Celebrating our 18th Year! A TRIBUTE TO THE MULTI-GRAMMY WINNING LEGENDARY STARS of THE ORIGINAL 5TH DIMENSION, Curated by Biographer, Robert-Allan Arno ~~ History & Current Events, Exclusive Quotes & Interviews, Rare Photo Collection! Recommended by McCoo/Davis, LaRue & Remembering LaMonte McLemore
4/24 Happy Birthday to longtime fan and kind friend Susan Aglio! It is always a blast to share this sweet photographic memory as Susan and I experienced the opening night, front row, of The Original 5th Dimension reunion concert tour. As his told-to-author, LaMonte McLemore and I write about the event’s electric excitement including set list in his hit memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension.” As The 5th crooned Sinatra‘s “Where or When,” we answer it was Dec. 29, 1990, and in many ways, it seems like yesterday. Lastly, special thanks to the beloved Steve Rosenblum of Sterling/Winters Management (a cherished friend & colleague for decades), for orchestrating not only prime seats but an interview with our 5th stars for Goldmine the next afternoon. And fun fact, did you know the wonderful JasonWinters was the iconic concert’s cool announcer who said: “Please welcome for the first time in 16 years…The Original 5th Dimension” to an ovation that blew the roof off the Atlantic City house!!
“I got a feelin’, we’ll be here now, as we don’t stop for nothing with magic in our lives, while we walk our feet in the sunshine ’til we get to that moonlight mile!” HAPPY EARTH DAY from FOREVER 5th DIMENSION!!! What’s your favorite tune from the iconic album EARTHBOUND, the final by The Original 5th Dimension?
Of Special Note: Over the years, FOREVER 5th has compiled many exclusive quotes about this milestone album from the stars, Marilyn & Billy, LaMonte, Florence, the late Ron and Jimmy Webb. I nickname the compendium, “The Earthbound Chronicles”…a feature coming soon from FOREVER 5th DIMENSION. —Robert-Allan Arno
A “magic garden” of special fans came out for Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.’s east coast concert mini-tour at the Patchogue Theater on Long Island, New York, Friday April 12—which I attended–and then at the Bergen PAC (Performing Arts Center) in New Jersey on Sunday, April 14. And one, the vivacious Hiromi, came all the way from Japan…for both! Oh, and fitting of the occasion, the renowned Jimmy Webb was in the “Island” audience, too! The 7-time Grammy winning First Couple of Pop & Soul were opened for by their friend and fellow icon Darlene Love. Ms. Love’s delicious dynamic has that mid-60’s “wall of sound” vibe, and it was of audible interest to hear the Patchogue Theater’s tech team make the transition to Marilyn and Billy’s flavor…and not right away. And thus, timeless tunes like the Webb-composed “Up-Up and Away,” LauraNyro‘s “Stoned Soul Picnic,” and the duo’s own Grammy-winning “You Don’t Have to Be a Star,” not to mention the number 1 “Wedding Bell Blues” possessed a mix akin to what we would hear back in the day, on AM radio. Yes, we were all feelin’ too cool for school!
Then the shift to “technicolor sound” happened when Marilyn talked about her crowd-beloved hosting of “Solid Gold” and both Sir Davis and Lady McCoo launched into the TV series’ memorable theme song, sharing verses as if no time had passed. From there, we were treated to a flawless theatrical style of presentation with gorgeously layered orchestration under the direction of Major Black, first class staging, and diamond-shining, life experience enhanced voices that had the audience enraptured in hushed awe at some points, yet equally up on their feet, dancing at others. Marilyn’s American Pop-Jazz torch standard, “One Less Bell to Anwer” by Bacharach/David had attendees cheering her ultimate prowess with a prolonged thunderous ovation which stopped the show. Then it was Billy’s turn to apex the concert’s title, “When a Man Loves a Woman” with a scorchingly passionate rendition that shook the rafters and yes, had the crowd back standing in extended ovation.
