Our 19th Year! A TRIBUTE TO THE MULTI-GRAMMY WINNING LEGENDARY STARS of THE ORIGINAL 5TH DIMENSION, Curated by Biographer, Robert-Allan Arno. Featuring History & Current Events, Exclusive Quotes & Interviews, Rare Photo Collection! Recommended by Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue, & Remembering LaMonte McLemore
This has been a special year, the star on my tree would be my cherished mother’s 100th birthday celebration this past June…and she continues to shine brightly! I can’t thank all of you enough for your continued kind words, support and enthusiasm about The 5th Dimension’s and my photographic legacies. And how cool that Pharrell Williams mentioned my longtime work for JET’s “Beauty of the Week” in a recent edition of EBONY magazine!
As many of you know, I still enjoy playing softball nearly every day where I reside in Las Vegas. My biographer and good pal, Robert-Allan Arno and I are looking to hit another “home run” at the start of the new year with the release of my memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography, and Music.” With recommendations by Johnny Mathis, Nancy Sinatra, Neil Sedaka, and Otis Williams of The Temptations, who could be luckier?! We’ll provide the schedule for the official release date, book signings and media appearances for you here at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, right after the New Year’s–stay tuned!
On behalf of my lovely wife Mieko, I say “right on,” and God bless you and yours this Christmas and always.
Marilyn & Billy’s “Solid Gold Christmas”–the East Coast leg of their tour at the South Orange Performing Arts Center in New Jersey–was jam-packed with all the greatest hits and fan favorites…an intermission…and then ANOTHER complete show with stage cheerfully decked out as a “winter wonderland.” The ravishing Miss McCoo (in three gown changes this concert!) and dapper Mr. Davis performed every style of holiday fare from deeply personal faith-reflecting Inspirational/Gospel, to jaunty Blues, from Jazzy “Jingle Bells,” to Pop confections, Torchy “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” to four-part harmony (think “Christmastime is Here” sans Charlie Brown, but very “Champagne Soul.”) It was truly Christmas done the “MarBill” way, garnering at least a half-dozen heartfelt standing ovations. And what made it an absolute holiday dream come true? Our 45 years-married, youthful-looking stars are in better voice than ever, if possible to imagine topping those trademark creamy rich McCoo/tonally-textured Davis cords accompanied by each of their emotionally powerful interpretations. Now, this is the type of show that should be taped for perennial seasonal broadcast! Special kudos to Music Director Darrell Alston.
I leave you with a select song list–this time I sat back and savored it all, no notes! I told this to Marilyn and Billy afterward and we had tears in our eyes in our hand-holding fellowship. I think we thought, “What a blessing to have shared such magic for decades and to be able to look forward to continued bright horizons in the new year!”
—Robert-Allan Arno
Select Song List: SOLID GOLD CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Part 1
Up-Up and Away…You Don’t Have to Be a Star…Stoned Soul Picnic (complete with fringed vests!)…Wedding Bell Blues…
One Less Bell to Answer…When a Man Loves a Woman…
How Sweet It Is…Steppin’ Out…You are so Beautiful…
Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In
Part 2
All I Want for Christmas Is You (MarBill do Mariah!)
The Christmas Song (Marilyn solo)
Jingle Bells (a la their Jazzy recording)
Hark the Herald Angels Sing (from Marilyn’s White Christmas CD)
Winter Wonderland (w/ audience participation)
Away in a Manger (Billy)…Silent Night (Marilyn)
Christmastime is Here (in 4 part harmony)
Christmas Baby, Please Come Home (MarBill do Darlene Love!)
Go Tell It on the Mountain (Billy solo)
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas…Little Drummer Boy (the band)
Please Come Home for Christmas (Bells Will Be Ringing) (Billy’s St. Louis Blues!)
O Holy Night (Marilyn’s tour-de-force)
I once asked mega producer of The 5th Dimension, Bones Howe, why the original quintet never recorded a holiday tune or better yet, a Christmas album and his response was practical. “Robert, it never dawned on me. The group was on the road so much, touring, that my time in the studio with them was limited. Don’t get me wrong, recording was first priority for The 5th, but my goal was to keep getting us hits.”
And so, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION brings you some “later day” holiday treats from Santa’s Champagne Soul goody bag, from Marilyn & Billy…Florence…and special new year news from LaMonte…
“Merry 5th-mas!” from The 5th Dimension Family, Robert-Allan Arno
Biographer–The original 5th Dimension, LaMonte McLemore
MARBILL’S JINGLE BELLS: Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. are embarking on their select “Solid Gold Christmas” tour and have lotsa’ concerts already set for the new year! Check out more at their official Facebook page or at www.mccoodavis.com Here’s the duo’s jazzy version of “Jingle Bells.” “We had so much fun arranging this together at the piano,” Marilyn shared with a smile. Billy added, “Robert, we think we got it just right!” In this FOREVER 5th DIMENSION production, I tagged the “jazzy bells” with a snippet of The original 5th emoting “Joy to the World”…the Three Dog Night version!
