Dateline Sept. 30: Fans & friends, this particular Sunday is a very special one as we celebrate Marilyn McCoo‘s birthday, today. On Facebook & Twitter, you’ve joined us this past week as we’ve counted down her greatest vocal solos accompanied by celebrity accolades. And your thoughtful reactions–the world over–on each thread, were magnificent. Just take a view of Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. Official on Facebook, or review the @mccoodavis Twitter feed!
Personally, like many of you, the eternal grace of Marilyn McCoo has made my life all the brighter. Each shining “Marilyn song”…every TV appearance…all the “live” concerts with The Original 5th Dimension, solo, or with hubby Billy…from Carnegie Hall to Atlantic City to Las Vegas…remain unforgettable. Working with Marilyn & Billy daily, presenting their social media, and on special projects like liner notes and Forever 5th Dimension exclusives, is a magnificent experience. The “chemistry” simply gels, with always something new & exciting to learn as we share much joy in creating! Fans & friends, as we all extend our appreciation, best wishes and blessings to Marilyn on the occasion of her birthday, Forever 5th Dimension presents the following “retrospective” of this week’s festivities as a heartfelt compendium of her stellar artistry. –Robert-Allan Arno
“Love’s Lines, Angles & Rhymes”: We start with Marilyn’s personal favorite…from the album of the same title, “Love’s Lines, Angles and Rhymes.” 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 truly in a class by herself.” Listen here: https://youtu.be/f8YHTxftS0w
“Never My Love” is not only a priceless fan favorite but a “McCoo interpretation” that evokes this striking sentiment from Richard Addrisi of 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 LIVE here: https://youtu.be/RgAP_FvQrD0 And the re-visited version from the MANY FACES project here: https://youtu.be/hP5RLu1fjFo
“Open Your Window”: Our “countdown” to Marilyn’s birthday continues with an album “mood-setter” that happens to be one of Grammy-winning producer Bones Howe’s personal faves. Mr. Bones 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! The fans will never cease to listen…and neither will I.” Let’s take a deep sigh, with “Open Your Window;” listen here: https://youtu.be/T_fqDjs24VA“If I Could Reach You”: We savor another “McCoo classic” as its composer, Randy McNeil weighs in with this compelling quote: “Marilyn made me feel like the most blessed songwriter on earth when she delivered her unmatchable vocal performance of ‘If I Could Reach You.’ With a voice so warm and mellow it could melt our hearts, yet possessing an electrifying energy that could give us chills and shake the rafters, God’s gift to her has been her gift to us. And the words and music of ‘If I Could Reach You’ were in need of Marilyn’s gift.” Listen here: https://youtu.be/QFTZrB-7d3I
“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.” Fun fact: It’s one of the top jukebox tunes of all time! Laura herself commented, “I LOVE what The 5th Dimension brought to my songs. They were like delicious ice cream sodas on a hot summer’s day!” Listen to Marilyn’s “scrumptious” vocal solo on “Wedding Bell Blues” here: https://youtu.be/7q21Bky7r2A
Bonus “McCoo tunes”…
The original version of “Saving All My Love for You” from the “Marilyn & Billy” album was envisioned in the genres of “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
Visit Marilyn & Billy, touring to the best reviews of their careers (like their recent sold-out Labor Day weekend at Hollywood’s Catalina Jazz Club*), at www.mccoodavis.com, follow them on Twitter @mccoodavis, and “like” Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. (Official) on Facebook!
*Enjoy exclusive photos of the “Catalina experience” in this collage, courtesy of Deniserose Torres
Special thanks to Steve Rosenblum, Blake Van Leer, and all the songwriters, singers and other luminaries who contributed their unique quotes for this edition!
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-18, Intellectual Property, All Rights Reserved)
The legendary, Ms. Florence LaRue is back up to the mic, performing the group’s signature ballad, “One Less Bell To Answer.” Her emotional vocal prowess is so strong, it drove everyone to their feet, shouting and cheering in appreciation.
