all-star musical tribute to heralded children’s show host, “Mr. Rogers” as part of the CD, “Thank You, Mr. Rogers–Music & Memories.” Check-out these links to experience a “wonderful day in the neighborhood!”:

Marilyn & Billy share their song and reflections of Mr. Roger’s message–“Let’s Be Together Today”:

Linkhttps://youtu.be/Lr7mPs_0dN0

Marilyn & Billy join other stars including Vanessa Williams, Sandi Patty, the Cowsills, Kellie Pickler, and Jon Secada for a special song, “Thank You for Being You.” (complete):

Linkhttps://youtu.be/78fOd6Nrg-k

mr rogers

–Robert-Allan Arno

A Thanksgiving Message from “Mac”

As featured on LaMonte McLemore’s Facebook page:

Happy Thanksgiving on behalf of LaMonte McLemore & his family, to you, his very kind friends & fans. LaMonte and the lessons learned from his cherished mother & beloved grandmother have always stood for “the attitude of gratitude.” Waking up each day with a smile on his face, “Mac” continues to make excellent strides in his recovery and plans to have a meaningful, relaxing Thanksgiving at home with his loved ones. As the holiday season begins, we thank you for your ongoing special wishes & prayers…please know that LaMonte is grateful for each & everyone of you.

MacTHANKS 3

Robert-Allan Arno for “Team Mac”

The 5th Dimension: Chevrolet Jingle ’69, Rare!

5th 69

Watch this latest FOREVER 5th DIMENSION production,

as seen on YouTube:

About the video Forever 5th Dimension is so pleased to present this rarity, The Original 5th Dimension–Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue, LaMonte McLemore and Ron Townson–with a jingle for Chevrolet…”introducing 1969!” And it’s quite symbolic in that the year we’ve been celebrating all this year in 2019, for its 50 year milestone, brought The 5th Dimension their greatest hit with the medley of “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” from HAIR…an “anthem for a generation,” platinum smash that spent 6 straight weeks at #1 in spring of ’69. And then there was Marilyn & Billy’s wedding that summer (sans the “bell blues!”), something else to revel in with the “First Couple of Pop n’ Soul” renewing their vows this past July to honor their golden anniversary.

VERY RARE BATHINGTo accompany these events, I got to talk to LaMonte McLemore about the legend of “Aquarius” for the popular “Culture Sonar” in late spring, the article is at this link: https://www.culturesonar.com/the-fift…

WEDDING AAnd then I got to visit with Marilyn & Billy about their greatest hits and fondest memories this summer, also for “Culture Sonar” at this link: https://www.culturesonar.com/the-fift…

AAAFLOREnjoy this Chevrolet jingle in the spirit of musical versatility that always reflected The 5th Dimension’s essence. Some great jazzy-pop, matchless harmonies, stratospheric high notes from “the girls,” and a sensual mini solo from Florence and a “soul-licious” one from Billy…all in one commercial! RARE RED 2

–Robert-Allan Arno, November 2019

Biographer, The Original 5th Dimension; LaMonte McLemore

Ron Townson’s Granddaughter, G.G. Townson, to star in Lifetime Movie

GEORGETTE

G. G. Townson, a rising star

Forever 5th Dimension is excited to report that the granddaughter of original member of The 5th Dimension, the beloved Ron “Sweets” Townson, has been cast as the lead in Lifetime’s biopic on seminal rappers “Salt-N-Pepa.” G.G. (Georgette) Townson, who’s already had an extensive career in acting, singing and dancing–including appearing in sit-coms and at the Grammys with Pharrell Williams— will play Cheryl “Salt” James.

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Ron “Sweets” Townson

Read the complete exclusive about the movie in VARIETY, here:

https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/lifetime-salt-n-pepa-biopic-casting-exclusive-1203394245/

Ms. Townson is represented by 90210 Talent

–Robert-Allan Arno

LaMonte McLemore Back Home, Recovering Nicely

Mac TUX SMILE10/30, Official Update: LaMonte McLemore‘s Remarkable Progress!

Hello again, friends & fans, this is LaMonte’s biographer Robert-Allan Arno on behalf of his wonderful wife & family. First, we thank each and everyone of you for your heartwarming and prayerful comments, they were shared with LaMonte and have made him smile time and again, truly cheering him on! Second, and most important, our “Mac” has made remarkable progress and is now back home, continuing to rehab with the best in the field. With the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday “in the air,” we can certainly be grateful for LaMonte’s ongoing smooth recovery. We kindly add that all private messages will be returned in due time, for now, please post more of your sweet sentiments on his Facebook page…again, they will be shared with LaMonte.

ABA THANK YOU MAC

With Love from “Mac,” and much appreciation from his family and “Team Mac.”