FLORENCE’S “GROWN-UP CHRISTMAS LIST:” In the 90’s, Florence LaRue recorded a limited edition CD single of this modern favorite. It’s been out of print for quite a while (we’ve featured a “live” performance of it, previously), but now a fan has kindly put the recording of “My Grown-up Christmas List” on YouTube. Enjoy this heartwarming interpretation that’s pure LaRue. And remember, Florence and The current 5th Dimension perform to sold-out crowds all year long. Visit www.thefifthdimension.org to check the latest touring schedule of Florence with Patrice, Willie, Leonard and Floyd!
MARILYN & DONNA: During her “Solid Gold” hosting days, on this special Christmas edition, Marilyn was joined by her good friend, Donna Summer for an unforgettable duet of “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Marilyn and Billy stated to FOREVER 5th, in unison, “We miss Donna.” We share this stirring duet in memory of Miss Summer.
LaMONTE NEWS: LaMonte McLemore is excited! His long-awaited memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” as told to Robert-Allan Arno, promises to be another hit for “Mac,” due at the dawning of new year 2015. With recommendations by Johnny Mathis, Nancy Sinatra, Neil Sedaka and Otis William of the Temptations, the book’s official release date, plus subsequent tour, and Mac’s media appearances will be announced, soon. LaMonte invites you to connect with him at his new LinkedIn page for the latest details.
By the way, our FOREVER 5th DIMENSION year-end Top 10 countdown…2014’s “Greatest Hits” of The 5th Dimension Family of stars, will be here at the blog between Christmas and New Year…thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm!!
Vote Top 77 NOW! It’s that time of year, where our friends at REWOUND radio invite us to vote for our all-time favorite Top 77 songs of the Rock n’ Soul era.
REWOUND has been so kind to The 5th Dimension and Marilyn & Billy’s legacy with special interviews featuring Florence, LaMonte and Robert on Bob Radil‘s 60’s/70’s Friday night show, wonderful “5th” dedications on Program Director Allan Sniffen‘s Saturday show, and even fresh ID’s recorded by Marilyn, Billy, Florence & LaMonte for last year’s Top 77 festivities, coordinated by Robert-Allan Arno via FOREVER 5th DIMENSION.
It’s so easy to vote for your favorites, go NOW to:
Nov. 8, 2014–As biographer of The original 5th Dimension and LaMonte McLemore, I was recently telling Billy Davis, Jr. that the phrase I like to use is “The 5th Dimension brought (and bring) people together in unity, through their essence of harmony.” Billy smiled, thought quietly in his pastoral way, and responded with his inimitable energy, “You got it!” It’s an exciting time as Marilyn (McCoo) & Billy soon embark on their select “Solid Gold Christmas” tour, Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension are already planning their Champagne Soul ’15 touring schedule, and LaMonte McLemore & I anticipate the release of his sizzling memoir, FROM HOBO FLATS to THE 5th DIMENSION, right at the launch of the new year–friends, you should see the cool cover…and ALL the rare photos…not to mention the 12 carefully themed and celeb & music-studded chapters! As his as-told-to author, I can attest that “Mac” doesn’t quit until he makes you laugh…and think!
In the spirit of ‘bringing people together,” here’s a compendium of special items that have come into FOREVER 5th, let’s call it our November scrapbook, that I’d like to share with you today. Simply, ENJOY! —Robert
You may recall the artist Kenneth Green‘s incredible painting of Marilyn & Billy for their 40th anniversary; today here’s a special rendering from Kenny’s sketch book of fave musical artists– it’s The original 5th Dimension in classic pose. Such wonderful work!
It’s lovelies Marilyn & Florence, circa late ’60’s, sharing photos as we present this awesomely & adorably rare photo-find! (Courtesy of our friends at the Blog: PopBopRocktilUDrop)
Did you know, Marilyn & Billy recently visited the Center for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas? Read more at: http://lowellmilkencenter.org/newsroom/photo-gallery/marilyn-mccoo-billy-davis-jr-former-members-5th-dimension-visit-center/Number 1 in our hearts–last but certainly not least, from our friends at The Wrecking Crew, the marvelous, famed musicians who backed The 5th Dimension & so many others, in the studio: “On this date, November 8, 1969, ‘Wedding Bell Blues’ by The 5th Dimension hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became their second #1 hit in the US. The song was written by Laura Nyro, and the record produced by Bones Howe.” And here’s to our sweethearts, Marilyn & Billy, married 45 years!
