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!

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , ,

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.

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , ,

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

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , ,

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

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , ,

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

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , ,

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.

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , ,

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.

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , ,

Marilyn, Billy and The Dream Awards, ’23!

Posted on September 26, 2023 | Leave a comment

Courtesy LaMonte’s social media:

A couple of years ago, LaMonte McLemore was honored for Lifetime Achievement by the Dream Awards. (Sharing below the autobiographical video that went with the presentation). This year, LaMonte is thrilled that his dearest of friends, Marilyn McCoo & Bily Davis, Jr. and Jayne Kennedy, among other luminaries, will be given special tributes at the 2023 Dream Awards, Oct 29, 7pm, at the Suncoast Casino Hotel, Las Vegas. Cocktail attire; get your tickets now*, friends & fans, for an elegant, joyful evening saluting icons of Black excellence. ❤

*For tickets go to this link: https://bit.ly/dreamawardslv

(R-A A for #TeamMac)

Update, 10/30: Here are Marilyn & Billy with their Dream Awards, courtesy of the show’s producer, Mable Buckner, also pictured:

Watch LaMonte’s Lifetime Achievement video, here:

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

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , ,

Marilyn & Billy Grace the Peace Center for Up-Up & Away: A Musical Fable!

Posted on September 23, 2023 | Leave a comment

Join “The 1st Couple of Pop & Soul,” Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. for a spectacular autobiographical musical show featuring all the greatest hits and favorites as they star in “Up-Up & Away: A Musical Fable” at the beautiful Peace Center, Greenville, South Carolina, Thursday, November 16, 2023, 7:30pm.

For Tickets, go to the Peace Center’s official website at: https://www.peacecenter.org/events

BIOGRAPHY in BRIEF:

McCoo & Davis have left their mark on the music industry. The pair first found fame as lead singers and co-founders of the original 5th Dimension, the legendary group behind classics such as “Up-Up & Away,” (Grammy Hall of Fame, 2004) and “Aquarius / Let the Sunshine In,” (Grammy Hall of Fame, 2003). After leaving the quintet, Marilyn & Billy broke barriers as the first Black married couple to star in their own TV series after garnering the mega hit, “You Don’t Have to Be a Star (to be in My Show).” 

The seven-time Grammy Award-winning duo performed at the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, are winners of the Tokyo Musical Festival, and recipients of four Playboy Jazz Festival wins. In 2021, they released their first studio album in 30 years. “Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons” weaves themes of social justice into soulful renditions of classic Beatles hits. The album was met with critical acclaim for breathing new life into “Blackbird.” 

Beyond their musical achievements, the couple was featured in Questlove’s directorial debut “Summer of Soul,” has made countless television appearances, authored a book, and headlined Las Vegas.

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , ,

Two Gentlemen, Two Heroes

Posted on September 13, 2023 | Leave a comment

At Forever 5th Dimension we’re gearing up early for Sunday’s birthday celebration of Grammy legend, founder of The 5th Dimension, the group’s mellow bass, and author of such gems as “The Singer,” and “A Love Like Ours”…not to mention a renowned trailblazing photographer, Mr. LaMonte McLemore.

Personally, I’m leaving town to be with my mom upon today’s passing of my dad at age 93. Dad always loved the members of The 5th Dimension because he knew I loved them so much. He made sure to drive me from Long Island to my first 5th Dimension concert at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City, circa ’72–I was too young to even take a subway there, lol! And when he read, cover-to-cover, the memoir I penned with LaMonte, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” he expressed, “It’s beautiful!” I replied, “Oh, you mean the pretty picture of The 5th on the cover?” Dad responded, “No…I mean the inspirational and poetic manner you and LaMonte expressed yourselves.” Dad always respected LaMonte, two good looking dudes with cool n’ classy fashion sense. And they always sent regards to one another, through me.

On such a somber day, special thanks to LaMonte & Mieko who took my call at 1am (OK, they were 3 hours earlier in Vegas!), Florence who called immediately with prayerful words, and to Marilyn & Billy’s team at KIWW including Jason Winters and Steve Rosenblum for such edifying sentiments. Marilyn & Billy’s profound call of deep fellowship was incomparable as well as their kind posting, remembering Dad on their social media. The duo also called me right before my August birthday this year…I was in my parents’ home taking care of things for them, and it was so full circle as this was the house as a kid, where I first discovered The 5th Dimension. I know Dad would be proud of such an outpouring from my heroes & sheroes…they were his, too. And he is certainly mine, always.

“Earth hath no sorrow, that heaven cannot heal.”

Please join us for a comprehensive birthday tribute to LaMonte, at this Forever 5th Dimension link: https://forever5thdimension.com/2022/09/16/celebrating-lamontes-birthday-with-new-dimensions/

–Robert-Allan Arno

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged ,