Our Heartfelt Condolences

Posted on February 2, 2022 | Leave a comment

Forever 5th Dimension is so sorry to report the passing of current member of The 5th Dimension, Leonard Tucker‘s lovely wife Denice. On behalf of the worldwide fans, we extend our deep condolences and many prayers. Leonard expresses his thoughts so poignantly; we share as follows, as a testimony to Denice and their eternal love.

–Robert-Allan Arno

“On January 28 we lost our battle with cancer and God received the angel back into His loving arms, whom he gifted me 44 years ago. My heart aches to tell you this news, but even more because I miss her already, incredibly. Heaven was truly missing an angel until now. As you know, Denice found the strength to accompany me on The 5th Dimension’s recent concert Cruise of the Caribbean where we celebrated, early her 64th birthday. We had an incredible time together just relaxing and reflecting on our incredibly blessed life together. I’m so very glad we were able to share this last adventure and experience together. Please continue to keep me and my family in your prayers and if you would for me, a special prayer of thanks to God for my Angel Denice–an amazing wife, mother, and the best friend anyone could ever have.“

I love you all. Thank you, and God bless you,

Leonard

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Honoring Black History Month

Posted on February 1, 2022 | Leave a comment

Happy #BlackHistoryMonth from Forever 5th Dimension. We begin with The 5th Dimension‘s medley of “A Change is Gonna Come” with “People Gotta be Free.” This tour-de-force mashup that’s forever in our hearts, comes from the seminal PORTRAIT project of 1970 where, as Marilyn McCoo recounted, “The 5th Dimension wanted to make our version of a protest album.” With one of our greatest Soul singers, Mr. Billy Davis, Jr. at the hub, Sam Cooke’s anthem of pathos and “defiant uplift” takes on a life of even greater magnitude. Coupled with “Free,” there is resolution in a way so specific to The 5th Dimension–that of unbridled joy and vibrant finesse–that the medley heralds the unique legacy of “The 5th,” itself during this special month.

~~Robert-Allan Arno

***Listen to the medley, video produced/music re-mastered by FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqC1yENvEMY

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

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Remembering the Birthday of the Beloved Ron “Sweets” Townson

Posted on January 28, 2022 | Leave a comment

Dateline Jan 29: FOREVER 5th DIMENSION is so proud to honor the birthday of the beloved original member of The 5th Dimension, Ron “Sweets” Townson. In this comprehensive and updated for 2022 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 classical vibe, his robust dignity, his touching pride in his contributions to music history will never be forgotten. Please read more at this FOREVER 5th link: https://forever5thdimension.com/2014/01/

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“Summer of Soul” Soundtrack Brings Winter Sunshine!

Posted on January 24, 2022 | Leave a comment

Available this Friday Jan 28! Yes, the “Summer of Soul” Soundtrack will be available!! Due to popular request, hear all the songs featured in this multi-award-winning docu-movie, live, in their entirety! Hear The Original 5th Dimension Summer of ’69 onstage at the Harlem Cultural Festival with a vibrant n’ funky “Don’t Cha Hear Me Callin’ To Ya,” and their smash #1, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” Order at Amazon, Target and all major sellers. Here’s the official track list with FOREVER 5th DIMENSION’s kudos to Questlove, The 5th Dimension‘s original members–Florence, #MarilynBilly and LaMonte (and remembering our beloved Ron “Sweets”) and all the artists featured! ~~Robert-Allan Arno

1. The Chambers Brothers – “Uptown”
2. B.B. King – “Why I Sing The Blues”
3. The 5th Dimension – “Don’t Cha Hear Me Callin’ To Ya”
4. The 5th Dimension – “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)”
5. David Ruffin – “My Girl”
6. The Edwin Hawkins Singers – “Oh Happy Day”
7. The Staple Singers – “It’s Been A Change”
8. The Operation Breadbasket Orchestra & Choir Featuring Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples – “Precious Lord Take My Hand”
9. Gladys Knight & The Pips – “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”
10. Mongo Santamaria – “Watermelon Man”
11. Ray Barretto – “Together”
12. Herbie Mann- “Hold On, I’m Comin’”
13. Sly & The Family Stone – “Sing A Simple Song”
14. Sly & The Family Stone – “Everyday People”
15. Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach – “Africa”
16. Nina Simone – “Backlash Blues”
17. Nina Simone – “Are You Ready”

(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’s January Tour Includes Florida Sunshine & the High Seas!

Posted on January 8, 2022 | Leave a comment

An exciting January 2022 for fans of our delightful diva, Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension (Patrice, Leonard, Floyd & Sidney)!! Experience the Champagne Soul in-concert, hits galore excitement in Milwaukee on Jan. 12, in Boca Raton on Jan. 14, and on the high seas with other musical legends to the Caribbean via Concerts at Sea, the Where the Action Is cruise, Jan. 15-22. (See details above). Florence & The 5th hope to see you, real soon!

