Celebrating Billy’s Birthday with a Rare One!

Posted on June 26, 2016 | 2 comments

It’s The 5th Dimension as The Versatiles!

Dateline June 26–We’re honoring the birthday of Billy Davis, Jr. with a rare landmark recording, as featured in this YouTube for FOREVER 5th DIMENSION.  According to group founder LaMonte McLemore, “Everyone thinks we started in ’67 because of ‘Up-Up and Away,’ but I formed the group in late ’65.” LaMonte, Billy, along with Marilyn McCoo, Florence LaRue, and Ron Townson were known as The Versatiles then, before manager Marc Gordon convinced them to go find a hipper moniker. This tune, “You’re Good Enough for Me” was the A-side of The Versatile’s only single on Bronco Records (produced and co-written in ’65 by Gordon). And it’s notable that the quintet had initial interest in recording for Motown, for surely this production had that company’s flavor. McLemore adds, “It’s good we didn’t go with Motown and that Marc got us connected with Johnny Rivers’s Soul City Records and the music of Jimmy Webb…our eventual sound wound up un-matched!” True, yet this single side is quite unique, too, as it brings us the roots of The 5th Dimension and one of Mr. Billy Davis, Jr.’s earliest leads.

RARE ED SULLIVAN

For his birthday, the fans at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION have been celebrating Billy’s many memorable solos with “The 5th”: The still-timely tour-de-force, “A Change is Gonna Come,” the sweet-Soul of “Summer’s Daughter” and “Misty Roses,” the inspirational “Leave A Little Room,” and the raucous romp of recovery in “Feelin’ Alright.” Along with the passion of “Requiem: 820 Latham,” “Let It Be Me,” and “The Worst that Could Happen,” Billy Davis Jr’s musical exploits bring out equally-impassioned sentiments from fans old and new. It’s no wonder luminaries like the aforementioned Webb, the late Maurice White and Gerald Levert of Earth, Wind & Fire and The O’Jay’s, respectively, and former band-mates McLemore and LaRue have labeled him one of our greatest Soul singers. Most certainly, his wife of soon-to-be 47 years, the ever-lovely Ms. McCoo warmly and pridefully concurs.

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

Gentleman of Soul

As The Original 5th Dimension’s biographer, I dub Billy Davis, Jr. our Gentleman of Soul. As we wish him a blessed birthday with this early gem, it’s remarkable that this may not have exactly foreshadowed the perfect jewels to come, but was a charming start, one The 5th eventually would have fun “spoofing” in concert and on TV (The Flip Wilson Show). Today, on the occasion of Mr. Davis’s birthday, we can look back on “You’re Good Enough for Me” with a smile, a finger-snap and a strut in our step. —Robert-Allan Arno

Special thanks to Paul Corley–this rare single is from his exclusive collection.

More thanks to the special fans, and to the stars: Billy, Marilyn, Florence and LaMonte. Also to Sterling Winters.

Photos: The Arno 5th Legacy Collection, DeniseRose Torres and Getty Images

LaMonte McLemore’s hit memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” is available at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0692307362

Visit Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. at http://www.mccoodavis.com

Visit Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension, today at: http://the5thdimensionlive.com/

Robert-Allan Arno is at: http://www.about.me/robertallanarno

WESTBURY DAVIS A, M CROPP FB

Billy, Robert, Marilyn, June 2016

(FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, copyright 2016, The Soul of the Voice, Ltd., intellectual property, all rights reserved)

