Remembering the Prolific Joy of Burt Bacharach

Posted on February 9, 2023 | Leave a comment

“We’re so sorry to note the passing of legendary composer and songwriter, Burt Bacharach. Along with lyricist Hal David, their “One Less Bell to Answer” remains one of The 5th Dimension’s most beloved of our greatest hits, a true fan favorite….and ours too. The 5th Dimension was also so blessed to appear on Burt’s TV special, ‘Burt Bacharach in Shangri-La,’ where we co-arranged with him the spiritual “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” before going into the studio.” ~~LaMonte McLemore as told to Robert-Allan Arno

Special links:

Watch The 5th Dimension perform “One Less Bell” on the Andy Williams Show, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1mwjsCY1Ug

Marilyn McCoo told FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, “We couldn’t believe we were creating with Burt!” Watch The 5th Dimension co-arranging, and then in the studio with “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen,” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3atfqfWmwo&t=168s

Listen to “All Kinds of People” by Bacharach/David, recorded by The 5th Dimension (Florence LaRue solo) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwCjsGo32fM

Listen to “What the Word Needs Now is Love” by Bacharach/David as part of “Love Medley,” performed on “The 5th Dimension/Live,” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rW3DKIpKxM

Listen to “As Long as There’s an Apple Tree” by Bacharach/David recorded by The 5th Dimension (Marilyn/Florence duet), here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIOEEZaAIMU

Listen to “Living Together, Growing Together” by Bacharach/David, a Top 40 single by The 5th Dimension, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N13SjDCSPpM

Listen to “This Girl’s in Love with You” by Bacharach/David from “The Many Faces of Love,” Marilyn McCoo/Billy Davis, Jr. (Marilyn solo) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh2-Fiwb2s8

Listen to “Let Me Be Lonely” by Bacharach/David recorded by The 5th Dimension, (Florence solo,) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxZ7TwePIvw

Jimmy Webb notes in his poignant tribute to Burt Bacharach: “I studied him…I learned about chords from listening to Burt’s songs on the radio. I tried to write like him (listen to my song “The Girls’ Song” by The 5th Dimension). He was integral to my informal songwriting education.” Listen to Burt’s influence on this Marilyn/Florence duet, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AP0qBPSg1vc

And BILLBOARD features “One Less Bell to Answer” as one of Burt Bacharach’s Top 10 best, at this link: https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-burt-bacharach-songs/whats-new-pussycat-1965/?fbclid=IwAR3OxcM_wlR-IG_IxQ84TK51vEwjYDv3kN21qfTHXG3wdmwlR8HPCUxm22c

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd. copyright 2008-2023, intellectual property, all rights reserved.

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Forever 5th Dimension Wishes Florence LaRue a Delightful Birthday Celebration!

Posted on February 4, 2023 | Leave a comment

Dateline February 4, 2023: We’re wishing the indomitable, vivacious, and radiant “Delightful Diva,” Ms. Florence LaRue, a joyful birthday celebration. It’s been an exciting past year for Florence, and she continues to tour all throughout 2023 with The 5th Dimension. Read our updated, supersized recap and tribute to Florence with history, special quotes, and music memories at this FOREVER 5th DIMENSION link: https://forever5thdimension.com/2014/02/03/the-delightful-divas-birthday/

God bless my dear, inspiring friend, a true sweetheart of the Rock n’ Soul era.

With our Love, Robert-Allan Arno and Fans

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Forever 5th Dimension Honors African American Heritage Month, 2023 with a Curated Playlist

Posted on February 1, 2023 | Leave a comment

Forever 5th Dimension is proud to present this curated “21-plus” playlist in honor of African American Heritage Month, 2023. Songs of soul, inspiration, peace, unity, and artistic versatility by The 5th Dimension and #MarilynBilly, including unvaulted treasures.  Please press this YouTube link to begin the playlist (song list posted below):

 Forever 5th Dimension Honors African American Heritage Month 2023 – YouTube

Song list:

