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 & McLemore!
September 30th always and forever marks a sentimental date among Marilyn McCoo’s millions of global fans. Her beauty, grace, elegance, sensitivity, and signature smile are reflected in her passionate voice—one that has touched generations of admirers.
Personally, as mentors, she and husband Billy Davis, Jr. are discerning voices in my life. Our lengthy phone fellowships alone are treasured moments—not only with two seven-time Grammy winners, but with the dearest of friends.
What is also cherished is Marilyn’s body of work. This year, with the recent loss of my mother, it has been particularly meaningful to curate over forty of Marilyn’s greatest performances. Spanning all age groups and uniting such a diverse audience with her pleasing versatility, Marilyn’s sound was a soothing and compelling presence in my home growing up.
About our special playlist*…
It is so kind of Marilyn and Billy to enjoy and give feedback about these FOREVER 5th DIMENSION compiled playlists. It’s also great fun to switch things up for each occasion, including new finds and reconfiguring the flow of key performances.
In constructing and objectively listening to the sweep of tunes for Marilyn’s birthday—from her 5th Dimension “gloss and torch” solos, to stellar if not Solid Gold TV appearances, with shades of Broadway and the movies in between—it is poignant to wind the festivities to conclusion with songs of powerful inspiration. This feels especially meaningful in these times of uncertainty and needed fortitude.
A true artist, Marilyn once advised me—decades ago, in my very first college radio interview with the duo: “Never rest on your laurels.” She has followed her own sagacity, and her stunning evolution is apparent as we experience the unfurling of this playlist. It represents the best way we can celebrate Marilyn’s essence, and how it has brought Light to our worlds—and still does.
Happy Birthday, Marilyn. We love you. May God’s continued blessings surround you.
–Robert-Allan Arno & Global Fans, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION
*Press the player below and enjoy non-stop Marilyn!:
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno–a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2025; Photos: Arno 5th McCoo/Davis Legacy Collection; intellectual property, all rights reserved
Last week, Bobby Sherman, the 1960-70’s teen idol, pop vocalist, and actor who later became a public servant, passed away. LaMonte McLemore shared with FOREVER 5th DIMENSION and in his social media: “He truly was a nice guy, and in 1971, The 5th Dimension had great fun appearing on his ABC network TV special–we performed “Light Sings” on elaborate scaffolding, and then Billy (Davis, Jr.) traded soulful licks with Bobby as the rest of the group danced to “Feelin’ Alright.” Bobby was a good sport collaborating with us as “The 6th”–even donning our caped costuming.” As we remember Mr. Sherman, we present this classic fan-favorite clip:
FOREVER 5th DIMENSION is wishing “The Voice of Romance,” Johnny Mathis, a wonderful retirement. Yesterday, May 18, he took the concert stage for the final time at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in New Jersey concluding an illustrious nearly seven-decade career in extensive live touring and on recording. Mathis released over 70 albums and sold more than 350 million records worldwide
His hits “Wonderful! Wonderful!” and “It’s Not for Me to Say,” catapulted him to fame in the late 50s, followed by the chart-topping “Chances Are.” His 1958 album, “Johnny’s Greatest Hits” spent nearly 500 consecutive weeks on the Billboard charts, according to the Smithsonian. In the late 70’s, his chart-topping soulful hit with Denise Williams, “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late” expanded his reputation as crooner of romantic ballads and beloved Christmas classics.
OUR PERSONAL REFLECTION: A friend to the members of The 5th Dimension, Johnny was a fan. In fact, he went out of his way to issue a quote for the back of LaMonte McLemore’s hit memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” which I co-wrote, telling me, “Robert, I took some time…I wanted to get it just right for LaMonte!” He stated, “When a tall, handsome young man came to my house many years ago to photograph me for Elegant magazine, I had no idea that his other job as a singer would propel him and his fellow members of The 5th Dimension to world fame. I am so proud of LaMonte and cherish his friendship.”
“Elegant” was the short-lived but trailblazing first life & style magazine for both Black men and woman, and it was McLemore who created it in the early 60’s. He writes about Mr. Mathis in his memoir, noting the way he’d discuss with Marilyn McCoo, “how someone like Johnny carried on the tradition of Nat King Cole before him, how his smooth groove crossed over, how much we admired that quality of connecting with people through pure class.”
Mac continues, sharing this touching anecdote that makes Johnny’s back-of-the-memoir quote all the more poignant, “And Johnny proved that to me personally when we interviewed and photographed him. While he charmingly accommodated the more established reporters from the Associated Press, he asked Elegant to stay behind. ‘Let me help you guys get off the ground,’ he stated giving extra attention to our fledgling, Black-oriented magazine. He proceeded to not only give a tour of his home but to feed us—Johnny was quite a chef, too. This brotherly act defied the cold reputation of Hollywood.”
