LaMonte’s Top 5, A Celebration of “Mac!”

Posted on September 6, 2025 | Leave a comment

At FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, September is always a spectacular month with the birthdays of LaMonte McLemore on the 17th and Marilyn McCoo on the 30th. We are celebrating Mac’s special day early (due to personal travel plans that have me arriving back in the country on the night of LaMonte’s birthday!) Surely, it’s time for LaMonte to get his own Top 5 curated playlist, press the player here, for non-stop musical memories (and a bonus.) Including an exclusive glossary of the selections (below):

Forever 5th Dimension Exclusive Liner Notes:

  1. “A Love Like Ours,” co-written by LaMonte, a top fan-favorite from the seminal PORTRAIT album, with the guys (Mac, Sweets & Billy) in full force for The 5th Dimension. “Wanting to be together yet wanting to be free” is the eternal theme.
  2. “Cease Fire,” written by LaMonte, a recent “viral hit” is a potent plea for peace. LaMonte provides the spoken-word intro & outro, the talented Julio Hanson sings lead.
  3. “Black Patch” is an all-time favorite masterpiece album cut written by Laura Nyro, from INDIDUALLY & COLLECTIVELY. It features LaMonte’s solo punctuating the panoramic party with a mischievous, full-out bass line. In his memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” LaMonte laughs, “It’s my most notable recorded solo spot…and I never, ever smoked reefer!”
  4. The Tonight Show appearance of The 5th Dimension featuring Florence, Ron, LaMonte, Joyce and Michael. Wait for the medley from Broadway’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and LaMonte’s charming MC and solo moment. In his memoir Mac proudly stated about The 5th Dimension’s innovative touring with such a musical show, “It’s the hardest I ever worked on the road…we kept a true Broadway schedule! A rewarding experience.”
  5. “The Singer,” co-written by LaMonte from The 5th Dimension’s LOVE’S LINES, ANGLES & RHYMES album is touchingly emoted with Billy in the lead. Mac shares, “Frank Sinatra strongly considered recording the tune, instead my dear friend Gladys Knight did a version with the Pips on the ALL I NEED IS TIME album.”
  6. BONUS 1: Lamonte refers to The 5th Dimension’s “Ashes to Ashes” as a “turntable hit”…from the LIVING TOGETHER, GROWING TOGETHER album, it’s a song about changing times and ultimate forgiveness…themes near and dear to Mac. This is a casual, yet staged performance as featured on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson providing the tune more “oomph” and social relevance.
  7. BONUS 2: The Original 5th Dimension took part in many high-profile commercials, whether for radio jingles like Coca Cola or on TV for JELLO and Chevrolet. From ’69, this is LaMonte’s personal “Move Along with Me” favorite, where each member gets a spoken word part, too!

–Curated by Robert-Allan Arno, Biographer, The Original 5th Dimension and LaMonte McLemore

“LaMonte, it’s been an honor of a lifetime to co-pen your memoir, curate your social media, and above all, have your mentorship and trusting friendship of many years. You are a true role model who has taught me (and so many others in your wide sphere) life lessons, the most important being: ‘We are only in the world to help one another.’ Thank you, too, for gracing our Board at the America to Africa Higher Education Foundation. Love and blessings always, to you, Sir Mac and Mieko.” —“Reverend Arno”

To our many FOREVER 5th DIMENSION fans & friends, please consider a tax-deductible donation to the America to Africa Higher Education Foundation (website link, below). We support the collegiate tuitions & related needs of brilliant Nigerian scholars, making their educational dreams come true. –Robert-Allan Arno, Executive Director

Visit & donate at https://www.AmericatoAfricaHigherEducationFoundation.com

Limited Edition Poster size print, “The World of LaMonte” charcoal composite by Ephraim Udoka now available for a tax-deductible donation to AAHEF, see link for details: https://forever5thdimension.com/2024/08/11/limited-edition-poster-offer-the-world-of-lamonte/

You may also enjoy our good friends at SoulTrack’s birthday tribute to LaMonte at this link: https://soultracks.com/story-lamonte-mclemore-birthday/

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2025, intellectual property, all rights reserved.

