Trick or Treat…The 5th Meets the Addams Fam!

Posted on October 22, 2022 | Leave a comment

With Halloween in the air, enjoy this retro bit of Original 5th Dimension fun, yes, it’s Marilyn, Billy, Florence, Mac and Sweets as you’ve never seen them before, as the Addams Family. Watch here!

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Early October Forever 5th Dimension News

Posted on October 6, 2022 | Leave a comment

October has already been a notable month for the stars of The Original 5th Dimension, plus current members!!

Peter Max Special Reunion! On Saturday, Oct. 1, The 5th Dimension’s first network TV special, preserved by the UCLA Film & Television Archive, with original commercials, “The 5th Dimension Special: An Odyssey in the Cosmic Universe by Peter Max” was presented at UCLA. Followed by a conversation with The 5th Dimension original members, Florence LaRue, UCLA alumna Marilyn McCoo, and Billy Davis Jr., with Cheryl L. Keyes, chair of the UCLA Department of African American Studies and professor of Ethnomusicology, Global Jazz Studies & African American Studies. The special first aired 5/21/1970 on CBS and is described as such: “Chart-topping pop and soul group The 5th Dimension take a light-hearted psychedelic trip through a colorful ‘Land of Lost Things’ designed by iconic ’60s pop artist Peter Max.”

Florence visits with Sherri Shepherd

Florence graces “Sherri!” Then it was a media trip to the east coast for Florence who, on Oct. 4, was special guest on the new “Sherri” talk show. Florence chatted about her book with Sherri Shepherd, “Grace in Your Second Act” and endeared herself all the more to Sherri and the enthusiastic audience with her trademark delightful personality and wise advice. Watch the episode here, Florence starts at 31:30:

“Amsterdam,” the movie! In theaters now with an all-star cast, 2 members of the current 5th Dimension, Floyd Smith Armstrong and Leonard Tucker appear, singing a duet! Look for them as Forever 5th Dimension congratulates these talented gents on their cinematic success! And just in, both Floyd & Leonard will also be featured on the film’s jazzy soundtrack CD!

Remembering Loretta: Finally, on a somber note, LaMonte McLemore shared his reflections on the passing of Loretta Lynn:

“We mourn the loss of Country music legend and national treasure, Ms. Loretta Lynn. The Original 5th Dimension loved all genres of music and appearing on TV in Nashville was always a thrill with the echoes of such icons as Loretta surrounding us, a lady with a whole lotta soul. God bless her eternal memory.” —LaMonte

Loretta Lynn receives Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in 2013

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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Waving Birthday Banners for Marilyn’s Milestone Celebration, ’23!

Posted on September 29, 2022 | Leave a comment

September 30 is a memorable day for the millions of fans of Marilyn McCoo because her birthday–and 2023’s milestone one at that–brings a time of reflection on her artistry and exemplary persona. The 7-time Grammy award winner whose roots are with the legendary quintet, The 5th Dimension along with hubby of over 50 years & duet partner, Billy Davis, Jr. is known for her elegance, grace, way with a torch song, and a smooth, soulfully healing multi-octave voice that is simply as astonishingly beautiful as the woman herself.

30 Performances–FOREVER 5th DIMENSION presents The Best of Marilyn!

In honor of her milestone birthday, 2023, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION is pleased to share our 30 curated performances (reviewed by Marilyn & Billy, themselves!)–Marilyn’s hit Solos with The 5th, her “Solid Gold” tunes, live TV segments, inspirational, Broadway and movie theme moments– yes, a real “deep dive” into the musical magic that is La McCoo including a unique twist on some of the classics. (*See Song List below!) And special thanks to the many YouTube fans who have saved such special performances for us to savor!

Press the button to start the “Marilyn Listening Party,” here:

Today, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. known as “The First Couple of Pop n’ Soul,” perform in concert across the country, to sold-out crowds and rave reviews. Their recent resurgence with a critically acclaimed CD, “Blackbird: Lennon–McCartney Icons” and being part of the Oscar-winning docu-film SUMMER OF SOUL has brought a renewed spotlight on their eternal talents.

We complete our special tribute to Marilyn featuring the following quotes given exclusively to FOREVER 5th DIMENSION by renowned musical colleagues including legendary songwriters whose work Marilyn has interpreted. And personally, may I add my heartfelt appreciation to Marilyn. Over many years if not decades of knowing and working with her, Billy and the original members of The 5th Dimension, she has been an encouraging force, a mentor, an arbiter of good taste, fairness and loyalty–as an artist myself, I am wishing a cherished friend abundant blessings on her milestone birthday, with love. –Robert-Allan Arno, 2023

Exclusive Quotes–Tributes to Marilyn

Jimmy Webb: “Marilyn…when we first started working on ‘Up-Up and Away’ with the 5th Dimension, I had laid eyes on one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. When I get the opportunity to sing with Marilyn and Billy today, I always make sure to up my vocal game!”