Photos from the Boca Raton Concert, Courtesy Patrice Morris

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Remembering Mr. Poitier

Posted on January 7, 2022 | Leave a comment

From LaMonte McLemore’s social media…

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sidney Poitier, the renowned and groundbreaking actor, director and activist who commanded the screen, reshaped the culture and paved the way for countless other Black actors. His soul-stirring performances in classics such as “In the Heat of the Night,” “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” “To Sir, With Love,” and “Lillies of the Field,” established him as one of the finest performers in America. He made history as the first Black man to win an Academy Award for best actor and, at the height of his fame, became a major box-office draw. Ever the trailblazer, my friend, Sidney Poitier stood for excellence.

Statement from Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr….

Sidney Poitier was a national treasure whose contributions to the arts were tremendous. He was the first African American to win an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and, through his entire body of work, opened the door for many talented actors and actresses of color whose gifts have been ignored. He was a wonderful person and also a good friend. Billy says, “I’ll miss our chance meetings at the local grocery store where we would catch each other checking our list prepared by our beautiful wives.” We are deeply saddened by his loss and our hearts go out to Joanna and the Poitier family.

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New Year Blessings

Posted on December 31, 2021 | Leave a comment

“What a groovy year it’s turned out to be!”…simply scroll back over our nearly 50 Forever 5th Dimension posts in 2021 and rewind the magical moments of the stars of The Original 5th Dimension. We look forward to 2022 with more special surprises as we enter our 15th year of bringing you our “5th Dimension Info Central!”

Wishing you a Happy, Healthy 2022!
May our new year days be brightly blessed,
our acts be those of kindness,
our visionary plans manifest fabulous adventures!

❤ Love to our favorite stars, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.
Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension,
and LaMonte McLemore,
their respective management …
and special thanks to our many worldwide friends & fans over many years!
From Forever 5th Dimension, now starting our 15th year!

~~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)

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The 5th Dimension score big on Rewound Radio’s Top 77 Year-end Survey!

Posted on December 30, 2021 | Leave a comment
The Original 5th Dimension (Arno 5th Legacy Collection)

#RightOn! FOREVER 5th DIMENSION is pleased to report that in Rewound Radio’s (the #1 Oldies Internet Radio Station) year-end Top 77 All Time Hits Listener Voted Survey, The 5th Dimension scored 5 hits: “Stoned Soul Picnic,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Up-Up and Away,” “One Less Bell to Answer,” and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” Thank you, fans & friends, for casting your votes, and to Program Director Allan Sniffen who shows such great respect for The 5th Dimension legacy, all year through. Listen to Rewound through New Year’s Day to hear the Top 77, and guess what? LaMonte McLemore, Florence LaRue, Marilyn McCoo, and Billy Davis, Jr. intro the 5th hits, themselves, with fresh ID’s that I was so pleased to coordinate with the stars & Rewound!! ~~Robert-Allan Arno

Listen to Rewound Radio here: www.RewoundRadio.com

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A Bounty of Merry “5th-Mas” Musical Gifts!

Posted on December 18, 2021 | Leave a comment

EnJOY our updated-for-2021 comprehensive guide to the holiday music of the members of The Original 5th Dimension, featuring latest song entries, exclusive quotes given to Forever 5th Dimension from the stars, and fun photos!

At this Forever 5th Dimension link:

https://forever5thdimension.com/2015/12/19/merry-5th-mas-viewing/

Joyful Christmas Blessings to fans, friends & family the world over and special thanks to the stars, Marilyn & Billy, Florence, and LaMonte, plus their respective management. ~~Robert-Allan Arno

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Remembering Frank Sinatra on his Birthday

Posted on December 13, 2021 | Leave a comment

“12/12–On his birth date, remembering the legacy of our beloved good friend Frank Sinatra. The 5th Dimension toured with him around the world, appeared on his TV special (‘Francis Albert Sinatra Does His Thing’), and more. We joked that I was from ‘Hobo Flats,’ and he was from Hoboken…Frank is fondly mentioned throughout my memoir, ‘From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension.’ We were his fans…and were blessed that he was ours.” ~LaMonte McLemore

“Frank Sinatra was ALWAYS a gentleman.” ~Florence LaRue (on the Lisa Wexler radio show)

“When we worked together, I never missed the chance to watch Frank from the sidelines. His confidence, his style was a revelation.” ~Marilyn McCoo (as told to Forever 5th Dimension)

(Photos: Arno 5th Legacy Collection. Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., intellectual property, copyright 20080-2021, all rights reserved.)

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