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Birthday Thoughts & Exclusive Trilogy Available

Posted on August 9, 2025 | Leave a comment

Birthday Thoughts—August 9: It feels nothing short of a heartwarming miracle that this “kid from Long Island,” who first discovered The 5th Dimension while watching their debut network TV special in 1970—and fell in love not only with their music and performance style but also with the way its stars carried themselves—would one day have my own media career influenced by them, plus become The Original 5th Dimension’s trusted biographer. Over the years, Marilyn & Billy, Florence, and LaMonte have become dear personal friends, with whom I’ve shared countless projects, creative collaborations, their mentorship, and faith-based fellowship.

(Photo: Arno 5th Legacy Collection, all rights reserved)

On my birthday today, I’m especially grateful to share that in my role as Executive Director of the America to Africa Higher Education Foundation (AAHEF) for nearly four years, our stars and their management have generously supported our mission to assist brilliant Nigerian scholars in achieving their higher education dreams.

In that spirit, I’m featuring at the FOREVER 5th DIMENSION blog the celebrated “Untangled” trilogy by our gifted Nigerian Artist-in-Residence, Ephraim David Udoka—yes, the same gentleman who created 50 Years of Love for Marilyn & Billy’s anniversary celebration, and The World of LaMonte for LaMonte’s Black is Beautiful event. This work is now available in the U.S. market, with proceeds benefiting both AAHEF and Ephraim’s artistic career. Consider having this compelling Afrocentric trilogy in your home or workplace…

(Press each, to see enlarged view)

🎨 Limited Edition Art Prints Now Available!
“Untangled” – A Celebrated Trilogy by Ephraim David Udoka

This stunning cross-cultural series honors the intricate beauty, pride, and grace involved in styling Black hair. Each image is printed on museum-grade watercolor paper, at a generous 14” x 20”, ideal for framing. The complete trilogy ships in a protective cylinder.

🖼️ Special Summer Offer: $540 (inclusive)
(Regular price: $600)

📦 To purchase:
– Pay at PayPal: VoiceActions@hotmail.com
– Or mail a check to:
America to Africa Higher Education Foundation, Inc.
1500 Chestnut Street, Suite 2, #2126
Philadelphia, PA 19102

This is a fundraising initiative: $200 of your purchase is tax-deductible as a charitable contribution.

👉 Learn more at: www.americatoafricahighereducation.com

In Gratitude,

Robert-Allan Arno

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Happy 56th Wedding Anniversary, Marilyn & Billy! (Featuring a Non-Stop Playlist of 40+ of Their Greatest Performances)

Posted on July 25, 2025 | Leave a comment

July 26th marks a special date in the hearts of fans and friends who feel Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. have been part of our lives from the very beginning—as musical artists of harmony, grace, and soul… as role models of pure class and individual and collective excellence.

Known as “the First Couple of Pop & Soul,” the 7-time Grammy-winning “You Don’t Have to be a Star” duo and former lead singers of legends, The 5th Dimension, have always invited us to “be in their show.”

This year, the best way to celebrate their wedding anniversary is with this newly updated FOREVER 5th DIMENSION curated non-stop playlist—featuring 40+ of Marilyn & Billy’s greatest recordings and performances, from iconic hits to treasured rarities.

Two of the most distinct and recognizable voices of the Rock and Soul era, Marilyn’s sumptuously lush quality and Billy’s textured, soaring timbre meld to sound “as one”—a remarkable musical alchemy Marilyn once discussed with me in one of our many interviews. Billy concurred: “It’s amazing that Marilyn and I can get a family blend when we sing together!”

And yet, perhaps it’s not so surprising, considering their eternal bond of deep friendship and spiritual faith—as soulmates forever. “We’ll be there, the two of us,” as one of their signature tunes declares. And *“those who knew of us”—*devoted fans like you and me—have warmly woven “MarBill” into the tapestry of our lives.

As I personally thank Marilyn & Billy for their trust, mentorship, and unwavering loving kindness, we now invite you to dig into their non-stop playlist. Just hit the player above, aptly starting with “How Do You Keep the Music Playing”—and let these “lovebirds” of dedication to craft fill the air with incomparable beauty and passion.