Richard Addrisi (“Never My Love”): “If I could take any voice and bottle it, it would surely be Marilyn McCoo’s…her voice is love!”

Neil Sedaka (“Working on a Groovy Thing,” “Puppet Man,”): Marilyn is what is noted as ‘the singer’s singer.’ I am a true fan, anytime I’ve gotten to sing with her, like duetting on ‘The Hungry Years’ on SOLID GOLD, is a total joy.”

Dorothea Joyce (“Love’s Lines, Angles & Rhymes”): She’s in the stratosphere with Barbra Streisand and Lena Horne. Marilyn possesses superior vocal chops and interpretive skills, no one else could have done ‘Love’s Lines’ justice.”

Randy McNeil (“If I Could Reach You”): “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.”

Bones Howe (Grammy-winning Producer, The 5th Dimension): “Marilyn has that quality…it’s plaintive with a subtle cry in her voice, 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!”

LaMonte McLemore, founding member The 5th Dimension: “We go way back to our days with the Hi-Fi’s and have fun nicknames for one another to this day, mine is ‘Herm,’ hers is…I’ll let her tell you! Marilyn stands for class, she is a voice of reason, and always beautiful.”

Billy Davis, Jr., husband: “Marilyn always mentions that she learns for me. Well, I like listening to her voice, I learn from her, too. Among many things, I love the way she pronounces her words!”

*SONG LIST: 

  1. Open Your Window
  2. Who’s Crying Now (live)
  3. I’m On Your Side (Theme from “Chapter Two”)
  4. (Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All (live)
  5. Love’s Line’s Angles & Rhymes
  6. Overjoyed (live)
  7. If Only for One Night (live)
  8. Saving All My Love for You
  9. Bill (from SHOWBOAT) (live)
  10. Wedding Bell Blues (live)
  11. Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye
  12. One Less Bell to Answer
  13. Never My Love (2008 version)
  14.  If I Could Reach You (live)
  15. When Did I Lose Your Love
  16. The Long & Winding Road
  17. Why Should I Care (live)
  18. I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues (live)
  19. Any Day Now (live)
  20. Chase the Clouds Away (live with Chuck Mangione)
  21. A Song for You/At this Moment (live)
  22. Heart Stop Beating in Time
  23. This Girl’s in Love with You
  24. The Me Nobody Knows
  25. Out Here on My Own (live)
  26. I Dreamed a Dream (live)
  27. O Holy Night
  28. Sweet Little Jesus Boy (live)
  29. My Tribute (To God be the Glory) (live)
  30. Blackbird
Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., intellectual property, all rights reserved, copyright 2008-2023; Photo Credits: Arno 5th Legacy McCoo/Davis Collection, Deniserose Torres, LaMonte McLemore

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Celebrating LaMonte’s Birthday with new “Dimensions!”

Posted on September 16, 2022 | Leave a comment

September 17, 2022: Birthday Greetings to the inimitable LaMonte McLemore. The St. Louis-born founder of Grammy legends The 5th Dimension, the group’s mellow bass for over 40 years. Their timeless tunes like “Up-Up and Away,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” are iconic uplifting anthems for a generation. The premiere freelance photographer for JET magazine’s “Beauty of the Week” for 5 decades with a documentary about this trailblazing feature in the works. Known for his sense of humor & style and overall kindness, “The Bronze Clark Gable” is the author of the popular inspirational memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5thDimension (A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music)” as told to Robert-Allan Arno. There’s so much more to the tapestry of “Mac”– from his impactful mentoring by his beloved Grandma Gertrude, a Cherokee Indian, to his philosophies on life, love, happiness, and representation of African Americans in the media.

LaMonte & Mieko, enjoying life!

Today in 2022, LaMonte adds a new humanitarian “dimension” as a member of the Board of Directors to America to Africa Higher Education Foundation, assisting brilliant Nigerian scholars in attending college, making their dreams come true. Mr. McLemore states, “We are only in this world to help one another.” Enjoying life residing in Las Vegas with his lovely wife of over 20 years, Mieko, he continues a smooth recovery from a stroke that occurred shortly after his birthday 3 years ago. The couple shares, “We are grateful for daily simple, joyful pleasures, and the kindness of all people we encounter on the journey.” In celebration of his birthday weekend, on LaMonte’s lively Facebook page of 5,000 followers, fans, friends, and family are invited to share their “memories of Mac.” In honor of his birthday, LaMonte welcomes tax-deductible contributions to America to Africa Higher Education Foundation at: www.AmericatoAfricaHigherEducationFoundation.com  

As his biographer and social media curator, I send my love, respect and admiration to a personal hero, mentor, dear friend, and brother like no other, LaMonte McLemore. –Robert-Allan Arno

Mac & Arno

Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd, copyright 2008-2022, all rights reserved, intellectual property. Photos courtesy African American History Museum, LA, and Mieko McLemore.

