Our west coast friends…or those who travel…mark July 10 on your calendars…it’s Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., Thelma Houston (including a tribute to Mary Wilson), Michael Feinstein and the Pasadena Symphony & Pops as part of the Sierra Summer Series…in “Road to Motown.” Forever 5th calls it “Road to Fantastic!“
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Tagged Mary Wilson, McCoo & Davis, Michael Feinstein, Thelma Houston
Exciting news! According to the Facebook pages of current members of The 5th Dimension, Patrice Morris and Sidney Jacobs, The 5th Dimension featuring Florence LaRue will be issuing their updated, post-pandemic touring schedule very soon…and FOREVER 5th DIMENSION will keep you updated, as always. My dear friend, the indomitable sweetheart of the Rock n’ Soul era, Florence LaRue always keeps it ultra-fresh yet historical, presenting a “Champagne Soul” cavalcade of greatest hits and surprises to delighted sold-out concert crowds who can never get enough of the magic of “The 5th.” Stay tuned, fans & friends for more uplifting news! ~~Robert-Allan Arno
JUST IN!
The Ridgefield Playhouse, Connecticut, Aug. 6, 2021…details at this link:
The 5th Dimension | The Ridgefield Playhouse
Plus West Coast Dates: 8/28/21– Yoshi’s in Oakland; 8/29/21– Coach House in San Juan Capistrano!
More Dates Coming Soon!
#The5thDimensionFlorenceLaRue #The5thDimensionGrammysGoldPlatinumHits #The5thDimensionInConcert
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The publicity campaign has been exhilarating so far…fan & media anticipation is high…
the official release of Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.’s “Lennon/McCartney Icons” will be Friday, April 30…
including lyrics, historic background, exclusive and rare photos…it’s Marilyn & Billy reimagining the Beatles & more in a plea for Civil and Human Rights…and unconditional Love for all.
Blackbird…The Fool on The Hill…Ticket to Ride…Yesterday…And I Love Her…The Long & Winding Road…Help…Just Like Starting Over…Silly Love Songs, more…
Pre-order at Amazon here and check “MarBill’s” official pages for more up-to-the-minute information:
Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. – Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons – Amazon.com Music
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2021, all rights reserved.)
3/18: Happy Birthday to the man with the “golden ears,” Mr. Bones Howe, the Grammy-winning mega-producer of The Original 5th Dimension. I’d always tell Bones, “Keep doin’ what you’re doin’!” and he’d always smile humbly in appreciation of his “Mac.” When you’d see “Production & Sound by Bones Howe” on our albums, you could expect some patent leather perfect Champagne Soul! It was Bones’ genius that put together “Aquarius” with “Let the Sunshine In,” making it a Platinum mash-up for the generations. Did you know one of his favorite album cuts is “Summer’s Daughter” off our “Magic Garden” album? Bones was always the kindest, most assuring, and mellow gentleman whose musical vision helped to unite diverse people. Please join us in wishing him special blessings on his special day. We Love ya, Mr. B! ~~LaMonte McLemore with Robert-Allan Arno for Team Mac
(Photo Collage: Top–“Up-Up & Away” recording session, l to r: Florence, Ron, Marilyn, Billy, LaMonte, Bones, Jimmy Webb); “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” single sleeve–Production & Sound by Bones Howe; The Original 5th Dimension; LaMonte at home amid gold/platinum records; Bottom–Bones Howe)
(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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Tagged Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In, Bones Howe, LaMonte McLemore, The 5th Dimension
When Marilyn & Billy showcased “Blackbird” as part of the Beatle’s medley in their “Up-Up & Away: A Musical Fable” onstage retrospective a few years back, Ms. McCoo re-defined the classic tune as a soulmate to Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit.” And now presenting its recording*: A passionate, graceful approach makes for a multi-layered message from Marilyn…a breathtaking title song for the 1st couple of Pop & Soul’s upcoming Lennon/McCartney project, available for pre-order at Amazon. ~~Robert-Allan Arno
From Founding member of The 5th Dimension:
“One of Marilyn’s all-time best. My forever friends & former Original 5th Dimension colleagues, McCoo & Davis just keep getting better & better…pay attention young artists!” ~~LaMonte McLemore
Friends & Fans, listen to ‘Blackbird’ right now on YouTube…
*LINK to “Blackbird”: https://youtu.be/Yg5FZJ3AZww
Just in to FOREVER 5th! From Grammy-winning producer of The Original 5th Dimension, Bones Howe:
Robert, please convey that Bones and I wish Billy and Marilyn love, and success with their new album. ~~Melodie Johnson Howe
Bonus! Watch Marilyn & Billy talk about The 5th Dimension legacy & their new recording on CBS SUNDAY MORNING, taped 2/29/21, at this link: https://youtu.be/qfPJfM9R450
Pre-Order Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.’s “Blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons” CD at Amazon, here:
Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons by Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. on Amazon Music – Amazon.com
And a very special message from Jason Winters of Marilyn & Billy’s Management:
Thank you, Robert for loving and protecting each member of The 5th Dimension. Your relationship with LaMonte (& Mieko), Marilyn & Billy, and Florence is special and precious. Thank you for honoring the legacy of these iconic artists. Imagine the history just made. This week, the 5th Dimension returned to the top of the charts for the first time in 50 years. A miracle. We are all excited about the “Blackbird” project. Whenever we mobilize the support of one (or in this case two) for all and all for The 5th, we have #Victory! Limitless gratitude for all you bring to The McLemore’s during these times and to Forever 5th Dimension each day. You are a hero and blessing. Always, Jason, Erik, Jon, Stephen, Steve and Kathy
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2021, Intellectual Property, All Rights Reserved)
At Forever 5th Dimension, honored to share this conglomeration of powerful & poignant most recent quotes from our favorite stars…
From LaMonte McLemore official on Facebook:
#SunshineSunday#BlackHistoryMonth Recently, we celebrated The 5th Dimension being featured in the award-winning Sundance music-docu, “Summer of Soul” produced by the visionary Questlove. The “mash-up” The 5th performed at the historic Harlem Cultural Festival ’69 was currently at the top of the charts: “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” But the other tune The 5th grooved with onstage was this intoxicating one: “Don’tcha Hear Me Callin’ To Ya.” Come dance with us this afternoon with the original recording, remastered at this link: https://youtu.be/x-oAd5Iz6VY ~~R-A A for Team Mac
From Florence LaRue’s Facebook page:
“Many thanks for all the lovely birthday greetings from all over the world! I wanted to acknowledge them personally, but there were just too many!! I thank God for all of you.”
From Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.’s official social media:
“We started making music in a time where a lot of this country didn’t want to accept us simply for the color of our skin. We defied the odds, and became the first African American married couple to host a network television series on CBS in 1977. When you think about it, that wasn’t all that long ago. We pursue our passions in spite of a lot of forces working against us. This month, we celebrate the progress we’ve made, but never forget that we are always a work in progress toward a more accepting tomorrow. Happy Black History Month!”
Artwork Credits: LaMonte by Kenneth Green; Marilyn & Billy: 50 Years of Love by Ephraim David Udoka, commissioned for McCoo/Davis by 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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Tagged Black History Month, Florence LaRue, LaMonte McLemore, McCoo & Davis, Summer of Soul
LaMonte McLemore and I are so pleased to share that our dear friends, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. have just released a new song (from their exciting forthcoming album interpreting the music of Lennon/McCartney)…with trademark vocal stylings and a very fresh twist, perfect from the first couple of Pop n’ Soul as we usher in Valentine’s Day, 2021. Enjoy a deliciously sweet n’ funky “Silly Love Songs” at this link, and sing along with “MarBill,” friends & fans! ~~Robert-Allan Arno
LINK: https://youtu.be/opop7ZULe2o
(Forever 5th Dimension, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2021, Intellectual Property, All Rights Reserved)
Dateline Feb 10—We’re wishing LaMonte’s lovely wife, Mieko, a Happy & Blessed Birthday today. As humble as she can be, Mieko will wring my neck for posting this, lol, but she deserves a glowing tribute. Many of you know, Mieko’s integrity is her hallmark; personally, she is my honorary sister, and it is ever a pleasure to confab with her and Mac whether keeping LaMonte’s various social media informative, reflective & current, or when we were working tirelessly on LaMonte’s popular memoir. In his book “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” LaMonte highlights Mieko’s delightful sense of humor…and sums up the tale of their charming love story so touchingly, re-working the lyric of a fan favorite song he penned: “A love like ours…was meant to be.” In their Vegas home, Mieko proudly showed me a precious photo of LaMonte’s mother, Mama June and Mieko’s father, walking hand-in-hand. It touchingly stands for Mieko’s heartfelt spirit of unity and exceptional grace. Please join LaMonte and myself, his biographer in celebrating this special lady. ~~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)
From LaMonte McLemore’s Facebook page, 2/9/2021:
We are profoundly saddened to note the passing of founding member of the legendary Supremes, Mary Wilson. Mary’s life force was astounding, she never stopped in the name of music, artistry, history, humanitarianism, style, glamour…and ultimate joy. Mary was LaMonte’s dear friend, Las Vegas neighbor, even Mac’s cheerleader (with Gladys Knight!) at celebrity softball games. LaMonte’s wife Mieko poignantly shares, “Due to pandemic safety, Mac & Mary could not get together recently, but Mary’s last card to LaMonte (and she sent them frequently) stated, ‘Cannot wait to see you soon!’” LaMonte writes a lot about Mary in his memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” and she enjoyed the inherent humor. But most important, Mac stated it was 2 groups— The Supremes and The 5th Dimension that opened doors for other Black singing groups of the late ‘60’s era, to headline stages in Las Vegas. Please join us in a symphony of prayers for the beautiful Mary, her shining spirit soars eternally…
~~Robert-Allan Arno on behalf of LaMonte & Mieko McLemore
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2021, Intellectual Property, All Rights Reserved)
Feb 4: Florence and I chatted in a long telephone conversation on New Year’s Day, what a heartwarming way to usher in ‘21…with my cherished radiant friend who is forever enthusiastic, who is all set to get back onstage leading the current 5th Dimension in-concert and with her solo shows, post-pandemic, who has a new inspiring literary project on the horizon, and is a great and humble humanitarian. But we didn’t talk about ANY of that, just a couple of friends catching up to ring in new year promise and prayerful blessings amid such unusual times. So for the myriad of “Florence fans” and faithful readers of Forever 5th Dimension, I’m so pleased to direct you to our comprehensive birthday salute to the lovely and mighty Florence…it’s a biographical homage, where the fans got to weigh in on her greatest solos, too. Enjoy the reflections at the Forever 5th link below. ~Robert-Allan Arno
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., Intellectual Property, All Rights Reserved, copyright 2014-2021)
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
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