With all the talk of Beyonce‘s revision of Paul McCartney‘s “Blackbird” in the air, Marilyn stepped forward with graceful power to present her own version from the duo’s recent, critically acclaimed CD, “Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons.” This moving, soaring interpretation with dramatic Civil Rights-themed backdrops should be spotlighted on the Broadway stage…no ifs, ands, or buts about it. How clever to feature Billy’s rejoinder with “Help” complete with a Gospel interlude that backup singers, Cydney, Cynthia and Andre, along with Marilyn, rendered to support Billy’s fervent plea. The luscious duet, “And I Love Her (Him)” brought further elegance, healing peace, and soul to the proceedings. The rhythm shifted with a tip of the hip hat to Ashford & Simpson with “Solid” merging into The 5th Dimension chart-topping medley which defined a generation, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” A lovefest ensued as Billy encouraged us to join in on the sunshine, making us all feel–like the couple itself–just like a one-time “Dimension.” An evening with McCoo and Davis is like a visit with longtime dear friends, but ones who have found their fountain of youth in keeping things freshly stylistic amid their trademark balloons, picnics, and bells. Clearly, those Marilyn and Billy instantly recognizable voices of our lifetime are miracles of artistry and a soon to be 55-year marital union reflected in their audience’s everlasting adoration.
Backstage fun with the ever-vibrant Marilyn & Billy and special fan from Japan, Hiromi
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of the Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-24, intellectual property, all rights reserved.
Much rightfully exciting talk about Beyonce’s new Country CD, “Cowboy Carter,” including her cover of the iconic Paul McCartney penned “Blackbird.” While Beyonce stays quite close to the Beatles’ original including a sampling of Paul’s guitar riffing, several worldwide music aficionados on McCartney’s official Facebook thread honoring the re-envisioned tune, mentioned Marilyn McCoo’s recent recorded version on Marilyn & Billy (Davis Jr.)’s acclaimed “blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons” CD. I was certainly happy to see this…thank you, astute fans!
In a complete review of the project, I had written about this interpretation for FOREVER 5th DIMENSION: “The title tune, soloed by Marilyn is ingenious, Ms. McCoo translates ‘Blackbird’ into a cousin of Billie Holiday’s ‘Strange Fruit.’ She takes a gut-wrenching, contemporary Broadway showstopper style and combines it with her recording finesse…it boils down to a fine simmer, in the pantheon of one of Marilyn McCoo’s greatest vocal solos.”
Sir Paul restates his writing of “Blackbird” as a young man was inspired by what Rolling Stone magazine describes as “…the Little Rock Nine, a group of nine Black students who faced discrimination and the lasting impact of segregation after enrolling in the all-white Little Rock Central High School in 1957, following the Supreme Court’s historic Brown vs. the Board of Education decision.”
Re-experience Marilyn’s version of “Blackbird” via the official video as FOREVER 5th DIMENSION salutes an important song about the pioneers of the Civil Rights movement, and all the amazing artists who embrace its message, including our eternally vibrant McCoo & Davis.
On this Good Friday and forthcoming Easter holiday weekend, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION re-visits our video production of “Praise Ye The Lord,” the Biblical phrase so sweetly yet passionately emoted by our beloved husband and wife singing duo, Pastor Billy Davis, Jr. with “special guest,” Ms. Marilyn McCoo. This piece is from Billy’s acclaimed Gospel project co-produced with the man known as “The King of Gospel Music,” Rev. James Cleveland. Originally issued as the LET ME HAVE A DREAM album on Savoy records in 1982, it was re-issued in 2011 as THE LOVE OF GOD on CD by the Davis’ own Soldiers2ndCmg Records. An important musical milestone, this work deftly edifies (the now Pastor) Billy’s Christian walk (as well as his wife’s) and is a “Billy solo project” simply in a class by itself. Songs like “The Love of God,” Davis, Jr.’s homage to both the Soul Stirrers‘ back-in-the-day Gospel hit as well as Rev. Cleveland’s own cover hit of the song are sheer “elegance in tradition.” Billy takes the late Danniebelle Hall‘s Gospel anthem, “Ordinary People” to a poignant personal place, and has some holy fun with “I’m Blessed,” a tune he actually performed on SOLID GOLD, the popular syndicated Pop music/dance show Marilyn hosted at the original time of this release. And Pastor Davis’ duet with Rev. Cleveland on “Steal Away” is the perfect vehicle for not only Cleveland’s textured vocals meeting Billy’s one-of-a-kind soulful timbre, but for repping the melding of the Reverend’s arranging reputation with Billy Davis Jr.’s renowned sensibility–a traditional “hard Gospel” meets an R & B-tinged inspirational delivery that Billy told Forever 5th Dimension, “…was a conscious decision to take Rev. Cleveland’s bold sound design and add my own contemporary vision, we really worked easily in our collaboration.”
For its poise yet charismatic magnificence, the song from THE LOVE OF GOD that Forever 5th Dimension/The Soul of the Voice, Ltd. chooses to feature for this Easter season presentation, “Praise Ye the Lord,” is a beautiful testimony with a “night to day” panoramic expanse, underscoring the vocalists’ quintessential aura–Billy’s ingenious “Sweet-Soul” approach with Marilyn’s trademark smooth yet intensely committed rendering. As biographer of The Original 5th Dimension, “Praise Ye the Lord” has extra special personal significance as it was the closing theme to my drive-time radio show, GOSPEL GOLD of the 80’s, becoming a fan favorite, New York chart-topper as a result. Billy and Marilyn performed this song for the Pope, as well.
For those who may not have heard this rarity, I proudly share it, wishing you the peace and uplift of this spring season of faithful renewal as I honor my dear friends and mentors, Marilyn and Billy…this song embodies their essence as grateful souls whose grace–musical and as the loveliest of people–has inspired generations.
Robert-Allan Arno–Biographer, The Original 5th Dimension
Congratulations to Marilyn for gracing the cover of Long Island Woman Magazine’s April/May issue, featuring a bonus interview with Billy! Read the compelling Q & A online at http://www.liwomanonline.com
Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. will be in concert at Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on Long Island (Friday, April 12th, 8pm) and Bergen PAC in New Jersey (Sunday, April 14th, 7pm) along with the iconic Darlene Love. 🏆🎶⭐️🎵👩❤️💋👨🎤💿
Join our “Delightful Diva,” Ms. Florence LaRue with Patrice, Floyd, Leonard and Sidney for “the Florida tour!” The 5th Dimension will be performing at these venues throughout March! To our friends & fans in Florida (and nearby), experience all the Champagne Soul Greatest Hits, the music, the magic, the family-oriented fun that is truly The 5th Dimension standard of excellence!
#EastCoastMarBillDates The iconic Darlene Love puts it so wonderfully about these upcoming east coast concert dates: “I’m so-so HONORED to be sharing the stage with multi-Grammy award winning husband & wife duo Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. formerly of The 5th Dimension at Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on Long Island (Friday, April 12th, 8pm) and Bergen PAC in New Jersey (Sunday, April 14th, 7pm). 🏆🎶⭐️🎵👩❤️💋👨🎤💿
East Coast Fans & Friends, get your tickets while they last! And it’s so nice to know that super fan Hiromi is coming in all the way from Japan, for both events!!
February 2024: For the stars of The Original 5th Dimension, Black History Month is full of excitement.