2 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , ,

Marilyn & Billy Bring An Irresistible Musical Fable

Posted on June 14, 2016 | 2 comments

Unforgettable two Gen Bob Photog

Review–Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. in “Up, Up and Away, a Musical Fable,” Theater at Westbury, Long Island, June 9, 2016

by Robert-Allan Arno

This is the type of “review” which can be deemed as subjective and objective.  Not only am I the biographer of The Original 5th Dimension and its founder, LaMonte McLemore, but the Theater at Westbury, once known as Westbury Music Fair, was sacred home for the many times I had seen the original quintet perform while I grew up on Long Island. And so as the evening’s overture played, I sighed, “Now, this is full-circle!” then wondered quickly, “Has the beautiful balloon finally landed?” About the latter, no possible way.  If anything, it soars higher than ever. Marilyn McCoo remains as gorgeous as her legendary octaves do; Billy Davis, Jr. is our true Gentleman of Soul.  Their Broadway-like presentation, “Up, Up and Away, A Musical Fable” (which I keep accidentally calling “a musical fantasy!”) is a revelation even for someone like myself.  And by the way, “fantasy” fits this bill–you have to keep pinching yourself that what you’re seeing and hearing is a reality. That McCoo-Davis individually collective sound, the moves, the back-up singers, the top-flight band (led by Darrell Alston) are all so exquisitely pristine yet astute that we get to see the movies of our minds…live!  unforgettable nine gen bob

From the first strains of their signature “Up-Up and Away” to the last of “Let the Sunshine In” and its “Aquarius” mash-up mate, we’re taken on one heart-tugging, joyful and exhilarating ride.  Marilyn and Billy commence with a “Where or When” sampler through everything from Billy’s Blues roots, Marilyn’s torch inclinations, “Solid Gold” days, “Showboat” and “Dreamgirls,” in a way that’s seamlessly autobiographical.  It’s clear that both McCoo and Davis were virtual child prodigies who made their dreams including Broadway stints and TV series, come true.  “You Don’t Have to be a Star,” baby, but MarBill make us feel like special revelers invited to their party as they keep intensifying their show, bringing us in with their scripted and seemingly off-the-cuff patter.  The hits just keep coming, and many in the audience were singing along, hooting n’ hollering, and getting down with “Stoned Soul/Sweet Blindness” unadulterated fun, “Last Night I Didn’t Get to Sleep” smooth grooves, “Wedding Bell Blues” flirty moves, and “Save the Country” verve.

Unforgettable three Gen Bob

How can Marilyn’s “Never My Love” surpass that famed moment from “The 5th Dimension–Live” album?  She made it happen and it stopped the show with a protracted standing O.  How can Billy’s “The Worst that Could Happen” redefine what was already so full-throttle?  He sure did, stopping the show again with another grand ovation. And then there’s “MacArthur Park.” As we immediately recall the beloved Ron Townson’s in-concert lead, Billy graciously does so too, singing in his deeper tones, diction emphatic…we behold the measure of a man who gives homage by inhabiting a song, finding its richest subtext.  Of course, so does La McCoo who offers the Jimmy Webb masterpiece her intricately syncopated back-ups in solidarity, along with three talented singers (Cydney Davis, Cynthia Bass and choreographer as well, Andre Carthen).  Breathtaking is their take on the cake…in the rain, as a “fade to black” gives us a chance to catch our breath during intermission.

Unforgettable Seven Gen Bob

A Beatles medley opens the second act with so many twists and turns to “musically stretch out,” I will leave it as a surprise when you get to see this production.  And speaking of “The Fab 4,” did you know The 5th Dimension was sometimes known as “The Black Beatles?”  According to group founder McLemore, “Like the Beatles, all our fans–regardless of race–knew both the first and last names of each of the original members of The 5th Dimension.”  Furthermore, this McCoo-Davis 2016 retrospective on “The Fab 5,” in no way diminishes Ms. LaRue and The current 5th Dimension, for Florence as well as LaMonte and Ron are mentioned warmly and seen on-screen via select photos, throughout the show.  Indeed, The 5th Dimension remains family. It should be noted that Ms. McCoo, Mr. Davis and their seminal quintet became leading pop cultural figures by example. As such, their harmonious sound and image united diverse people during the turbulent times of the late ’60’s and early ’70’s.  Just like The Mills Brothers, Lena Horne, Nat King Cole and Johnny Mathis before them, they did it with class yet were in a class by themselves.  And when The 5th had to make a stand-out political point, they did it with the same spirit of finesse we always expected. Case in point, The Independence Medley from the historic “Portrait” album. Guess what?  Marilyn and Billy re-purpose it today, in a way that gives thought to our country’s still-troubling Civil Rights condition and revisits their own recorded glory.

