Marilyn, Billy and Mr. Rogers!

AAAMarBill RAREMarilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. participated in the just-released, delightful all-star musical tribute to heralded children’s show host, “Mr. Rogers” as part of the CD, “Thank You, Mr. Rogers–Music & Memories.” Check-out these links to experience a “wonderful day in the neighborhood!”:

Marilyn & Billy share their song and reflections of Mr. Roger’s message–“Let’s Be Together Today”:

Linkhttps://youtu.be/Lr7mPs_0dN0

Marilyn & Billy join other stars including Vanessa Williams, Sandi Patty, the Cowsills, Kellie Pickler, and Jon Secada for a special song, “Thank You for Being You.” (complete):

Linkhttps://youtu.be/78fOd6Nrg-k

mr rogers

–Robert-Allan Arno

A Thanksgiving Message from “Mac”

As featured on LaMonte McLemore’s Facebook page:

Happy Thanksgiving on behalf of LaMonte McLemore & his family, to you, his very kind friends & fans. LaMonte and the lessons learned from his cherished mother & beloved grandmother have always stood for “the attitude of gratitude.” Waking up each day with a smile on his face, “Mac” continues to make excellent strides in his recovery and plans to have a meaningful, relaxing Thanksgiving at home with his loved ones. As the holiday season begins, we thank you for your ongoing special wishes & prayers…please know that LaMonte is grateful for each & everyone of you.

MacTHANKS 3

Robert-Allan Arno for “Team Mac”

The 5th Dimension: Chevrolet Jingle ’69, Rare!

5th 69

Watch this latest FOREVER 5th DIMENSION production,

as seen on YouTube:

About the video Forever 5th Dimension is so pleased to present this rarity, The Original 5th Dimension–Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue, LaMonte McLemore and Ron Townson–with a jingle for Chevrolet…”introducing 1969!” And it’s quite symbolic in that the year we’ve been celebrating all this year in 2019, for its 50 year milestone, brought The 5th Dimension their greatest hit with the medley of “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” from HAIR…an “anthem for a generation,” platinum smash that spent 6 straight weeks at #1 in spring of ’69. And then there was Marilyn & Billy’s wedding that summer (sans the “bell blues!”), something else to revel in with the “First Couple of Pop n’ Soul” renewing their vows this past July to honor their golden anniversary.

VERY RARE BATHINGTo accompany these events, I got to talk to LaMonte McLemore about the legend of “Aquarius” for the popular “Culture Sonar” in late spring, the article is at this link: https://www.culturesonar.com/the-fift…

WEDDING AAnd then I got to visit with Marilyn & Billy about their greatest hits and fondest memories this summer, also for “Culture Sonar” at this link: https://www.culturesonar.com/the-fift…

AAAFLOREnjoy this Chevrolet jingle in the spirit of musical versatility that always reflected The 5th Dimension’s essence. Some great jazzy-pop, matchless harmonies, stratospheric high notes from “the girls,” and a sensual mini solo from Florence and a “soul-licious” one from Billy…all in one commercial! RARE RED 2

–Robert-Allan Arno, November 2019

Biographer, The Original 5th Dimension; LaMonte McLemore

Ron Townson’s Granddaughter, G.G. Townson, to star in Lifetime Movie

GEORGETTE

G. G. Townson, a rising star

Forever 5th Dimension is excited to report that the granddaughter of original member of The 5th Dimension, the beloved Ron “Sweets” Townson, has been cast as the lead in Lifetime’s biopic on seminal rappers “Salt-N-Pepa.” G.G. (Georgette) Townson, who’s already had an extensive career in acting, singing and dancing–including appearing in sit-coms and at the Grammys with Pharrell Williams— will play Cheryl “Salt” James.

ron resized 5

Ron “Sweets” Townson

Read the complete exclusive about the movie in VARIETY, here:

https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/lifetime-salt-n-pepa-biopic-casting-exclusive-1203394245/

Ms. Townson is represented by 90210 Talent

–Robert-Allan Arno

LaMonte McLemore Back Home, Recovering Nicely

Mac TUX SMILE10/30, Official Update: LaMonte McLemore‘s Remarkable Progress!