  1. Black Patch (The 5th Dimension, solos: Marilyn, Florence, Billy, Ron, LaMonte)
  2. Stoned Soul Picnic (The 5th Dimension)
  3. Dontcha Hear Me Callin to Ya (The 5th Dimension, Billy solo)
  4. Hi-De-Ho (from the vaults by Forever 5th Dimension, courtesy Bones Howe, Billy solo)
  5. Soul & Inspiration (alternative version, from the vaults by Forever 5th Dimension, courtesy Bones Howe, Marilyn/Billy duet)
  6. All Kinds of People (The 5th Dimension, Florence solo)
  7. Blackbird (Mike City Mix,, McCoo/Davis, Marilyn solo)
  8. A Change Is Gonna Come/People Gotta Be Free (video by Forever 5th Dimension, Billy solo)
  9. Harlem (The 5th Dimension, Bobby Goldsborro Show)
  10. Ticket to Ride (McCoo/Davis, Billy solo)
  11. California Soul (The 5th Dimension, Forever 5th Dimension extended mix)
  12. Save the Country (The Original 5th Dimension live)
  13. Your Love (McCoo/Davis, Tonight Show w/ Johnny Carson)
  14. Nothing Can Stop Me (McCoo/Davis)
  15. You Make Me Feel Brand New (McCoo/Davis, video by Forever 5th Dimension)
  16. All in Love is Fair (The 5th Dimension, Florence LaRue, solo)
  17. Motherless Child (Marilyn McCoo)
  18. Recitar Vesti La Giubba (Pagliacci) (The 5th Dimension, Ron Townson solo, Travelling Sunshine Show)
  19. Dimension 5ive (The 5th Dimension)
  20. Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (The Original 5th Dimension, Billy solo, the Arsenio Hall Show)
  21. Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen (The 5th Dimension, soundtrack, Burt Bacharach in Shangri-La)
  22. Day by Day (The 5th Dimension, Marilyn solo, Marilyn/Florence duet, Billy solo)

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-23, all rights reserved. Photos: The Arno 5th Legacy Collection.

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Honoring the Birthday of Ron Townson, Forever “The Sweet Man” in our Hearts

Posted on January 29, 2023 | Leave a comment

Dateline Jan 29: FOREVER 5th DIMENSION honors the birthday of the beloved original member of The 5th Dimension, Ron “Sweets” Townson. In this comprehensive and updated for 2023 tribute to Ron, we hear from his fellow musical stars, family members, and the special fans…plus we count down his top 5 (plus!) solos. Ron’s soaring operatically influenced vibe, his robust dignity, and touching pride will never be forgotten. Please join us at this special FOREVER 5th link: https://forever5thdimension.com/2014/01/

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Marilyn & Billy’s Musical Fable Coming to West Palm Beach on Feb. 1!

Posted on January 26, 2023 | Leave a comment

Join the 1st Couple of Pop n’ Soul at the beautiful Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, Florida, Wednesday evening 8pm, Feb 1st!

FEB 1, 2023 |ALEXANDER W. DREYFOOS CONCERT HALL

Join 7-time Grammy Award-winning duo MARILYN McCOO & BILLY DAVIS, JR. for an evening of pop & soul classics. The legendary couple began their career as the original stars and lead singers of the group The 5th Dimension, whose magical harmonies drew equal inspiration from pop, R&B, soul, gospel, jazz, and Broadway. UP UP & AWAY–A Musical Fable is a journey and musical celebration of their iconic music. The show also includes tributes to fellow music legends including The Beatles and The 5th Dimension’s original lineup.

For Tickets & More Information, go here:

https://www.kravis.org/events/up-up-away/

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, copyright 2008-2023, intellectual property, all rights reserved, Photos Courtesy, Deniserose Torres Collection, Rialto Theater

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Florence & The 5th Dimension, Tour Dates Galore for ’23!

Posted on January 19, 2023 | Leave a comment

Join 6-time Grammy winning delightful diva, Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension (Patrice, Leonard, Floyd & Sidney), their 2023 tour dates are stacking “up-up & away,” coming to a city near you! An evening of Champagne Soul with all the harmonious Greatest Hits, the dance moves, the costumes, and audience participation is fun for the entire family! Go to this link, for their official winter/early spring 2023 schedule:

Tour – List

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Marilyn & Billy in Atlanta this Saturday!

Posted on January 19, 2023 | Leave a comment
Photo Courtesy Deniserose Torres Collection

Join “the 1st Couple of Pop n’ Soul” at Atlanta’s Rialto Center for the Arts–Georgia St. University, this Saturday, Jan. 21st, 8pm for an evening of hits, new favorites and musical magic. And how exciting for longtime fan Robyn Pippins who is getting to see 7-time Grammy winners, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. for the very first time, in her hometown! For more information and tickets, press the Rialto link, below:

Rialto Center for the Arts

AFTER SHOW! And here is Robyn posing with Marilyn & Billy backstage. She shares, “Thanks Robert and their manager Steve for arranging this. Marilyn and Billy are two of the nicest people I’ve ever met!”