>For Marilyn & Billy’s Christmas touring schedule: http://www.mccoodavis.com or visit their Official page on Facebook
Our friend, John Estes brings us this spirited review of a show he saw last week–a Halloween treat for us tonight!
FLORENCE & THE 5TH DIMENSION: BETTER THAN EVER! A Concert Review by John Estes
It had been about two years since I last saw The 5th Dimension featuring Florence LaRue, so this past Friday, I couldn’t wait to catch their show at the Arcada Theater near Chicago, Illinois. I have to say right away, they sound as good as ever, if not better! The current lineup of Florence with Patrice, Willie, Leonard and Floyd, has been in place now for over five years, and it really shows. Each member has their own distinctive talent which brings something special and unique to the group. They opened with Earth Wind and Fire’s SEPTEMBER with the fun and energy only The 5th Dimension can bring. Next, the quintet performed their version of MY GIRL, which Florence pointed out was not the sound the group would eventually become known for. Then, they broke into UP-UP AND AWAY, which brought many in the crowd to their feet, singing along with the Grammy Award-winning signature song. The Arcada audience was certainly a lively bunch that night!
“The 5th” continued with a medley of their hit songs which included THE WORST THAT COULD HAPPEN, WEDDING BELL BLUES, and (LAST NIGHT) I DIDN’T GET TO SLEEP AT ALL. Leonard, Patrice, and Florence were featured lead singers on these tunes, then Ms. LaRue’s version of NEVER MY LOVE was delivered dramatically, to say the least. Next, the group discussed love songs and how much they’ve changed over the years; this gave way to Willie Williams’ interpretation of the Jimmy Webb classic, MACARTHUR PARK. This is one of my favorites because I just love the raw emotion that Willie puts into the song, along with the stirring background parts of the other members. Next, Florence movingly performed ONE LESS BELL TO ANSWER. The group ended the first set of their show with the upbeat and hip STONED SOUL PICNIC, inviting various audience members to come up on stage for a “dance off with The 5th Dimension!”
Post-intermission, the five entered with a costume change and singing their memorable CALIFORNIA SOUL. This was the first time I ever heard the hit performed live in concert. (This was such a treat for me and made me think of other personal requests they might add to their future concert repertoire, like LIGHT SINGS and MAGIC IN MY LIFE!) Next, they performed the captivating Rain Medley with each singer taking a solo turn. The 5th Dimension closed leaving us wanting more with AQUARIUS/LET THE SUNSHINE IN.
And we did get more, because afterward there was an interesting Q&A session onstage with the Emcee (and the owner of the Arcada Theater) asking each singer how they came to be a member of the legendary group. He asked Florence about various milestone moments with The 5th Dimension. Then it was time for a “meet and greet” with the fans. I got the chance to ask some additional questions and had a few pictures taken with my all-time favorite musical group, the perfect ending to a magical event.
(copyright 2014, John Estes, edited by Robert-Allan Arno, The Soul of The Voice, Ltd. for FOREVER 5th DIMENSION)
FOREVER 5th DIMENSION presents The original 5th Dimension as you’ve never seen them before with this bit of Halloween fun! And thanks for joining us at our globally acclaimed tribute Blog where it’s always a “Champagne Soul” adventure–
FOREVER 5th DIMENSION by Robert-Allan Arno: A blog in tribute to the multi-Grammy winning stars of The original 5th Dimension–yesterday, today, forever…
Think The 5th Dimension and a kaleidoscope of hiply elegant sounds and images so readily dance in the mind’s eye, that we still breathe a collective sigh of unadulterated joy. Their uniquely eclectic brand of “Champagne Soul” garnered chart-toppers galore as Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue, LaMonte McLemore and Ron Townson united people with their uplifting, harmonious sound during the turbulent times of the late 60′s-early 70′s.
At Forever 5th Dimension we present some history, new interviews & lots of current events:
*Marilyn & Billy news–married 45 years, the dynamic duo of McCoo & Davis tour to the best reviews of their career!
*Florence & The (current) 5th Dimension news–Delightful Diva LaRue leads today’s 5th to sold-out shows & appears in her one-woman show, “Just As I Am,” too. Florence will soon toast 50 years with The 5th Dimension.
*LaMonte news–Mr. McLemore’s upcoming memoir FROM HOBO FLATS to THE 5th DIMENSION arrives in time for Christmas season ’14, Robert-AllanArno is the project’s as-told-to author.
It’s Sunshine, Picnics, Balloons and Bells, always with lots of love…right here!
–Robert-Allan Arno
(Forever 5th Dimension, a production of The Soul of the Voice, Ltd.)