Check out the exciting fall and winter touring schedule of Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension at this link…from California to a Christmas residency in Branson to bookings into 2019:
Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.: “For well over 50 years, Aretha Franklin’s incredible sound and vocal gift have influenced the world of music in every form she touched, from gospel to rhythm & blues to rock & roll, pop, & even opera. She had her own fresh take on anything she sang. You can hear the influence of Aretha in young singers today on The Voice, American Idol, etc. We feel so blessed to have known her and to consider her our contemporary. We will all miss her. Our prayers go out to her family; her loss is tremendous!” –Billy & Marilyn
Florence LaRue: “What can I say that has not been said?!! She’ll always be ‘The Queen of Soul!’ She inspired me like no other!~~It was not only her fabulous voice, but her heart and honesty that shone in everything she sang. My vocal coach used to tell me, ‘Just be yourself ~~~ There’s only one Aretha Franklin and she’s the greatest!!’ And my vocal teacher was right!” –Florence LaRue
LaMonte McLemore: “Long live the Queen of Soul…
Dateline July 26–Welcome to our latest “eclectic” edition of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION. It’s the 49th Wedding Anniversary of our 1st Couple of Pop & Soul, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr…go to their official Facebook page, today, and enter the drawing to win an autographed copy of their 2-volume Live CD! We’ve been having so much fun on Twitter–which I’m so honored to curate for our duo through my company, The Soul of The Voice, Ltd.–counting down to this special day. We’ll review those Tweets at the close of our blog…but right now, here is MarBill’s heartwarming statement for the occasion:
Marilyn & Billy will be “in residency” over Labor Day weekend! They say, “How we love putting together your favorites with new cabaret surprises! Join us at Hollywood’s intimate Catalina Bar & Grill for Jazz, Pop, Torch & Blues…done the ‘MarBill’ way!” That’s Fri Aug 31 – Sun Sept 2. For tickets go to: 
Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension are sizzling! Their concerts of Champagne Soul bring classic harmonic hit sounds to today’s stages for multi-generational family entertainment performed for consistently sold-out crowds! Their current summer ’18 tour calendar…their upcoming Christmas residency…their bookings into the 2019 season…are ALL thrilling!
LaMonte’s new dance tune is here, ready for download purchase on CD Baby…here’s the scoop: 
A touch retro but definitely today, “Fanny” elicits those dance-able club moves amid catchy, “5th Dimension-inspired” harmonic grooves. With music production & arrangement by Lloyd Tolbert and lead vocal by the soulfully dexterous Julio Hanson. “And don’t forget the characterization by Tyrone Fox…his artwork reflects the essence of Fanny!” adds Mr. Mac, who punctuates with his inimitable humor. He chuckles, “Fanny Fine will make ‘Brick House’ look like a shed!”
Welcome to our “Stoned Soul” springtime review! As always, we immeasurably thank Marilyn & Billy...Florence & The 5th Dimension…and LaMonte for their enthusiastic contributions & support…we celebrate our 10th anniversary of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION in late July with some tasty “special events!” And to you, the worldwide fans, our appreciation for making this near-decade of “5th-fabulousness” a global adventure! Let’s catch up…
Happy New Year from FOREVER 5th DIMENSION!
Dear Robert, Fans & Friends:
Visit Florence LaRue’s lovely updated website at: 
Mac’s hit memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” co-written by Robert-Allan Arno, 2nd edition, is available on Amazon at: 
Billy told me with a laugh, “This tour is really one-nighters, it keeps us young!” 
Marilyn added with an animated smile, “There are people here who have come from near and far…part of the fun, too is meeting and greeting our loyal fans!”
Introduced by 
A sleekly gowned Marilyn emoted, “We find Dionne Warwick to be one of our greatest contemporaries,” while the debonair Billy added, “If we’re appearing in the same town, we never miss a chance to see her.” Marilyn then shared with a confidential air, “When The 5th Dimension was planning its second TV special, we asked Dionne to be our guest, and we couldn’t believe she accepted! The songs that Florence (LaRue) and I performed with Dionne…I can’t tell you how much we learned from her.” 
In response, Miss Warwick was beaming from her royal box seat. “Dionne, this one’s just for you,” Billy introduced as the strains of “I Know I’ll Never Love this Way Again” began. Turning Lady W’s hit into a classic “MarBill” duet for the occasion was a stroke of genius, with kudos going to Music Director, 
For more information about the Colors of Christmas tour, Dec. 3-17: 
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
You must be logged in to post a comment.