(Above: Billy Davis, Jr. having sing-along fun with Johnny Mathis and Diana Ross when The 5th Dimension headlined at the Royal Box, Manhattan)
Mathis who will be 90 on September 30th, shares a birthday with Marilyn McCoo. FOREVER 5th DIMENSION wishes Johnny the many blessings of retirement as we honor the joy he has brought to millions through his musical magic and understated, yet history-making elegance.
–Robert-Allan Arno
Bonus Forever 5th Dimension Fact: Johnny Mathis recorded a number of tunes that were hits for The 5th Dimension including “Up-Up and Away,” “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” “(Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All,” and “If I Could Reach You.”
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2025, intellectual property, all rights reserved. Excerpts from “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” copyright 2014 McLemore/Arno, all rights reserved.
As FOREVER 5th DIMENSION embarks on its 18th anniversary, the enigmatic “Soul & Inspiration” album by The 5th Dimension has surpassed a 50th anniversary milestone. While “The Magic Garden” and “Earthbound” projects share a certain mystique, the “S & I” sessions remain “mystical” in their own right with the introduction of accomplished producer John Florez (as opposed to the renowned Bones Howe) on four of the cuts, and the shift of the group’s label, Bell Records to Arista, with Clive Davis at the helm. Over a decade ago, we even got to release 6 vaulted Howe-produced tracks from the album, and I was honored to do the “guest liners” for them for the Collector’s Choice “S & I” re-issue. And recently, “Soul & Inspiration” along with those bonuses can be found on Spotify, YouTube and more.
We’re pleased to bring you this exclusive Q & A with John Florez featuring a rare, newly unvaulted tune from “Soul & Inspiration,” produced by him. Known for ear-catching Pop-Soul productions, he began his career in the late 1960’s in Los Angeles. Throughout, one out of every three songs that Mr. Florez produced charted nationally, including the hits, “Grazin’ in the Grass” by TheFriends of Distinction (#3), and the #1 Billboard hit, “Rock the Boat” by The Hues Corporation. His clients included: A&M, Arista, Capitol, CBS, Elektra, RCA, and Warner Brothers Records.
Robert/FOREVER 5th DIMENSION: LaMonte McLemore, in his memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” says his biggest regret about The Original 5th Dimension recording legacy is that a true danceable tune was never produced. You had tremendous success producing The Hues Corporation’s vibrant “Rock the Boat” which is deemed the first Disco tune to hit the Top 10. Many “5th fans,” too, wanted that evolution for the group. Do you feel you were recruited for the “Soul & Inspiration” project (replacing the familiar Bones Howe, whose cuts were still featured on the album) to somehow bring such contemporary success.
John: Maybe. Who knows what occurred in the mind of Clive Davis (who hired me)? The music business is based on how hot you are with producing hits at that time. Yes, I was coming off the #1 dance tune, “Rock the Boat”. When I pitched Clive to produce The 5th Dimension, I brought the songs we eventually recorded. He liked them and set up a meeting for me with The 5th. ALL of us instinctively knew it was time to try something new. I was only commissioned for four tracks. In retrospect, had we decided to find a disco-oriented tune, my question is, which of the agreed upon tunes would we have discarded to allow for such a track. None! The group and I did what they had always done, finding the best songs available at the time. If Clive had given me an added 3-4 track contract, yes, we certainly could’ve looked for a dance cut. In the end, I believe we achieved our initial goal, to try something different.
Robert/FOREVER 5th DIMENSION: In an earlier interview with FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, you mentioned being involved in the group’s rehearsal of “I Honestly Love You,” written by Peter Allen, with MarilynMcCoo in the lead. Can you give us a flavor of the rehearsals and remind us of how Olivia Newton-John walked away with the recording.
John: Yes, my arranger D’Arneill Pershing and I had chills hearing Marilyn’s captivating lead on “I Honestly Love You” and remember distinctly how lovely the group sounded in unison on their echo line, “shouldn’t blow the chance.” This really sounded like a hit single for us. However, Olivia had already recorded the song for her yet-to-be-released album and had an exclusive on it. In other words, she had “first dibs” if she released it for her upcoming single. If not, we would have gotten the green light to record it with The 5th Dimension. Unfortunately for us, she did choose the ballad as her single.
Robert/FOREVER 5th DIMENSION: “Harlem” remains such a curiously controversial song for its break from more traditional 5th sounds. Nevertheless, it was exhilarating, funky and panoramic, and certainly made for a sassy staged party skit often featured at the beginning of concerts circa ’74, of The Original 5th Dimension, including their performances at the Uris Theater on Broadway. Do you think in retrospect, that it was a mistake to release it as a single?