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The 5th Dimension: Deep Cuts!

Posted on December 30, 2022 | Leave a comment

#DeepCuts Friends & fans, go to this link and enjoy 39 YouTube-curated “deep cuts” by The 5th Dimension, amazing tunes like “Dont’cha’ Hear Me Callin’ to Ya,” “Black Patch,” “The Singer,” “Viva Tirado,” “Day by Day,” “A Change is Gonna Come,” “Leave a Little Room,” “Sailboat Song,” “Light Sings,” “On the Beach,” “Orange Air,” “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye,” “I Just Wanna be Your Friend,” “Skinny Man,” “Summer’s Daughter,” “Together Let’s Find Love,” “Poor Side of Town,” “Dimension 5ive”…yes, 39 in total! Have a “5th Deep Cuts Listening Party!” As we usher in 2023, it’s “Forever 5th Dimension,” indeed! ~~Robert-Allan Arno

Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrdm5Z-sci_pIXVmaQJDHzkIomTrg6hHG

Florence LaRue (left) and Marilyn McCoo of American vocal group The Fifth Dimension, circa 1970. (Photo by Terry O’Neill/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Special Mention: Thank you to our friends at the #1 internet oldies radio station, REWOUND RADIO and Program Director Allan Sniffen. The 5th Dimension placed 3 iconic tunes in this year’s Top 77 of all time, “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Up-Up and Away,” and Medley: “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.”

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd. copyright 2008-23, intellectual property, all rights reserved, Photo montage: Arno 5th Legacy Collection, and courtesy Michael Collopy and where otherwise noted)

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Merry 5th-mas, All the World Over, 2022!

Posted on December 8, 2022 | Leave a comment

Tis the season to let the sunshine in! At FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, we bring you “Santa’s goodie bag” of holiday delights by the stars of The Original 5th Dimension. While the original group didn’t perform or record a holiday tune per se (see link below, to our expanded Christmas edition, for the reason why), there have been many instances of Christmas fare over the years by Florence, Florence and today’s 5th, Marilyn, and Marilyn & Billy, as compiled by FOREVER 5th, with EXCLUSIVE commentary by the stars.

First, let’s begin with a new entry that is certainly part of this special season. An astute and heartfelt forum featuring Florence LaRue, Billy Davis, Jr. and Marilyn McCoo, shot recently at UCLA, after the screening of The 5th Dimension’s historic first network special, “The 5th Dimension Special: An Odyssey in the Cosmic Universe of Peter Max” (originally broadcast in 1970.) Watch here:

Please join us, for our expanded Christmas edition of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, a listening and visual experience with exclusive commentary, at this link: https://forever5thdimension.com/2015/12/19/merry-5th-mas-viewing/

And very special thanks to our stars, Marilyn & Billy, Florence and LaMonte (and their respective management) for their love, support of Forever 5th Dimension, and their continued musical excellence…and to the worldwide fans, you are truly a part of “the 5th Dimension experience” of harmony and unity. –Robert-Allan Arno

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-22 intellectual property, all rights reserved.

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Celebrating and Remembering

Posted on November 27, 2022 | Leave a comment

From LaMonte McLemore’s social media…

11/26: Happy Birthday to the inimitable Tina Turner (who turns 84-years-young, today!) And honoring the endearing, multi-award-winning Irene Cara whose untimely death was reported today, she brought joy and hope in her music, which as the lyric to her mega-hit FAME states, will “live forever.”

From Marilyn & Billy’s social media (with photo courtesy McCoo/Davis management) …

We are deeply saddened by the loss of the incredibly talented and lovely, Irene Cara. She contributed so much to the world of music. May she rest in peace. Sending our love and prayers to her family.

Of Special Note from Forever 5th Dimension:

Fans may recall guest Irene Cara charmingly introducing Marilyn (as host of “Solid Gold”) in the episode where Marilyn was to sing a selection from her current album, also title “Solid Gold.” Moreover, Marilyn performed “Out Here on My Own” to mark the beginning of her solo career, onstage and as seen in a YouTube clip from the Merv Griffen Show, where both Merv & Marilyn graciously acknowledge Irene’s poignant interpretation of her hit ballad from the movie “Fame.”

As a child actor, Irene Cara (as indicated on the sheet music) appeared in the memorable Broadway show, “The Me Nobody Knows.” Also spotlighted, “Light Sings” from the musical was recorded by The 5th Dimension, a fan favorite to this day.

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-22, intellectual property, all rights reserved.

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