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Celebrating Our 15th Year of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION with a From-the-Vaults Release!

Posted on July 17, 2022 | Leave a comment

Dateline July 17, 2022: Forever 5th Dimension, our globally acclaimed blog is celebrating its 15th year this month! And I sincerely thank the stars of The Original 5th Dimension for their many enthusiastic, blessed contributions over the years—multi-Grammy winning legends of the Rock n’ Soul era who continue to be actively performing today, that would be Florence LaRue (with the current 5th Dimension,) and the married team of Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. Not to mention the now retired (but never tired!) LaMonte McLemore (I was honored to be the “as told to” author of his popular memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension”), and remembering the late, beloved Ron Townson.

Recently Marilyn & Billy called me—they loved the over 20 “Billy solos” Forever 5th curated for his birthday last month, powerful, poignant and even pretty songs from different genres and different decades of his career…so I thought, why not add one extra to the list?! To celebrate our 15th, Forever 5th Dimension presents, from the vaults, “Hi-Di-Ho” with Billy in the effortless exuberant lead. The song was originally intended for The 5th Dimension’s SOUL & INPSIRATION album (1974) and as producer Bones Howe told me, “I wanted to give it that ‘Black Patch’ gospel feel…and The 5th and Billy certainly delivered!” Twice before as biographer of The Original 5th and liner note writer/music curator, I attempted to get it released as one of the bonus cuts on the S & I CD re-issue and for PLAYLIST: THE VERY BEST OF THE 5th DIMENSION but due to space limitations, it was “omitted.” Well, here it is, making its global debut approximately 48 years later!

WATCH/LISTEN HERE!!

We dedicate its release to countless devoted worldwide fans, many who have become dear friends…and on behalf of #MarilynBilly, Florence, LaMonte, their respective management, the Townson Family and Mr. Bones; with lovingkindness, we hope you savor every second of this spectacular recording!

—Robert-Allan Arno

Video Photos: The Robert-Allan Arno 5th Legacy Collection, and courtesy Michael Collopy, Arnie Lee, Deniserose Torres, and Andy Gard

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2022, intellectual property, all rights reserved

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Happy 4th…and 5th!

Posted on July 2, 2022 | Leave a comment

Courtesy LaMonte McLemore‘s social media:

Wishing fans, friends & family a happy, peaceful, safe, exhilarating 4th of July weekend! Bless each of you! ❤ Here’s The Original 5th Dimension with our special version of the Declaration of Independence set to music, known as “The Declaration.” Watch us on the Ed Sullivan Show, at this link. It was a watershed performance for us. ~~Mac

Watch here: https://youtu.be/oOUxNAexRzs

And now to the 5th…wouldn’t the classic July 5th (More Hits by the Fabulous 5th Dimension) album make a perfect reissue?! ~~Robert-Allan Arno

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2022, all rights reserved)

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Florence & The 5th Dimension, Latest Summer & Fall Tour Dates!

Posted on June 28, 2022 | Leave a comment
Aug 5, 2022Ridgefield, CTRidgfield Playhouse
Aug 7, 2022Annapolis MDRams Head On Stage
Sept 9, 2022Sellersville, PASellersville Theater
Oct 8, 2022Spring, TXCentrum at Cypress Creek
Oct 14, 2022Akron, OHGoodyear Theater
Oct 16, 2022Bethesda, MDBethesda Blues & Jazz

Additional September Dates!
SEPTEMBER 7, 2022
 THE VILLAGES, FL
 SAVANNAH CENTER

SEPTEMBER 10, 2022
  HAMMONDSPORT, NY
 POINT OF BLUFF CONCERT PAVILION

“We remain so excited about getting out there to see the fans, bringing our very best, as always,” declares vivacious Florence LaRue to Forever 5th Dimension about The 5th Dimension‘s summer & fall ’22 schedule. An evening (or afternoon!) with the lovely LaRue, the 6-time Grammy winning “delightful diva” of the Rock n’ Soul era along with Patrice, Floyd, Leonard and Sidney is an exhilarating multi-generational family experience of greatest hits, dance, costuming, audience participation…and even more classic hits!

Go see Florence & The 5th Dimension at these venues and be sure to stop by for the meet n’ greet, after!

(Forever 5th Dimension, by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2022, intellectual property, all rights reserved.)