Marilyn Unforgettable

Ms. McCoo sings “Blackbird” (photo courtesy Miguel de Leon)

When Ms. McCoo steps forward to emote “Blackbird,” it seems no longer part of the aforementioned Beatles medley, in fact, once she concludes, it becomes indelible as a prelude to the “on the record” Independence Medley.  Moreover, Marilyn makes “Blackbird” a soulmate to Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit.”  Just thinking of McCoo’s watershed interpretation brings tears as it did to many in attendance.  Then there’s the familiar “The Declaration,” a tune so many school children utilized to learn the “We hold these truths…that all men are created equal” words to such a revolutionary document.  While unfolding, I began experiencing it as foreshadowing Broadway’s current hit “Hamilton”–yes, it’s 5th scholarship at its most hip, as well as the perfect lead-in to Billy’s tour-de-force: “A Change is Gonna Come.” 

Unforgettable 4 Gen Bob

Here Davis takes us to church as we are powerfully yet poignantly reminded of struggles, losses, gains and the renewing promise of eternal hope.  We soon thank God for “People Gotta Be Free” as we clap with Marilyn, Billy and singers in cathartic jubilation…what artistic transference! 

Unforgettable Six Gen BobNext, Marilyn’s solo signature, “One Less Bell to Answer” becomes a diva aria of Pop-Jazz that raises the roof as only an angel of song can.  By the show’s conclusion, we see “The Way We Were” with newfound gratitude, for Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr.–soon to celebrate a 47th wedding anniversary–have brought us our “fountain of youth” while sharing their very own, timeless musical fable.

WESTBURY Davis, Arno, McCoo

Billy Davis, Jr., Robert-Allan Arno, Marilyn McCoo

Visit http://www.mccoodavis.com or the Official Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. page on FB

Primary Photo Credit and Very Special Thanks to: (C) 2016 Bob Felderman, General Bob Photography

Please “Like” General Bob Photography on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralBobPhotography/ or visit Bob’s website: http://www.GeneralBobPhotography.com

“Marilyn & Billy…an Irresistible Musical Fable,” copyright 2016 by Robert-Allan Arno for FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, a production of The Soul of the Voice, Ltd.

 

2 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , ,

Dimension 5ive!

Posted on April 3, 2016 | 1 comment

Spring 2016 is here and our favorite stars are as busy as ever with “today’s projects!”  MB 1Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. who by the way, will be celebrating 47 years of marriage this coming July, are happily touring with both their acclaimed concerts plus special Broadway-like retrospective, “Up, Up and Away–a Musical Fable.”  By fan request, East coast appearance dates this spring!

COOL 5th BODY NOW THREEFlorence LaRue & The 5th Dimension (Patrice Morris, Willie Williams, Leonard Tucker and Floyd Smith) sell out vast crowds wherever they take the stage with their exciting evening of harmonious n’ hip “Champagne Soul.”  The timeless Florence is celebrating 50 years with The 5th! And just in–they’ll be performing in the Philippines this May!

Vegas Mac Glover TwoLaMonte McLemore has added to the accomplishment of his hit memoir which I had to pleasure and honor to co-author (“From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music”) with a fun joke book and a new inspiring tune, “If I Could Fly.”

