Remembering Singer-Songwriter Richard Addrisi: His Exclusive Quote About “Never My Love” by The 5th Dimension

Posted on November 22, 2025 | Leave a comment

Forever 5th Dimension is saddened to belatedly report that Richard Addrisi, the singer-songwriter best known for teaming with his older brother, Don Addrisi, to pen the mega-selling pop standard “Never My Love,” passed away on October 16, at his home in Miami. He was 84.

“The Hollywood Reporter” shared:

While writing songs for other acts and recording at Valiant Records in the 1960s, the Addrisi Brothers also were given the responsibility for discovering new talent, which led to a partnership with The Association. The brothers wrote “Never My Love” for the pop group, who took it to No. 2 on the Hot 100 in October 1967.

The enduring “Never My Love” would go on to enter the Top 15 with versions by The 5th Dimension in 1971 and by the Swedish rock band Blue Swede in 1974. In 1977, the Addrisi Brothers’ version peaked at No. 20 on the Adult Contemporary chart.

Over the years, “Never My Love” has been recorded by more than 300 notable artists. In 1999, BMI stated that “Never My Love” was the No. 2 most-played song of all time in U.S. radio/television history, trailing only “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” made famous by The Righteous Brothers.

Also, of special note for fans of The 5th Dimension is this exclusive quote, enthusiastically given to me by Richard for the liners of “Playlist: The Very Best of The 5th Dimension”:

“What’s better than The 5th Dimension doing your song? If I could catch a voice in mid-air, it would be Marilyn McCoo’s. It’s pure love.”

Fans know that interestingly, our songstress re-visited “Never My Love” on “The Many Faces of Love” project, a McCoo/Davis Jr. treatise on the great love songs, issued over a decade ago.

–Robert-Allan Arno

Listen to “Never My Love,” by The 5th Dimension, here:

Listen to the re-visited “Never My Love” by McCoo/Davis, here:

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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All Treats: Looking Forward at Forever 5th!

Posted on October 30, 2025 | Leave a comment

Countdown to Halloween: “Mac (LaMonte) the Visionary” predicts a “treat” of upcoming new surprises from FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, the globally acclaimed blog trusted by the stars of The Original 5th Dimension, now in our 18th year!

Fun Notes: Tunes like “The Riverwitch” (Billy solo), and “Magic in My Life” (Florence solo with lyrics like “make me feel superstitious”), surely fit the mood of October 31st! Then there’s Marilyn‘s favorite solo, “Love’s Lines, Angles and Rhymes” which also has that mystical vibe. The author of the latter, Dorothea Joyce told FOREVER 5th DIMENSION exclusively, “There was no one better to interpret the song’s mystery of love, stream of consciousness feeling than Marilyn!” —Robert-Allan Arno

And we begin November with this prestigious event!

@thesherylleeralph and @thedivafoundation are proud to honor the legendary duo Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. at the 35th Annual DIVAS Simply Singing! 🌟

From The 5th Dimension to their timeless love story, Marilyn and Billy have spent decades using their voices to uplift, inspire, and unite generations through music. Their harmony — both onstage and in life — continues to remind us what it means to shine with purpose. ✨

Join us as we honor this dynamic duo with the Legacy of Love Humanitarian Award presented by @aarp for their extraordinary legacy of artistry, love, and philanthropy. 🥂✨

🎶 Saturday, November 1, 2025
📍 Taglyan Complex | Los Angeles
🎟️ divas35.eventbrite.com

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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Celebrating the Graceful Soul of Marilyn McCoo on Her Birthday — A Voice, A Light, A Legacy

Posted on September 29, 2025 | Leave a comment

September 30th always and forever marks a sentimental date among Marilyn McCoo’s millions of global fans. Her beauty, grace, elegance, sensitivity, and signature smile are reflected in her passionate voice—one that has touched generations of admirers.

Personally, as mentors, she and husband Billy Davis, Jr. are discerning voices in my life. Our lengthy phone fellowships alone are treasured moments—not only with two seven-time Grammy winners, but with the dearest of friends.

What is also cherished is Marilyn’s body of work. This year, with the recent loss of my mother, it has been particularly meaningful to curate over forty of Marilyn’s greatest performances. Spanning all age groups and uniting such a diverse audience with her pleasing versatility, Marilyn’s sound was a soothing and compelling presence in my home growing up.

About our special playlist*…

It is so kind of Marilyn and Billy to enjoy and give feedback about these FOREVER 5th DIMENSION compiled playlists. It’s also great fun to switch things up for each occasion, including new finds and reconfiguring the flow of key performances.

In constructing and objectively listening to the sweep of tunes for Marilyn’s birthday—from her 5th Dimension “gloss and torch” solos, to stellar if not Solid Gold TV appearances, with shades of Broadway and the movies in between—it is poignant to wind the festivities to conclusion with songs of powerful inspiration. This feels especially meaningful in these times of uncertainty and needed fortitude.

A true artist, Marilyn once advised me—decades ago, in my very first college radio interview with the duo: “Never rest on your laurels.” She has followed her own sagacity, and her stunning evolution is apparent as we experience the unfurling of this playlist. It represents the best way we can celebrate Marilyn’s essence, and how it has brought Light to our worlds—and still does.

Happy Birthday, Marilyn. We love you. May God’s continued blessings surround you.

–Robert-Allan Arno & Global Fans, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION

*Press the player below and enjoy non-stop Marilyn!:

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno–a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2025; Photos: Arno 5th McCoo/Davis Legacy Collection; intellectual property, all rights reserved

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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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