Love Always,
Robert-Allan Arno

Don’t miss Marilyn & Billy’s intimate evening at Catalina Jazz, Friday & Saturday, Aug. 15 & 16!

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2025, intellectual property, all rights reserved.

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Memories of Chuck Mangione

Posted on July 24, 2025 | Leave a comment

Chuck Mangione, the celebrated fluegelhorn-playing jazz musician, has passed away at the age of 84. His music, particularly the iconic track “Feels So Good,” resonated with audiences worldwide, earning him two Grammy Awards and a lasting legacy in jazz. In celebration of his artistry, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION features 2 memorable clips of Chuck with Marilyn McCoo, as they seamlessly duet together, instrumentalist with songstress, first to the heavenly “Chase the Clouds Away” (a personal “Solid Gold” favorite performance of Marilyn’s), and then with Ms. McCoo’s signature, “One Less Bell to Answer.” Their charming rapport, not only musically but as professionals and friends who respected and delighted in each other’s gifts, is something to behold, as we remember the timeless musical joy of Chuck Mangione. —Robert-Allan Arno

Bonus! Enjoy Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr.‘s interpretation of Chuck Mangione’s “Land of Make Believe” from the duo’s summer variety series, a FOREVER 5th DIMENSION video production.

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2025, intellectual property, all rights reserved.

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Reflections of Connie Francis, and Songwriter, Alan Bergman

Posted on July 19, 2025 | Leave a comment

This past week, the music world lost the legendary pop songstress Connie Francis, whose early ’60s hits captured her versatility–one of dynamic prowess, playfulness, and adeptness in interpreting both beloved Italian and Jewish tunes. Connie scored hits co-written by Neil Sedaka, including the bubbly “Stupid Cupid” and the anthemic “Where the Boys Are.” Nearly a decade later, The 5th Dimension found chart success with Sedaka songs, too—“Workin’ on a Groovy Thing” and “Puppet Man.” Our prayers are with Connie’s family, whom she always considered to be her legions of global fans.

We also mourn the passing of Alan Bergman, who—alongside his late wife Marilyn—gave us timeless standards such as “The Way We Were” (with Marvin Hamlisch) and “How Do You Keep the Music Playing” (with Michel Legrand). We remember the prolific magic of the Bergmans, as Marilyn McCoo movingly delivers the former, and Marilyn & Billy (Davis, Jr.) duet on the latter from their album The Many Faces of Love. –Robert-Allan Arno

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., intellectual property, all rights reserved, copyright 2008-2025

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We Hold These Truths…

Posted on July 5, 2025 | Leave a comment

The 5th Dimension‘s recording of “The Declaration” reverberates on many levels–to special fans and the group members, themselves–all these years later. The put-to-music version of the preamble to The Declaration of Independence was brought to producer Bones Howe from the play, “Bread, Beans and Things” by the members of the quintet. It was Howe who had the panoramic view to make it part of “The Independence Medley” (combined with “A Change is Gonna Come,” and “People Gotta be Free”) that began side 2 of the statement-making PORTRAIT album.

Simply stated for this 4th of July weekend in 2025, please watch The 5th Dimension’s emotional performance of “The Declaration” with “People Gotta be Free”–a historic one. May it bring a moment of reflection, remembrance, and the feeling of convicted joy in taking action–in our unique ways–in making today’s world a better place. —Robert-Allan Arno

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2025, intellectual property, all rights reserved.

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Memory: The 5th Dimension & Bobby Sherman

Posted on June 30, 2025 | Leave a comment

Last week, Bobby Sherman, the 1960-70’s teen idol, pop vocalist, and actor who later became a public servant, passed away. LaMonte McLemore shared with FOREVER 5th DIMENSION and in his social media: “He truly was a nice guy, and in 1971, The 5th Dimension had great fun appearing on his ABC network TV special–we performed “Light Sings” on elaborate scaffolding, and then Billy (Davis, Jr.) traded soulful licks with Bobby as the rest of the group danced to “Feelin’ Alright.” Bobby was a good sport collaborating with us as “The 6th”–even donning our caped costuming.” As we remember Mr. Sherman, we present this classic fan-favorite clip:

–With ❤ from LaMonte & #TeamMac

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Celebrating Billy Davis, Jr. – A Soul Icon, A Gentle Giant, A Friend (Featuring a 30+ Non-Stop, Song Playlist)

Posted on June 26, 2025 | Leave a comment

Happy Birthday to the incomparable Billy Davis, Jr. One of our finest Soul singers, with a voice that is instantly recognizable, Billy’s gift lies in his ability to turn a ballad into “the movies of his mind.”