John: Absolutely. If Black radio had discovered it on the album, played it, and it became popular, then Bell/Arista could’ve considered it for single release. I doubt that would’ve ever happened. It was too much of a departure from the group’s long-established image. However, damn it, it’s a great cut. The group and drummer James Gadsen really kicked. Controversial or not, The 5th Dimension had finally recorded something far less vanilla. I stand by that track and am proud of all of us, including the under-appreciated D’Arneill Pershing and his cinematic string chart. By the way, regarding your first question, “Harlem” is a dance tune, although not Disco, per se.
Editor’s Note: Interestingly, in this newly found memo from Bell Records, “Harlem” was introduced in New York City discos, pre-single release:
Robert/FOREVER 5th DIMENSION: “No Love in the Room” had hit written all over it. A Disco-tinged undertone, a contemporary familial message, cool group dynamics with a mini solo by BillyDavis, Jr. and with Marilyn leading. We know there were politics involved in the single’s ultimate lack of promotion. But if not for that, how far do you think “No Love” would have climbed?
John: No promotion? Ya think? How about no record label deal whatsoever while it was still charting? Due to tensions and misunderstandings with Clive Davis (Editor’s note: that have since been resolved between Mr. Davis and The 5th Dimension/McCoo & Davis, Jr.), he dropped the group from Arista, pulled their album and the single from stores and radio, just as it was climbing the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “bullets!” I have no idea how high the single would have charted, but I do believe that it was a solid hit. Top twenty? Obviously it should have been our first release instead of “Harlem.”
Robert/FOREVER 5th DIMENSION: Fans do like “The Best of My Love.” It’s certainly a different take on the Eagles’ hit. They particularly enjoy a breezy and lilting Marilyn amid the slightly syncopated beat, with pretty group harmonies. You’ve mentioned in our previous FOREVER 5th DIMENSION Q & A that it is not one of your favorites. Isn’t it interesting to juxtapose fan approval with your feeling that “it could have been better.”
John: You try going from rehearsing “I Honestly Love You” with Marilyn McCoo to doing an Eagles’ cover of “The Best of My Love.” No comparison. Not even close. I had goose bumps rehearsing the former to, “Oh well, Clive wants us to do this one” for the latter.
EXCLUSIVE ALTERNATIVE VERSION, “THE BEST OF MY LOVE” FROM THE VAULTS—
Robert’s note: After our interview, John surprised me with a from-the-vaults/his personal unmastered copy, alternative version of “Best” with Billy and Marilyn trading leads akin to what they did on “What Does It Take to Win Your Love” from the “Love’s Line’s Angles and Rhymes” album including the group vibe more in the forefront. I did some remastering and present it to our faithful 5th Dimension fans & FOREVER 5th readers, at this private YouTube link…enjoy:
Robert/FOREVER 5th DIMENSION: “Crazy Spaces” was performed in concert by The 5th and then recorded for the “S & I” project but remains missing. Do you recall why it wasn’t included, or anything about the feel of the tune that you produced, it’s a Bill Withers composition. I asked Marilyn & Billy, and Marilyn remembered it fondly, even sung a bit of it for me.
John: This is a GREAT question. Nobody knows this but “Crazy Spaces” was our “bookend to Harlem” track. Both were Bill Withers songs with drummer James Gadsen and that funky rhythm section. Why it wasn’t included for an album with “Soul” in its title is beyond me. What happened to the original track? I apparently had the only copy of it in two places: on a master cassette tape and on my former PC hard drive. The hard drive got accidentally wiped and the cassette tape somehow vanished into the ethers. This one breaks my heart.
Robert/FOREVER 5th DIMENSION: “Hard Core Poetry” is one of Florence LaRue’s favorites from the “S & I” project, Billy commented to FOREVER 5th DIMENSION he liked collaborating with you on it, too. Along with the album cuts “Black Patch” (from “Individually and Collectively”), “Day by Day” (from “Living Together, Growing Together”), and “Moonlight Mile” (from “Earthbound”), it stands as one of the original group’s finest recorded LP moments. On behalf of the fans, we thank you for that. Can you tell us your thoughts about “Poetry,” written by the team of Lambert & Potter.
John: Harvey Cooper, the award-winning record promotion executive, brought us “Hard Core Poetry” and “Harlem”. He always had great “ears.” I had been a big Lambert and Potter fan. Previously, I recorded their tunes “I Just Wanna Be Me” with Sisters Love (A&M, 1970) and “Like Monday Follows Sunday” with 5 Flights Up (Talent Associates, 1970). Notice that “Hard Core Poetry,” “No Love in The Room” and “Harlem” are all socially relevant tunes – an intentional departure. “Hard Core Poetry” also features “step out lines”: Marilyn first, Florence second, and then Billy.
Robert/FOREVER 5th DIMENSION: John, you obviously have great affinity for your time with The 5th Dimension, they were certainly known as the pinnacle of Pop-Soul if not all singing groups and its individual members, too, were household names. As noted, you’ve remastered the tunes you were involved with and shared some on YouTube. What draws you back to revisiting these gems?