Now, here’s a little more “Dimension 5ive” news (before I give you links to all the above)…from a classic golden jingle to thoughts from Patrice and Toni, to celebrating Bones and remembering Frank, Jr….and thank YOU, fans & friends, for being part of “Forever 5th Dimension!”  —Robert-Allan

RARE 101 closeupIt’s a “Great Golden Day!”  New, from the FOREVER 5th DIMENSION YouTube page, our production of the retro Coca Cola jingle circa ’68…very much in the genre of the “Stoned Soul Picnic” album, The 5th’s unmatched style, shining even in commercial form with a Bossa Nova feel, is addictive all these years later!  Take a listen & look at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7IziFzZCvU&feature=youtu.be
Forever 5th Dimension is proud to present The Original 5th Dimension with this classic jingle basked in their quintessential “5th style,” circa ’68 for Coca …

patrice birthday 14 Patrice says!:  Here’s a lovely reflection from soprano Patrice Morris about being a member of The 5th Dimension, today and working with the legendary Florence LaRue:  “I’m so blessed to work with some of the most talented, spirit-filled people. The beautiful Ms. Florence LaRue is every bit the master teacher of elegance, poise, and stage presence. I’ve learned so much just being in her company and watching her. Willie Williams, Leonard A Tucker Jr and Floyd A Smith are absolutely charming. I love singing with them and just hanging out with them. The 5th Dimension is such a classy group that still packs out venues almost everywhere we go. I’m still amazed by the response we receive from our loyal, faithful fans. It’s incredibly awesome and I’m honored to be a member of this ongoing, long lasting, talented group.” —Patrice Morris

Love from Toni! Toni Tennille of Captain & Tennille fame shared this about working with Marilyn & Billy last month, for “International Woman’s Day”:  “Marilyn and Billy are two lovely people, and SHE is such a terrific singer! I haven’t seen them in quite a few years, but every time I think of them it is with great fondness.”  Here’s Marilyn & Billy joining Toni & Daryl for a mighty “You’re All I Need to Get By,” as performed on “The Captain & Tennille Show,” ’77: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJv-bxIMz20 

Bones howe 5th

Up-Up & Away album recording session:  l to r–Florence, Ron, Marilyn, Billy, LaMonte,.Bones Howe, and Jimmy Webb

Mr. Bones! Recently we celebrated the birthday of 5th producer extraordinaire, Grammy-winning (“Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In”) Bones Howe.  On behalf of myself and The 5th Dimension, I wrote this to Sir Bones:  “3/18–Happy Birthday to a genius producer who has made all our lives brighter in the music, and personally, in knowing you, Bones. Thank you for your friendship and mentor-ship…we honor you today at ‘Forever 5th Dimension.’ Many continued blessings to a great man!”

Sinatra Jr.Remembering Frank, Jr.: And sadly, we mourned the untimely passing of Frank Sinatra, Jr.  Marilyn & Billy stated, “The Sinatra family was always so kind to The 5th Dimension, and we enjoyed working with Frank, Jr. on a number of occasions. His incredible musical gift will be missed along with his special sense of humor.”  Plus, LaMonte and myself extended our condolences to our kind friend, Nancy Sinatra.  Recently, Florence & The 5th Dimension guest-starred at the the Frank Sinatra 100th Year Gala, signifying the group’s ongoing connection to the Sinatra legacy…as we all continue to pray for the family.

FRANK SILVER

The Original 5th Dimension appear on Frank, Sr.’s TV special, ’68:  “Francis Albert Sinatra Does His Thing”

*****

Visit Marilyn & Billy for concert news, more at:  http://www.mccoodavis.com You’ll find their 2-volume latest Live CD there!

marbill CHRISTMAS CONCERTS

Or “Like” their official Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. Facebook page!

Visit Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension for tour schedule and more at:  http://www.5thdimensionlive.com/RARE ALTERN 5th

Or Florence‘s website at:  http://www.florencelarue.com

Here are LaMonte McLemore‘s latest projects, and don’t forget to friend him on Facebook!

The hit memoir—FROM HOBO FLATS TO THE 5TH DIMENSION with raves from Johnny Mathis, Mary Wilson & Nancy Sinatra, 50 photos, even a recipe…New! The joke book—500+ “naughty but nice” jokes to tickle your funny bone…The song—Uplifting in that 5th tradition, Mac’s lyrics make “If I Could Fly” an inspiring musical mantra!