LaMonte McLemore’s new coffee table book debuts for Valentine’s Day. “Black is Beautiful” features the “Beauty of the Week” models he photographed over 50 years. The high-toned art book, with fiercely elegant images of women of color that jump off the page, is totally fresh while underscoring Mac’s trailblazing eye. (Pre-order at Amazon, here: Amazon.com: Black Is Beautiful: JET Beauties of the Week: 9781648230479: McLemore, LaMonte, Murray, Chris: Books)
For starters, LaMonte is the cover story for the February edition of Las Vegas Black Image Magazine, available free of charge throughout Las Vegas, and online at their website starting Feb 1. Mac talks about the secrets of his photography, read it here, online: https://lasvegasblackimage.com/…/02/LVBI-February2024.pdf
The First Couple of Pop n’ Soul, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. debut their electrifying autobiographical new musical show, “When a Man Loves a Woman” at the glorious McCallum Theater in Palm Desert on Saturday, Feb 10, 8pm. See all the details, including link to purchase tickets at Forever 5th Dimension, here: McCoo & Davis star in New Show: “When a Man Loves a Woman” | FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION
And the lovely Delightful Diva, Florence LaRue celebrates her birthday on Sunday Feb. 4. Florence’s energy shines, as she tours and leads today’s 5th Dimension in concert through the year, throughout the country. Her book, available on Amazon, “Grace in Your Second Act” promotes Florence’s message of mature good health–physically and spiritually. Read Forever 5th Dimension’s comprehensive tribute to Ms. LaRue, including fan favorite “Florence solos” at this link: Florence LaRue: Celebrating a Delightful Diva’s Birthday | FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION
For Black History month, 2024, the spirit of The 5th Dimension and its original stars is current…and forever! –Robert-Allan Arno
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-24, intellectual property, all rights reserved.
Dateline January 29: Recently, on the Las Vegas stage at LaMonte McLemore‘s “Black is Beautiful” event, in my speech as biographer, I got to “say their names” to rousing applause, the original members of The 5th Dimension with Mac, Marilyn, Billy and Florence present. I didn’t forget to mention the beloved Ron “Sweets” Townson…to more fervent applause. LaMonte states, “His operatic flair, his dignity and warmth, his robust pride in all our music and appearances, live forever.” Our friends at The Wrecking Crew feature this wonderful biographical salute to Ron, as follows. Also go to this Forever 5th Dimension link for “Sweet Memories of Sweets”– a unique tribute to Ron with celebrity & family quotes: https://forever5thdimension.com/2014/01/
–Robert-Allan Arno
Ron Townson was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He started singing at age six and was a featured soloist in various choirs throughout his school years. Townson toured with Wings Over Jordan for eight years while still in school and was their choir director for two years. He worked his way through Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, by conducting the university and church choirs.
Townson left St. Louis to pursue a musical career in Los Angeles. He met Dorothy Dandridge and toured with her for two years, took part in the Samuel Goldwyn motion-picture production of “Porgy & Bess,” and toured with Nat King Cole. He also organized and conducted his own 35-voice a cappella choir in Los Angeles.
In 1965, Townson and fellow St. Louis natives Billy Davis Jr. and LaMonte McLemore joined female vocalists Marilyn McCoo and Florence LaRue to form The Versatiles. The name was a reference to their varied style in music, but producer Johnny Rivers thought the name was outdated. He wanted a newer sounding name for the group, and they soon came up with The 5th Dimension (courtesy of Ron’s wife, Bobette). They began cutting records for Rivers’ Soul City Records music label that year.
Billy, Florence, Ron (center), Marilyn, LaMonte
In 1976, after ten successful years with the 5th Dimension, Townson left the group. In subsequent years he made a guest appearance on the TV series “Switch,” cut records, performed solo, and formed his own group, Ron Townson and Wild Honey. He also managed five-piece soul/funk vocal group Creative Source, who enjoyed moderate success between 1973 and 1977. From 1977 to 1980 he pursued his interest in classical music.
With the encouragement of group member Florence LaRue, Ron rejoined the 5th Dimension in 1980. In 1981, he and fellow group members Joyce Wright Pierce, Michael Procter, LaRue, and McLemore starred in Fats Waller’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”
In 1990, the original five members of the group reunited for a New Year’s Eve performance in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It was a huge success. In 1991, they went on the road for select performances billed as The Original 5th Dimension. They also obtained their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Ron left the 5th Dimension for good in 1997. Townson died August 2, 2001, at the age of 68.
Special thanks to the Wrecking Crew.
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-24, intellectual property, all rights reserved.
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