“Summer of Soul” Nominated for an Oscar! Featuring quotes from the stars of The Original 5th Dimension!

Forever 5th Dimension is so pleased to share that #SummerOfSoulMovie has been nominated for the Academy Award for BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE! Featuring luminous performances by The 5th Dimension onstage at the Harlem Cultural Festival of ’69, here’s what our stars say…

“Who knew that 50 years later this movie would be out! It was so wonderful to see all these Black performers…some young people, they don’t know that music, those performers, it’s great to be part of that history. And to see Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight…and to know they are still performing today, just as we are!” –Florence LaRue

“Congratulations, @Questlove, on the ‘Summer Of Soul’ Oscar nomination by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences! Your brilliant work goes into the history books for its groundbreaking social commentary and incredible uncovering and presentation of these music performances. We are truly proud and blessed to be a part of this @SummerOfSoulMovie project!” –Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.

“It is fabulous to be a part of this historic movie along with my fellow members of The Original 5th Dimension! Congratulations to Questlove, Searchlight Pictures and Hulu.” –LaMonte McLemore

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

Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension: More Concert Dates for ’22! Including Niagara Falls, Atlantic City & Wolf Trap!

Don’t miss the vivacious Florence LaRue & The 5th DimensionPatrice, Floyd, Leonard and Sidney for an evening of Champagne Soul! All the hits, the medleys, the dancin’ and special audience participation surprises! Coming to your city or one near you, Florence & The 5th bring family entertainment to sold-out crowds the world over!
*Featuring updates & re-scheduled dates!
Aug 5 (*re-scheduled), Ridgefield, CTRidgefield Playhouse
May 9-10 (*re-scheduled), Niagara Falls, Ontario, CanadaFallsview Casino
March 3, Vienna, VA *SOLD OUT!!The Barns At Wolf Trap
March 4, Atlantic City, NJhttps://www.tropicana.net/event/shows/5th-dimension  
March 6, San Diego, CAPRIVATE PARTY
March 11, Wheeling, WVCapitol Theater
March 12, Lorain, OHLorain Palace
March 24, NEW!, Cohoes, Spindle City, NY
8:00 PM and 10:00 PM shows!
Cohoes Music Hall: https://www.thecohoesmusichall.org/new-events
New Date! Friday, May 20, Hopewell, VABeacon Theater
New Date! Sunday May 22, Greensburg PAPalace Theater

Marilyn & Billy: Valentines in Vegas!

We’re excited about the 1st Couple of Pop n’ Soul, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. headlining this Valentine’s Weekend @OrleansCasino in Las Vegas! Join them Sat. Feb 12th at 8pm as they soar “Up-Up & Away!” Enjoy all the hits along with music from their new critically acclaimed CD, “Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons!”

Going fast…get your tix here: https://www.orleanscasino.com/whats-new/events/2022-february-showroom-mccoodavisjr

#OrleansCasinoHotelLasVegas #McCooDavisValentinesinVegas

It’s a Florence LaRue Celebration

Dateline Feb 4: The day possesses a special brand of magic for Florence LaRue fans the world over, for it’s the birthday of our “delightful diva!” It’s been a special year for Florence with the release of her inspirational life & style book, “Grace in Your Second Act” and an accompanying media tour. And Florence’s enthusiasm in being part of the docu-film blockbuster “Summer of Soul” underscores another highlight. Not to mention continuing to lead The 5th Dimension to sold-out crowds on multi-season tours, navigating smoothly through pandemic safety. Personally, I cannot forget the charming way I celebrated my own birthday in August, as guest of Florence at one of the group’s east coast concerts. The crucifix I proudly wear around my neck is something she gifted me with for the occasion and marks the thoughtfulness, care and faith my dear friend and the world’s legendary icon stands for. And now our “Florence Celebration” prevails at this FOREVER 5th DIMENSION link as her musical colleagues and the fans weigh in, with an in-depth biographical tribute, updated for 2022: –Robert-Allan Arno

Our Heartfelt Condolences

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

Honoring Black History Month

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)

Remembering the Birthday of the Beloved Ron “Sweets” Townson

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/

“Summer of Soul” Soundtrack Brings Winter Sunshine!

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)

Florence & The 5th Dimension’s January Tour Includes Florida Sunshine & the High Seas!

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!

Remembering Mr. Poitier

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.