Pick up each, at these easy links:
book cover–The Memoir on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0692307362
–The Joke Book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Everyone-loves-dirty-ti…/…/ref=sr_1_1…
–The Song at CD Baby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/juliohanson

Appreciation 51aquarius single

 *****

PRINCEBreaking News:  Forever 5th Dimension is saddened by the untimely passing of music legend, Prince. Our prayers for his family and sympathies to his legions of fans. Marilyn & Billy state: “Prince’s impact on music will long be felt. He opened new doors, created new sounds. As well, the world has been seeing so many amazing stories about Prince–the person. What a beautiful heart he had. Long live his influence!” And fans Brian Medoro and Andy Gard remind that Florence & The 5th Dimension joyfully covered a Prince tune called “Strollin'” a few years back, in-concert.  Perhaps they’ll now add “Purple Rain” to their memorable “Rain Medley,” in homage.

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of the Voice, Ltd., 2008-16, all rights reserved.  Photo credits:  David Costa, Getty Images, Nancy Sinatra, The Arno 5th Dimension McCoo/Davis Legacy Collection, Ray Glover)

1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Marilyn & Billy: Valentines in Vegas!

Posted on February 13, 2016 | Leave a comment

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

To think that exactly a year ago, Valentine’s Day–for after all, The 5th Dimension always stands for love!– LaMonte and  I launched his now-hit memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” at the Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas with our afternoon on-stage chat and fan meet n’ greet…and who were our special guests?  None other than Marilyn & Billy.  How Mac & I enjoyed their concert in the Orleans showroom later that evening!  And in 2016…

marilynmccoo-billydavisjr NEW SESSION ALT

Yes, it’s a year later–I am here tending to biz in chilly NYC–and our “MarBill” are back at the Orleans with their all-new Broadway-like show:  “Up-Up & Away:  A Musical Fable!”  They’ll be bringing it with sizzling story & song & dance & romance along with their troupe, this Sat & Sun, the 13th & 14th…truly defining the iconic phrase: “Love is waiting there!”

And look for “Up-Up & Away: A Musical Fable!” coming to a city near you!  Tune into McCoo & Davis’s lively official Facebook page for the latest news on the dynamic duo…and “forever lovebirds!”

–Robert-Allan Arno

BONUS…JUST IN!  Exclusive photos from the Valentine’s evening performance…not only smooth & romantic, but powerfully historic, including: “One Less Bell,” “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” “Never My Love,” “MacArthur Park,” “Blackbird,” “The Declaration,” “A Change Is Gonna Come,” “The Man that Got Away,” “In the Midnight Hour,” “Where or When,” “Up-Up and Away,” “Stoned Soul Picnic/Sweet Blindness,”  and much more…

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES
SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES
SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

Watch Marilyn & Billy on Fox News 5’s Morning Show, Las Vegas: http://www.fox5vegas.com/clip/12210154/more-interviews-marilyn-mccoo-billy-davis

book coverOrder the 5-star reviewed memoir recommended by MarBill, Mary Wilson, Nancy Sinatra, Johnny Mathis and Neil Sedaka…”From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” by McLemore & Arno at Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/0692307362

(Special thanks to Steve Rosenblum of Sterling Winters and exclusive photos courtesy of the DeniseRose Torres Collection, all rights reserved)

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , ,

Remembering Maurice White

Posted on February 5, 2016 | 1 comment

maurice white two

FOREVER 5th DIMENSION expresses prayerful sympathies on the loss of Maurice White, founder of legends Earth, Wind & Fire. In his memoir, FROM HOBO FLATS TO THE 5th DIMENSION, LaMonte McLemore noted how all the up & coming artists, from The Temptations, to The 5th Dimension, to Earth, Wind & Fire, would pool their monies and their dreams, staying at “Hobo Flats” as a supportive launch pad to their mutual successes. Moreover, in my liner notes to The Ultimate 5th Dimension CD, producer Bones Howe shared this about the hit, “Stoned Soul Picnic”: “Maurice White confessed to me that when he heard ‘Stoned Soul,’ it quote, did it for him! It inspired him to form Earth, Wind & Fire!”