Hello again, friends & fans, this is LaMonte’s biographer Robert-Allan Arno on behalf of his wonderful wife & family. First, we thank each and everyone of you for your heartwarming and prayerful comments, they were shared with LaMonte and have made him smile time and again, truly cheering him on! Second, and most important, our “Mac” has made remarkable progress and is now back home, continuing to rehab with the best in the field. With the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday “in the air,” we can certainly be grateful for LaMonte’s ongoing smooth recovery. We kindly add that all private messages will be returned in due time, for now, please post more of your sweet sentiments on his Facebook page…again, they will be shared with LaMonte.

ABA THANK YOU MAC

With Love from “Mac,” and much appreciation from his family and “Team Mac.”

Marilyn McCoo Returns to “Days of Our Lives” Along with Billy Davis, Jr.!

JAMAR DAYS

Daytime Emmy-winning James Reynolds (Abe) and 7-time Grammy-winning Marilyn McCoo (Tamara) in 1987

Breaking News! Marilyn and Billy reported to me and now that the various “soap” columns, too are breaking the story…FOREVER 5th DIMENSION is so pleased to formally share that for the first time since 1987, our very own Marilyn will reprise her role on the NBC daytime drama, “Days of Our Lives” as that saucy, mysterious chanteuse Tamara Price, Lani Price’s (Sal Stowers) mother, on Friday, November 1! And Billy will be joining her as a new character! Will there be “Wedding Bell Blues” for daughter Lani? Will sparks re-emerge for former flames, Abe and Tamara? Will 7-time Grammy winners, “MarBill” make future appearances, too?  Stay tuned!!

new marbill don' like

Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.

Marilyn told me, “Tamara’s last appearance was over 30 years ago, I am amazed and grateful that the ‘Days’ fans are so loyal and have been wanting this return!” Having  recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, Marilyn & Billy will actually be “Up-Up and Away,” returning from their 2nd honeymoon on November 1. They share cutely, “We plan to tape it!”  –Robert-Allan Arno

Here’s the Back-story, courtesy Jason47’s Days Website:

In 1986 on “Days,” Tamara came to Salem as one of Marlena’s friends, and sang at Marlena and Roman’s wedding that same year. She briefly dated Abe Carver before leaving town on May 7, 1987. Viewers did not learn until 2015 that Tamara left Salem pregnant and gave birth to Abe’s daughter, Lani. 8,237 episodes will have aired since McCoo’s last appearance on “Days” (Episode # 5478).

Lani Tamara Price

Marilyn with TV daughter Sal Stowers (“Tamara” and “Lani”), volunteering at the LA Mission. Marilyn stated, “Sal is a beautiful, lovely young woman.”

 

Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension: Exciting Fall & Winter Tour!

5thFlor Zebra Print

Our “Delightful Diva” Ms. Florence LaRue along with Patrice, Leonard, Floyd and Sidney, The 5th Dimension bring you the “Champagne Soul” hits of a lifetime, effortlessly garnering sold-out crowds wherever they grace the stage! Take a look at their crisp Fall & Winter ’19 Calendar with special east coast dates in October, Wisconsin dates in November, and holiday concerts this December thru New Year’s Eve in Park City, Utah …and in the “Forever 5th” vein, they’re starting to book for 2020, too! Check out The 5th Dimension official site , their in-concert schedule here:

http://5thdimensionlive.com/calendar/

50, This Summer’s Magical “5th” Number

Photo of 5th DimensionWhat an exhilarating late spring & summer of 2019, where 50 seemed to be a magical number!  You see, the anniversary of The 5th Dimension’s greatest hit of all time–spending 6 straight weeks at #1 in 1969–the medley of “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” hit its 5 decades. We talked all about it at the popular CULTURE SONAR with this exclusive Q & A between myself & LaMonte McLemore. Here’s the link to “The 5th Dimension: The Age of Aquarius at 50”:

The Fifth Dimension: The Age of Aquarius At 50

MarBill Wedding Renewal

Precious shot! Marilyn & Billy renewing their vows, 50th Wedding Anniversary

And then our 1st Couple of Pop & Soul, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in late July with a lovely renewal ceremony & soirée. I also got to have a very cool chat with “MarBill” for their golden milestone and about the secrets behind their myriad hits at CULTURE SONAR. Enjoy our informative interview, “Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.–50 Years of Marriage & Greatest Hits,” here:

The Fifth Dimension’s Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.: 50 Years of Marriage & Hits

Robert-Allan Arno

 

LaMonte McLemore Making Smooth Recovery

Official Update on LaMonte McLemore:

LaMonte McLemore Official

10/3/19: Hi, this is LaMonte’s biographer & public relations coordinator, Robert-Allan Arno, writing on behalf of his family. We wanted to let friends & fans know that on Sunday night, LaMonte had suffered a mild stroke. He is receiving the best of care and is already showing remarkable progress. Remember, whatever LaMonte has envisioned in his life & set his mind to, he has championed. His recovery will be no different. For now, we simply ask you to be our special prayer warriors to give “Mac” that extra boost! We know The original 5th Dimension family, Florence LaRue and the team of Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. are joining right along, too…so let’s all “Let the Sunshine In” for LaMonte!

 

Holiday 5th-Fun ’18!

Take a look at these festive n’ fun to-do’s, guaranteed to “walk your feet in the holiday season sunshine!”  –Robert

Vote! 

no-jiveProgram Director Allan Sniffen & our good friends at Rewound Radio, one of the Internet’s top “oldies” stations, have been so kind to The 5th Dimension legacy over the years, presenting their hits, rarities, special interviews with LaMonte and Florence, birthday tributes to each of the original stars, and recording exclusive ID’s with Marilyn, Billy, Florence & Mac. Let’s show our appreciation by voting in this year’s exciting Top 77 of All Time. It’s easy and fun! Here’s how…

VOTE for your favorite songs in the 21st Top 77 of All Time!  This year you can vote for up to TEN songs…rank your choices in order, put your most favorite at #1! VOTE at this link: https://musicradio77.com/voting2018.html

“It’s not how old it is…it’s how good it is,” says Rewound! Listen to them on the ‘net at: www.rewoundradio.com

Results of the Top 77 will be unveiled the day after Christmas thru New Year!

Mac’s Goody Bag! 

mac santa hatLaMonte McLemore has these holiday gift-giving suggestions…one is nice, one is “naughty!!” Mac shares…

“Give the gift of my hit memoir co-authored by Robert-Allan Arno, ‘From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music'”
book cover
Or…”Give the gift of laughter with my rib-tickling joke book, ‘Everybody Loves a Good Dirty Joke'”
“Both make “cool Yule” gifts!”  –LaMonte
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Exciting Concert News!
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McCoo & Davis, “The 1st Couple of Pop & Soul”

7-time Grammy winners, “The 1st Couple of Pop & Soul” Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. will be presenting their “Up, Up & Away: Hits & Holidays” concert at the Riviera Theater in North Tonawanda, New York on Sat. Dec 15. For tickets & more information: https://rivieratheatre.org/event/mccoo-davis

Black White Columbus DayBack by popular request, Marilyn & Billy return to Feinstein’s at the Nikko in San Francisco for 3 shows, Fri & Sat, Nov 30 – Dec 1. For tickets & details: https://www.feinsteinsatthenikko.com/calendar/
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Florence & The 5th bring magic to 2019….
5th with Sidney
Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension (Patrice, Leonard, Floyd and Sidney) bring their inimitable “Champagne Soul magic”  in concert to sold-out crowds who never can get enough of the greatest hits, awesome harmonies & enchanting staging! Their exciting 2019 touring schedule is already shaping up with stops in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, Branson Missouri, and much more. See their official schedule here:  http://5thdimensionlive.com/calendar/
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SANTA 5th(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd, copyright 08-18, all rights reserved)