The “Black is Beautiful” Event Honoring LaMonte McLemore: Las Vegas, 1/6/24

Posted on January 9, 2024 | Leave a comment

A Forever 5th Dimension Exclusive by Robert-Allan Arno: 

This past weekend in Las Vegas, LaMonte McLemore celebrated with his angelic wife Mieko and a few hundred closest friends, the dawning of his newest book to be released for Valentine’s Day ’24, an artful one titled “Black is Beautiful,” representing his photographic excellence for JET magazine’s trailblazing Beauty of the Week, featuring some of the loveliest women of our time. Cherished family and musical friends, colleagues from the publishing, modeling and media world, gathered and gave testimonial speeches or sang songs at a special event, for a special man, MC’ed by Harry Elston of the Friends of Distinction. The members of The Original 5th Dimension, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. and Florence LaRue brought extra excitement by their attendance as did Jayne Kennedy Overton. Love was truly in the air for our visionary, Mac! Enjoy some select event photos courtesy of LaMonte’s daughter, Ciara and the Arno/5th Legacy Collection. You can start pre-ordering the luxurious coffee table book “Black is Beautiful” on Amazon and other relevant sites.

Billy, Marilyn and Florence all gave charming recounts of precious “5th history” and how it was LaMonte who was the catalyst for it all…while MC Harry Elston looked on!

Sitting at the head table with my heroes & sheroes, Florence, Marilyn, Billy, and LaMonte and giving a testimonial speech in honor of “Mac” as his biographer plus repping the millions of worldwide fans of The 5th Dimension, saying the star’s names onstage as they are rightfully due and remembering Ron “Sweets” Townson, too…was a dream come true.

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

Underscoring LaMonte’s motto: “We are only in this world to help one another,” garnered knowing “Amen’s” from the crowd as I unveiled this wonderful artwork that I had commissioned for the festivities by gifted Nigerian artist Ephraim David Udoka, titled “LaMonte’s World.” It was met by an appreciative collective “Ahhh!”

At Forever 5th Dimension, as we begin our 16th year, we are always happy to take you to exclusive events like the unforgettable “Black is Beautiful” soiree and bring you more up-to-the-minute surprises as 2024 unfolds. –Robert-Allan Arno

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, intellectual property, all rights reserved, Photo Credits: Arno/5th Legacy Collection, Ciara McLemore, Cynthia Shelby, and artwork by Ephraim Udoka, copyright 2024, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd.

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New Year Wishes

Posted on December 29, 2023 | Leave a comment

First, thank you to our good friends at Rewound Radio, the #1 oldies internet station. The 5th Dimension scored beautifully in their annual Top 77 of all-time, with “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” and “One Less Bell to Answer”…complete with special intros by Billy and Marilyn. Listen all holiday week through New Year’s Day at http://www.RewoundRadio.com

Did you know that in 1967 during this final week of December, according to our friends at The Wrecking Crew, the all-time favorite concept album of the members of The Original 5th Dimension and worldwide fans alike, “The Magic Garden” was issued? Break out a re-issue CD, a vintage album, or go to YouTube and re-live the entire song cycle…or savor special tunes like “Carpet Man,” “Paper Cup” (a personal fave of Michael Jackson, by the way), “Orange Air,” “The Girls’ Song,” or the quintessential “Worst that Could Happen.” And the “MG” theme was inspired by Jimmy Webb‘s girlfriend, as the lyric goes, “all over Susan”…

16,918 Views! As we enter a new year, our 16th of Forever 5th Dimension, I deeply thank our stars, Marilyn & Billy, Florence and LaMonte, their respective management, and fans the world over, not only from all throughout the United States but visitors from Brazil, Germany, England, Japan, Australia, Canada, Africa, and more. Yes, just in from WordPress, we’ve had a lovely crowd of 16,918 viewers at the blog in ’23! Look for 2024 surprises from each of our stars, including concert dates for “The First Couple of Pop n’ Soul,” Marilyn & Billy, Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension, and much more (hint: Mac has a cool caper upcoming, too!) We’ll have the scoop on it all, right here!

In God’s Loving Kindness,

Robert-Allan Arno

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., intellectual property, all rights reserved.

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A Merry 5th-Mas Top 10 Playlist

Posted on December 16, 2023 | Leave a comment

Marilyn & Billy deliver a poignant “Silent Night” as part of their appearance on “The Waltons Homecoming.” Sing along with them here:  https://youtu.be/gBZUhZl5svk

Florence & The 5th Dimension (Patrice, Leonard, Sidney & Floyd) present this charming version of “Winter Wonderland,” a treat for the ears & eyes! Watch here:  https://youtu.be/j7kY9Tot6eU

Billy & Marilyn featuring Soldiers for the Second Coming bring a swingin’ “It Wouldn’t Be Christmas” as they remind us about “the reason for the season,” at this link: https://youtu.be/1fauCVAixwU 

Florence warmly sings “My Grown-Up Christmas List” live on West Coast Praze:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Cj1g-RkVks

Marilyn’s recording of “Oh Holy Night” is a fan favorite:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXq_BErKL1Q

A powerful “Solid Gold” duet with Marilyn & Donna Summer, “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_WC7v4PlXU

Marilyn shared with us:  “This performance of ‘Sweet Little Jesus Boy’ in Washington, DC was a cherished moment.” Watch here:
https://youtu.be/S9xNbCT0Cyc

Marilyn & Bily were thrilled to perform 2 tunes with Jazz great Mel Torme:

Jingle Bells:  https://youtu.be/Z-c8QPROsJc

Sleigh Ride:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzg66UYG1ZE

Dick Clark presents Marilyn & Billy’s soulful Christmas Medley from ’78:

Christmas & New Year Blessings to our favorite stars, Marilyn & Billy, Florence, and LaMonte, remembering the beloved Ron, and to loyal fans & golden friends, the world over! —Robert-Allan Arno

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd, copyright 2008-2023, all rights reserved.

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Inspiration from Billy & Marilyn!

Posted on December 13, 2023 | Leave a comment

Joyful News! The Soldiers for the Second Coming ministry with Pastor Billy Davis, Jr. and Marilyn McCoo just signed with the Your Home TV network featured on Roku for an 8-episode season in 2024. Billy & Marilyn also have a new YouTube channel in conjunction with the ministry…enjoy their Christmas season perennial, “It Wouldn’t Be Christmas,” and be sure to subscribe!

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Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension Star in “Home for the Holidays” with Peabo Bryson, Oleta Adams, Haley Reinhart!

Posted on November 24, 2023 | Leave a comment

On Friday Dec. 8, 8pm at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, California, usher in the holiday season with “Home for the Holidays” starring this festively impressive lineup: renowned R&B and Soul Grammy winner Peabo Bryson (If Ever You’re in My Arms Again; By the Time This Night Is Over); four-time Grammy-nominated songstress Oleta Adams (Get Here); our Forever 5th Dimension favorite prolific Pop/Soul group and 6-time Grammy winners, The 5th Dimension featuring Florence LaRue (Up, Up and Away; Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In); and Platinum-certified singer-songwriter and American Idol finalist Haley Reinhart (Lo-Fi Soul).

For tickets, go to this link:

https://tickets.cerritoscenter.com/7091

Pictured Above: Lovelies Patrice Morris and Florence LaRue in a Christmas mood!

Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-15, intellectual property with photos from the Arno 5th Legacy Collection, all rights reserved.

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Vote Rewound Radio’s Yearly Top-77 of all time!

Posted on November 18, 2023 | Leave a comment

VOTE NOW! It’s a yearly holiday season tradition and moreover, we celebrate their 25th year! It’s time for you to vote in the #1 internet Oldies Station, Rewound Radio’s Top 77 of the year…the all-time top hits of the Rock n’ Soul Era!

Personally, we thank Program Director Allan Sniffen and Rewound for continually being so kind to the legacy of The 5th Dimension, the stars themselves, Marilyn & Billy, Florence, LaMonte and our beloved Ron, and their hits, their rarities, and Forever 5th Dimension, too.

Friends and fans, go on over and vote any way you wish, it’s so much fun and so easy to do! Your personal favorite Top 10 tunes of the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s – thru now, of all time! Results will be aired on RewoundRadio.com the day after Christmas all week through to New Year’s Day!

Go to this link right now, and make your unique musical vote: 

https://musicradio77.com/voting2023.html

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Remembering the Trailblazing Richard Roundtree

Posted on October 24, 2023 | Leave a comment

LaMonte McLemore is so sorry to announce the passing of his good friend, Richard Roundtree. Born July 9, 1942, he was an iconic actor as well as a former model. Roundtree is noted as being a trendsetting action hero for his portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film “Shaft,” and its four sequels, released between 1972 and 2019. For his performance in the original film, Roundtree was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor in 1972. LaMonte notes in his memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” that Mr. Roundtree was not only a trailblazer as an African American actor (who continued to work over decades), but for courageously bringing public awareness to the sensitive issue of male breast cancer, as a survivor. Richard was part of a circle of dear longtime friends, which includes The Original 5th Dimension family, Harry Elston of The Friends of Distinction, Jayne Kennedy, Freda Payne, and more. LaMonte extends heartfelt prayers for Richard’s family and many fans, and punctuates, “Richard was an icon…and always a gentleman.”

—Robert-Allan Arno for Forever 5th Dimension and #TeamMac

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Remembering Suzanne Somers Together With Marilyn: 2 Lovely Libras

Posted on October 23, 2023 | Leave a comment

We recently lost the popular and beloved Suzanne Somers. She was an industry survivor known for her roles in “American Graffiti,” as Chrissy Snow in “Three’s Company” …and as an advocate for equal pay for women, for melding eastern & western health, for balanced nutrition & fitness…and author of numerous NY Times best sellers, tireless in reinventing herself and empowering others through her diverse efforts. I had thought about one of her talk forums back in the ‘90’s where Marilyn McCoo, a fellow lovely Libra, was her special guest. Suzanne talked one-on-one of seeing The Original 5th Dimension as her first Las Vegas show at age 18, and how Marilyn carried herself onstage and moved a certain way, inspiring the hopeful Somers. Marilyn’s response to such a compliment was quite humble. Here is a snippet of that reflection as Suzanne introduces Marilyn’s song (a rollicking “Ticket to Ride” with the Glenn Zottola Band) and alludes once again to Marilyn/The 5th’s influence. Notice Andre Carthen, part of #MarilynBilly’s in-concert team to this day, adding his choreographed touch to the soul stirring rendition. It’s a sweet footnote to know that Suzanne was an authentic “5th fan.” She brought Light & Love to her many endeavors and left this world a better place.

—Robert-Allan Arno

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Hi-Fi Cool!

Posted on October 10, 2023 | Leave a comment

Marilyn (McCoo) refers to them as “the precursor group to The 5th Dimension,” they’re the Hi-Fi’s, later called the Vocals! Managed by none other than Ray Charles, their sound was vocal Jazz and one of their tunes (later re-recorded by The Friends of Distinction most excellently) is “Lonesome Mood.” In fact, this rare photo comes to Forever 5th Dimension courtesy of our good friend, Mr. Harry Elston of The Friends. LaMonte (McLemore) writes about a rollicking time with the group in his memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” in the amusing chapter titled, “Hi-Fi Nights n’ Flights.” Pictured left to right: Harry Elston, Fritz Basket, Lawrence Summers, Rex Middleton (front, conductor), Marilyn McCoo and LaMonte McLemore.

—Robert-Allan Arno

“From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” the hip hit memoir available at Amazon:

Enjoy “Lonesome Mood” by The Friends of Distinction, here:
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2023, intellectual property, all rights reserved.

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A Marilyn Milestone Birthday Tribute–an Open letter

Posted on September 27, 2023 | Leave a comment

Fans & Friends, with so much personally going on due to the recent loss of my dad and tending to my fragile mom, travel is due yet again. And thus, I am posting this “open letter” to Ms. Marilyn McCoo a bit early for the upcoming occasion of her milestone birthday, this Saturday, September 30. Marilyn & Billy along with the other original members of The 5th Dimension, Florence and LaMonte, have been instrumental in lending their special, blessed support during this sensitive time. The letter I share…well, I know each of you, global fans & friends, have your own unique tributes to Marilyn, and may find some commonality in the one I proudly share, as follows…

September 30, 2023

Dear Marilyn,

I am simply honored, touched, and even a bit overwhelmed to write this letter to you for the occasion of such a “milestone birthday” that as noted in our recent call, is really your 39th! You defy age and really, so many other attributes that mere mortals can possess. For to whom much is given, much is expected. You have taken your gifts and shared them with the world in ways that are unfathomable to comprehend. I have fellowshipped with countless people via my own “archetype” as biographer, supporter, eternal fan. You resonate with diverse women and men who hold your ethic and talent in such high regard. You stand for beauty and define it in the dictionary of life. Your voice is indeed soulful, it is an authentic healer. It has brought mellifluous joy to the world. All of those quotes I garnered at the Forever 5th blog from your famed musical colleagues—certainly important. And I remember Billy talking about the way you pronounce your words. That impeccable quality reflects your heart. Your empathy. Your sense of balance and fairness. You have been a role model to so many, and it is always fascinating for me to hear how other fans’ personal histories inform what strikes them “about Marilyn.” In this way, you bring us all together.

Personally, I have learned so much from you over the years. And you have gone out of your way to share: To never rest on my laurels…to tell the story of a song and not show off my voice…to “dance” upon God’s Word when reading the Bible publicly, after doing all the deep preparation…and above all, to stand in my integrity. To be discerning and never to overstate things in a way that could hurt someone. To always leave room for God’s graceful wisdom to intercede, inform, and bring peace.

Yes, thank you for being a woman of Grace, and of the most profound sense of elegance…and for choosing Billy, my other role model. I can never forget the two of you in my walk, how you continue to shape my life. How your standard of genuine excellence is a spiritual thread that continually runs through my own discernment and how I choose to conduct myself in my career…and in life.

Also, you are a trendsetter. One of the first of the Pop n’ Soul era to talk richly about your musical history. The astuteness and passion you bring in these reflections of your craft amid the many interviews I’ve done with you and Billy could certainly write another book! Thank you for trusting me and being so receptive on these artistic journeys.

And thus, my birthday testimonial to you, Marilyn! I wish you immeasurable Birthday Blessings with much love, appreciation, and my ultimate respect,

Robert

Robert-Allan Arno, September 2023

Go to this link for our FOREVER 5th DIMENSION musical tribute to Marilyn featuring 30 curated solos from all eras of her career, reviewed by Marilyn & Billy, themselves, including exclusive celebrity quotes, and slide show:

https://forever5thdimension.com/2022/09/

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-23, intellectual property, all rights reserved.

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