Maurice White, his unparalleled vision and artistry are eternal.

–Robert-Allan Arno

1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , ,

Happy Birthday, Florence LaRue!

Posted on February 4, 2016 | 1 comment
fLOR RED BOB BARRY

Florence LaRue (photo by Bob Barry)

Dateline Feb 4—We celebrate the birthday of our “Delightful Diva,” the lovely Florence LaRue. Join Forever 5th Dimension for our special essay salute to this indomitable 6-time Grammy award winner, a multi-faceted artist whose endearing brand of “sunshine” is adored the world over… also featuring greetings from the fans! At this link:

https://forever5thdimension.wordpress.com/2014/02/03/the-delightful-divas-birthday/

1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , ,

A Tribute to Ron Townson

Posted on January 29, 2016 | Leave a comment

ron resized 5

1/29–On the birth date of Ron “Sweets” Townson, join us for our updated, 2016 “Forever 5th Dimension” celebration of the beloved singer, with quotes from his colleagues in song, at this link:   https://forever5thdimension.wordpress.com/2014/01/28/celebrating-ron-townsons-birthday/

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Marilyn & Billy to Star in New Musical!

Posted on January 15, 2016 | 1 comment

FULL IMAGE MARBILL

JUST IN! Music icons Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. will make their debut in the new musical, Up, Up & Away!: A Musical Fable. The world premiere for the highly-anticipated theater production is Thursday, January 21, 8:00 P.M. at the prestigious McCallum Theatre, Palm Dessert, CA.

Read the detailed Press Release about this exiting event (with more dates/locations to be announced, soon):

http://www.prnewswire.com/search-results/news/mccoo%2520davis-30-days-page-1-pagesize-20

1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , ,

We Remember Natalie Cole

Posted on January 10, 2016 | Leave a comment

natalie angel

At the dawning of this new year, we have lost an incomparable artist and entertainer.  LaMonte McLemore reminisces with me, “The 5th Dimension and Natalie Cole worked together on stage in my hometown of  St. Louis in the ’80’s.  Suddenly, a large gust of wind came from nowhere, knocking every bit of sheet music off the stands–even some of the musician’s stowed away hot dogs hit the deck–but we all laughed about it and still had a great time! Natalie was a very kind person.”  Former 5th member Joyce Wright Pierce adds, “I recall it was at the Gateway Arch on fourth of July, and it was magical!  Natalie was as humble as it gets.”  LaMonte continues,  “Back in the day, I not only took her dad, Nat King Cole’s photograph for JET magazine, but daughter and Natalie’s sister, Carole “Cookie” Cole’s, for her cotillion.  And who should show up for that event, to pay respects, but President Kennedy! I look back on the Cole family with the fondest of memories.”

Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. posted on Twitter:

Another Great Talent gone from us. RIP Natalie in the arms of our Lord.

Love you, Billy & Marilyn

I’d like to personally share that it was Natalie Cole’s self-penned liner notes for the “Unforgettable…with Love” project and the tone of her autobiography, “Angel on My Shoulder” that greatly inspired both the style of my liners for “The Ultimate 5th Dimension” CD and my co-authorship of LaMonte’s memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension.”  Like with her singing, Natalie’s writing was elegant yet down to earth–real, witty, and even “cozy”…she talked to “one person at a time,” truly bringing us in. I want to remember these beautifully transcendent attributes here at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, not only her musical influence but the literary muse she was for me.  Ms. Cole’s spirit of excellence is eternal, forever in our hearts…as we now look “Up-Up and Away, ” toward heaven itself. 