As early as THE MAGIC GARDEN album, Billy was a devoted interpreter of the lyric, curious and insistent in knowing composer Jimmy Webb’s vision. In turn, Jimmy has cited Billy as one of his all-time favorite vocalists—a testament to the deep creative connection they share.

Billy can get down with grit as heard on “Feelin’ Alright” and “I’ve Got a Feeling,” reveal the sly groove of the St. Louis Blues, or offer up the tender sweetness of “Misty Roses” and “Summer’s Daughter.” With deep Gospel roots, Billy has also drawn inspiration from the cool crooning of legends like Nat “King” Cole, whose influence on his phrasing and lyricism he’s openly shared.

His beloved wife and musical partner, Marilyn McCoo, once confided that it was Billy who helped shape the cadence of her own signature song, “One Less Bell to Answer.” And when Billy poured his soul into Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” on The 5th Dimension’s PORTRAIT album, it became a watershed moment in their catalog.

Truly, every Billy solo on those classic 5th albums is an event—whether it’s “The Worst that Could Happen,” “Requiem: 820 Latham,” “Let It Be Me,” “The Singer,” “Leave a Little Room,” or “Speaking with My Heart.”

Or, later in his career, his deeply felt Gospel rendering of “The Love of God,” produced by the legendary Rev. James Cleveland, stands as a powerful inspirational statement from a man whose faith is foundational.

Let’s not forget his seven Grammy Awards—earned both with The 5th Dimension and in duet with Marilyn. The twosome’s hit “You Don’t Have to Be a Star” stands tall as an anthem of unconditional love, just as Billy’s improvised Spiritual flair lit up the quintet’s generation-defining “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.”

“What comes from the heart goes to the heart,” Billy says—and our hearts are indeed full when we think of this ever-optimistic gentleman. As a respected Pastor and a musical role model to many, Billy is a beacon of joy, faith, and artistry.

On a personal note, the many interviews we’ve conducted with Billy and Marilyn for FOREVER 5th DIMENSION—or equally meaningful, having them on the line for rich fellowship—are always a dream. To have a hero as both mentor and friend is one of God’s greatest gifts.

And today, as we unite “all the world over,” we celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Billy Davis, Jr.

With admiration, gratitude, and love,
–Robert-Allan Arno
Biographer, The Original 5th Dimension

🎶 Enjoy our curated FOREVER 5th DIMENSION playlist here, endorsed by #MarilynBilly—we call it “Billy’s Greatest Solos.” The 30+ tunes unwind like the ticking of a fabulous clock, just hit the button for continuous play:

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2025, intellectual property, all rights reserved.

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In Loving Memory

Posted on June 22, 2025 | Leave a comment

I wish to express my deep appreciation to @mccoodavis Marilyn & Billy, Mieko & LaMonte, Florence, and @jasonwintersgriot Jason Winters, plus Melodie & Bones Howe, John Florez and Randall Jeffries, for their warm support, wisdom and prayers during this sensitive time. My beloved mom, Annette (who through me, adored The Original 5th Dimension and its stars) passed away on Friday, June 20th. She was a woman of glamour, integrity, and equality for all as a trailblazing job placement councilor. Also, to the special fans, your heartwarming notes have been greatly appreciated. God bless each of you, in loving kindness.

—Robert-Allan Arno

“Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.”

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#MarilynBilly: An Intimate Evening

Posted on June 15, 2025 | Leave a comment

FOREVER 5th DIMENSION reports special fans are attending from around the world for this “intimate” but truly dynamic (duo) event! The First Couple of Pop n’ Soul…Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. are “just two hearts, beatin’ out loud!!”

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