We have cooked up lotsa’ tasty pop cultural treats in FROM HOBO FLATS to THE 5th DIMENSION–A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music, coming January ’15! It’s LaMonte McLemore’s riveting autobiographical memoir, as told to Robert-Allan Arno…due for the new year! Stay tuned to FOREVER 5th DIMENSION for more details including tour dates and media appearances!
(Pictured, LaMonte McLemore with Robert-Allan Arno)
10/16–This morning, the music world lost Tim Hauser (pictured above, bottom right) of Manhattan Transfer. As many of you know, “ManTran” and The 5th Dimension have many fans in common–the mix of guys and gals and their dexterous uplifting harmonies, their early staged choreography and overall versatility…and certainly the Jazzier moments of The 5th like “Sky and Sea” and “Dimension 5ive” were “very ManTran” before the quartet even formed! LaMonte McLemore tells in his memoir FROM HOBO FLATS TO THE 5th DIMENSION that the groups’ members were friends; I have personally heard admiration for The 5th from MT singers, original member Laurel Masse as well as Janis Siegel. Also, the renowned 5th vocal arranger Bob Alcivar worked on special projects for “the Transfer.”
Tim was a warm, down-to-earth man who I had the pleasure to interview early in my media career backstage at Long Island’s “Westbury Music Fair”–he truly had passion for his work and loved to share his panoramic knowledge of music and performance. Tim Hauser’s textured sound, keen vision and “Joy Spring” will live forever. The 5th Dimension Family & Fans extend their condolences and prayerful thoughts as we offer “Dimension 5ive” in tribute to this music legend and founder of Manhattan Transfer. –Robert-Allan Arno
Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. never fail to show their support of our endeavors here at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, in fact, it was in their suite, post-show at Manhattan’s Cafe Carlyle, where “MarBill” gave their blessing to the concept of FOREVER 5th, 6 years ago. Today, I’m so pleased and honored to share two correspondences, one from Marilyn, one from both Marilyn & Billy, about our recent coverage of Marilyn’s birthday (Sept. 30th), and the duo’s receipt of the prestigious Gordon Parks award last week, respectively. Marilyn & Billy are ever a “bright light” to us all–from their artistic integrity, to the example they set with their marriage and faith, to their genuine care for their fans & friends, “we love them so, we always will…” Robert-Allan Arno
Marilyn writes about “The Marilyn Solos…”
Dear Robert & Fans,
Thank you for that oh, so special piece, “The Marilyn Solos” written for my birthday as a tribute to the songs I’ve recorded over the years. Reading the songs mentioned with the comments from so many friends of the group and Billy & me brings a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. Through the years, the times we’ve all spent together and the loyalty displayed by our true, true fans and friends are so moving; special memories like these have a value that words cannot express. The comments from Bones Howe mean so much to me coming from him–the man with the golden ears.
We always wonder what our fans think about our work and what their own favorites are from among the projects we’ve delivered. It was wonderful to read them along with their own recollections of those times in their lives.
And you, Robert, no one can weave all of those elements together in a superb lyrical tapestry like you do. You have a way with words that is truly God’s gift to you. The photo collage is a sweet addition to the whole piece (How many years are represented there?!) Thank you for the idea and execution of a such a concept–a most special birthday gift.
From Marilyn & Billy about The Gordon Parks Awards…
Hi Robert,
We were so pleasantly surprised when, at the Gordon Parks “Weapon of Choice” Awards event at Fort Scott Community College this past weekend, a special piece was played as an introduction to our interview with the students, teachers and members of the community. It had been selected as the “perfect way to open our program” by Jill Warford, the Exec. Director of the Gordon Parks Museum/Center for Culture and Diversity (that’s a mouthful, isn’t it, but the best way to give her her “props!” She’s done a beautiful job with the Center, an incredible reminder of Gordon’s innumerable accomplishments in his lifetime.) As we sat there and watched the video, we began thinking, “This feels like Robert. If this is from him, won’t he be surprised that he’s playing a significant part in this tribute to us??” When we saw your credit come up, we said, “We knew it!” You were there with us, just as you were in person at the Friars’ Tribute…well, not exactly the same…but your presence was definitely felt!
It was a wonderful weekend. The people were so warm and really made us feel welcomed. They enjoyed our interview, and especially appreciated our testimony about how the Lord continues to play a significant part in our lives. It was an experience we will carry with us. Thank you for your part, even if you didn’t know it. You’ve done so many beautiful tributes to us over the years, we felt so good to see one of them being enjoyed by people who have little knowledge of all the things we’ve done that you laid out so beautifully in “You Make Me Feel Brand New”.
We had to let you know how delighted we were, and as always, how much we appreciate you!!
On behalf of my lovely wife Mieko, I say “right on,” and God bless you and yours this Christmas and always.
You must be logged in to post a comment.