–Robert-Allan Arno

Biographer, The Original 5th Dimension and LaMonte McLemore

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , ,

Flashback, Flash-forward: A Champagne Soul Review!

Posted on January 3, 2016 | 6 comments
As we enter the eighth year of our globally popular FOREVER 5th DIMENSION blog, the nice folks at WordPress offer this nifty report:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 7,500 times in 2015. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 6 trips to carry that many people. There were nearly 50 pictures uploaded in ‘15, that’s about 4 pictures per month. The busiest day of the year was September 30th with 210 views. The most popular post that day was HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MISS McCOO!
forever5thdimension.wordpress.com
A Blog in Tribute to the Stars of The Original 5th Dimension–Yesterday, Today, Forever, by Robert-Allan Arno

While we flashback on the “greatest 2015 hits” of our fave stars, we are blessed to look forward to a bright year ahead. The duet of Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr…Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension…and LaMonte McLemore each had a strong year…and continue going strong!  The ethereal “sunshine” of the original members of The 5th Dimension prevails!…

marilynmccoo-billydavisjr NEW SESSION ALT Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. celebrated 46 years of marriage in ‘15 and continue to tour to the best reviews of their career–from Vegas to symphony concerts to cabaret venues and music cruises.  Singing in the Light CollageThe engaging duo joined me here at FOREVER 5th in July to honor their anniversary and the blog’s 7th year with an in-depth interview—we laughed, cried and shared some pretty unique thoughts on the music, the magic and even had a mini Master Class. Read “Marilyn & Billy: Singing in the Light” at:  https://forever5thdimension.wordpress.com/2015/07/26/marilyn-billy-singing-in-the-light/

MB 4Marilyn & Billy say:   “To all our special friends who stay in touch with us throughout the year, you are our motivation for continuing to do the things we do. Your messages asking us to come to your area mean so much. You don’t know how much we want to perform in every one of those cities and towns…you are truly the wind beneath our wings!”

Join Marilyn & Billy at their  lively official Facebook page, and for latest tour info at:  www.mccoodavis.com

NEWEST FLOR Florence LaRue , the sole original member and lead singer of The 5th Dimension today, toasted a milestone this past October, her 50th year with the group! Along with Patrice Morris, Willie Williams, Leonard Tucker and Floyd A Smith, she plays to sold-out crowds–including an outdoor concert this past summer of over 20 thousand fans in attendance!COOL 5th BODY NOW THREE She also presents her one-woman show, “Just As I Am.”  Florence is completing her book on beauty “from the inside out,” she told me with her trademark enthusiasm.  Bringing her effervescence to the new year, the “delightful diva” just appeared on the Mayor’s Discover LA float at the Rose Parade and offers this to fans: “I pray for you a year (and LIFE ) blessed with good health, peace, prosperity (in ALL things), wonderful music, joy, and love!”Florence Parade

Visit Florence & The 5th Dimension for latest concert info at:  www.thefifthdimension.org

Or check out Florence’s website at: www.florencelarue.com

crop this andvegas done It was a banner year for founder of The 5th Dimension and renowned photographer, LaMonte McLemore.  The long-anticipated memoir I had the pleasure of co-authoring with “Mac,” “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension:  A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music” was released this year to 5-star raves including stellar reviews from colleagues Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Marilyn & Billy, Johnny Mathis, Nancy Sinatra, Neil Sedaka, and JD Nicholas of The Commodores.  mac making me laughA book that’s equal parts historic, heartwarming and downright hysterical, Mac and I toured with our on-stage chat & autograph signing events from Vegas to NYC, in fact, Marilyn & Billy joined us as special guests for our book launch on Valentine’s Day.4th Dimension by DenisRose Then later, LaMonte joined the duo on their own concert stage at The Orleans Casino Hotel for a chorus of “Let the Sunshine In.”OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA LaMonte appeared on countless radio formats and morning TV shows nationwide and plans more promotion of the book in 2016…as they say, the juicy but inspiring memoir including 50 photos, his Grandma’s wisdom, and even a recipe “has legs.”  A songwriter from back in the day (remember “A Love Like Ours”?), LaMonte also debuted a new tune this year , the soulfully uplifting “If I Could Fly.”2016 Balloon Mac LaMonte smiles:  “‘From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension’…to a new year! How can I thank each of you–friends, fans & family, for your support & enthusiasm this past year as I launched a dream-come true memoir…and got to see so many of you on tour! Wishing you peace, love, blessings & good health in 2016… see ya “on the road” for more adventures! “If I Could Fly”…that’s just what I did…let’s continue doing it together.”