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Birthday Blessings, Billy Davis, Jr.!

Posted on June 24, 2022 | Leave a comment


At Forever 5th Dimension we’re celebrating Billy’s birthday this coming Sunday, June 26…a few days early! This way, as we lead to the momentous day, you can savor our curated, Top 20 (plus!) solos by Billy at this YouTube link, tunes from every decade of his career. Have a “Billy Listening Party” courtesy of Forever 5th, here…we start with “Leave a Little Room”…just hit the player, it continues through song 25*!!:

Billy Davis, Jr. is truly an American treasure. The multi-Grammy winning soul stylist, with roots as lead singer of The Original 5th Dimension–along with his beautiful wife of soon-to-be 53 years and duet partner, Marilyn McCoo–has an instantly recognizable voice like no other. Fellow-Original 5th mate Florence LaRue declares, “No one sounds like Billy…he can break your heart!” And his best comrade, 5th-founder LaMonte McLemore punctuates his own memoir (“From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension’) acknowledging, “Billy’s lead on ‘A Change is Gonna Come’ says it all.” Mac adds, “Not to mention his ‘havin’ church’ on our biggest hit ‘Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.'” Yes, the man who implored the world to “Sing along with The 5th Dimension” invited us to share in his own harmonic journey….that of an incomparable legacy artist, a stellar showman, and an inspiring faith-based figure. Marilyn reminded Forever 5th Dimension, “Billy always says, ‘What comes from the heart goes to the heart.'” Heralded by the likes of Jimmy Webb (“Up-Up and Away”), Eddie Levert (The O’Jays) and Maurice White (Earth, Wind & Fire), Billy humbly summed up his talents disclosing this to me, “That’s not me…it’s God working through me!” Happy Birthday Billy, we love you & celebrate you with these memorable 20-plus solos!

~~Robert-Allan Arno, Forever 5th Dimension

See Billy & Marilyn on the current Time-Life music special!
And visit their official website at mccoodavis.com for recordings, concert & TV appearance news!
  • *Here’s the song list: 1. Leave a Little Room, 2. The Worst that Could Happen, 3. Speaking with My Heart, 4. Summer’s Daughter, 5. There Never Was a Day, 6. Feelin’ Alright?, 7. I Got a Feelin’, 8. Three Steps from True Love, 9. You’re Good Enough for Me, 10. Silly Love Songs, 11. It’ll Never Be the Same Again, 12. Let It Be Me, 13. Misty Roses, 14. The Singer, 15. Broken Wing Bird,16. Rosecrans Blvd., 17. Requiem: 8:20 Latham, 18. A Change is Gonna Come/People Gotta be Free, 19. Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In, 20. Ticket to Ride, 21. Someone is Standing Outside, 22. Help!, 23. (New, From the Vaults!) Hi-Di-Ho, 24. The Love of God, 25. Let the Sunshine In (Reprise)

Main Billy photo courtesy Deniserose Torres Collection

Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2022, intellectual property, all rights reserved

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Special Moments with Florence

Posted on June 23, 2022 | Leave a comment

We’re so pleased to share this link to a very special, inspirational, autobiographical interview–actually a first-person narrative– with our lovely Florence LaRue. It’s part of the Jesus Calling Podcast…listen here and be uplifted:

A Legacy of Making Music That Matters: Florence LaRue & Michael Ray
Florence LaRue’s self-help inspirational book, available at Amazon.

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Remembering James Rado, Co-Creator of Broadway’s HAIR

Posted on June 22, 2022 | Leave a comment

6/22, courtesy of LaMonte McLemore’s social media…

Remembering James Rado, co-creator of the groundbreaking hippie musical HAIR which celebrated protest, and unadulterated love and paved the way for the sound of rock n’ soul on Broadway, he has passed away at age 90. HAIR which has a story & lyrics by Mr. Rado and Gerome Ragni and music by Galt MacDermot was trailblazing on many levels. LaMonte McLemore reflects, “Many of you know, The Original 5th Dimension members attended the hottest ticket on Broadway at the time, HAIR, seated separately, that’s how sought-after a ticket it was! And we were invited when the producer of HAIR returned Billy Davis, Jr.’s lost wallet, found in a New York City taxi…as thanks, we invited him to our show at the Royal Box, then he invited us to his show, HAIR! At intermission, we danced for joy knowing we just had to record ‘Aquarius’ and our producer Mr. Bones (Howe) made it a sizzling medley with ‘Let the Sunshine In’…it became the biggest hit of our career–6 straight weeks at number one!” The 5th Dimension family, fans & friends wish “eternal sunshine” upon the memory of James Rado. ~~Robert-Allan Arno for #TeamMac

Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, copyright 2008-2022, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd, intellectual property, all rights reserved)

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