Find LaMonte on Facebook and Linked-In

book coverOrder “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0692307362

Amazon.com: From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music (9780692307366): LaMonte McLemore, Robert-Allan Arno: Book

Order “If I Could Fly” at CD Baby:  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/juliohanson
After a year in the making, Lamonte Mclemore and Ray Glover releases If I Could Fly featuring Julio Hanson. Lamonte Mclemore, an original member of the famous group …

Read a BroadwayWorld interview with LaMonte and myself in salute of Sinatra’s 100th birthday, also discussing The 5th Dimension’s Broadway connections at:  http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/LaMonte-McLemore-of-The-5th-Dimension-Shares-Memories-of-Broadway-Sinatra-and-More-in-HOBO-FLATS-Memoir-20151213#
He founded one of the most popular singing groups of the proverbial rock era, The 5th Dimension. Their Grammy-winning, uplifting anthems for a generation, “Aquarius …

We Remember Natalie Cole

Natalie-ColeIncomparable

At the dawning of this new year, we have lost an incomparable artist and entertainer.  LaMonte just reminisced with me, “The 5th Dimension and Natalie Cole worked together on stage in St. Louis in the ’80’s.  One night, a gust of wind came from nowhere, knocking every bit of sheet music off the stands, but we still had a great time! She was a very kind person.  Back in the day, I not only took her dad, Nat King Cole’s photograph for JET magazine, but daughter and Natalie’s sister, Carole “Cookie” Cole’s, for her cotillion.  And who should show up for that event, to pay respects, but President Kennedy! I look back on the Cole family with the fondest of memories.” Marilyn & Billy shared on Twitter:  “Another Great Talent gone from us. RIP Natalie in the arms of our Lord, Love you, Billy & Marilyn.”  I want to personally share that it was Natalie Cole’s self-penned liner notes for the “Unforgettable with Love” project and the tone of her first memoir, “Angel on My Shoulder” that greatly inspired both the style of my liners for “The Ultimate 5th Dimension” CD and my co-authorship of LaMonte’s memoir.  Like with her singing, Natalie’s writing was elegant yet down to earth–real, witty, and even “cozy”…she talked to “one person at a time,” truly bringing people in.  And I want to remember these beautifully transcendent attributes here, not only her musical influence but the literary muse she was for me.  Her spirit of excellence is eternal, forever in our hearts…as we close this edition of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, looking “Up-Up and Away” to the future, and to heaven itself.

Blessings to all,

Robert

Arno_Robert_227_xret2-cropRobert-Allan Arno

Biographer–The Original 5th Dimension and LaMonte McLemore

the-5th-dimension AWESOMESpecial thanks to you, the special fans and to my shining stars for your continued, committed support of the FOREVER 5th DIMENSION blog—Marilyn & Billy, Florence and LaMonte.  Also to Randall Jeffries, Steve Rosenblum, Patrice Morris and Mieko McLemore.  Photo credits:  DeniseRose Torres, Christoper Troy, Andy Gard, The Arno 5th McCoo/Davis Legacy Collection, The LaMonte McLemore Collection.

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, copyright 2008-2016, all rights reserved, intellectual property, a production of The Soul of the Voice, Ltd.)

6 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,