John: When RCA interviewed me for a staff position in 1968, they asked me what kind of music I wanted to produce. I answered, “Something like The 5th Dimension!” That led me to produce The Friends of Distinction, The Hues Corporation, and more. I was living my dream! Later, being offered a chance to produce my favorite act of all, The 5th Dimension, was the rest of my dream come true! It’s my hobby to re-master all the songs I was involved with and bring them to the public in a refreshed way.
The 5th Dimension members were all consummate pros, and I will never forget the experience of working with each of them—Marilyn: Classy, a lady. Billy: Amazingly soulful and professional. Florence: Brains and beauty combined. LaMonte: Elegant and multi-talented. Ron (Townson): Very much fun to be with! He was full of good-natured mischief like when he pulled out a switchblade during rehearsal to clean his nails!
Robert/FOREVER 5th DIMENSION: How do you feel about the “Soul & Inspiration” project’s longevity and continued fan interest.
John: I’m proud of everyone involved with it. The major regret was not getting the chance to do a second album with The 5th Dimension. We were still learning how to work together, we had not yet reached our full potential. The 5th Dimension was adamant with me about not layering their vocals as was done previously, keeping the group blend more organic We did “sweeten” the end of choruses on “Hard Core Poetry” and the group on “The Best of My Love.” I really wanted to experiment more with new directions for us. I felt we were just getting started.
Very special thanks to John Florez who has been a friend to FOREVER 5th DIMENSION for many years. And our love to Marilyn & Billy, Florence and LaMonte.
Fans & Friends, if you enjoyed this special edition including a rare unvaulted release, please consider a tax-deductible donation to The America to Africa Higher Education Foundation. As Executive Director, I am so proud to have LaMonte on our Board and the kind support of Marilyn & Billy, Florence and their respective management. Visit us and see what we’re doing to make the dreams of gifted Nigerian collegiate scholars come true, uniting us cross-culturally, at: http://www.AmericatoAfricaHigherEducationFoundation.com
Forever 5th Dimension and “The Best of Our Love” edition by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2025, intellectual property, all rights reserved
We’re wishing dads, uncles, brothers, mentors, teachers, pastors and yes, superb singers…all the great men who have influenced us in such positive transformative ways…a Happy & Blessed Father’s Day! ❤ Taking this personal opportunity to acknowledge LaMonte McLemore and Billy Davis, Jr. who have greatly impacted me in how to conduct myself in “the entertainment biz”…and in life. These gentle yet dynamic men are dear familial friends, who have guided and mentored me to this day…it is a blessing to have them on the proverbial journey and with this being the 1st Father’s Day without my beloved dad, their presence is underscored, all the more. —Robert-Allan Arno
For “uninterrupted Billy”…just press this player for OVER 30 of his greatest solos, with in-depth Forever 5th Dimension “liners” below, the playlist, too!!
June 26 is the birthday of Billy Davis, Jr., one of our greatest, most enduring singers and a true American treasure. The multi-Grammy winning Soul stylist, with roots as lead vocalist of The Original 5th Dimension–along with his beautiful wife of soon-to-be 55 years and duet partner, Marilyn McCoo–has an instantly recognizable voice like no other. Fellow-Original 5th mate Florence LaRue declares, “No one sounds like Billy…he can break your heart!” And his best comrade, 5th-founder LaMonte McLemore punctuates his own memoir (“From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension’) acknowledging, “Billy’s lead on ‘A Change is Gonna Come’ says it all.” Mac adds, “Not to mention his ‘havin’ church’ on our biggest hit ‘Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.'” Yes, the man who implored the world to “Sing along with The 5th Dimension” invited us to share in his own harmonic journey….that of an incomparable legacy artist, a stellar showman, and an inspiring faith-based figure. Marilyn reminds, “Billy always says, ‘What comes from the heart goes to the heart.'” Heralded by the likes of Jimmy Webb (“Up-Up and Away”), Eddie Levert (The O’Jays) and Maurice White (Earth, Wind & Fire), Billy humbly sums up his talents best of all, “That’s not me…it’s God working through me!” Happy Birthday Billy, we love you and honor your excellence with these notable 30-plus solos.
Exclusive! About the solos–reflections from ’23: Last year when Forever 5th Dimension initially curated them, Billy & Marilyn were so kind to call me to express their appreciation and chat about “the art of Billy.” There’s nothing like having the 1st Couple of Pop n’ Soul, my dear friends and mentors, sharing a phone chat. Actually, Marilyn and I were waving poetic on Billy’s inimitable way with a lyric and technique of “hitting the note bulls-eye center” from ballads to rock, to rhythm & blues. Then we shared through appreciative tears how exceptional tunes made for such an emotional response–“A Change Is Gonna Come,” and the more obscure “Someone is Standing Outside,” and “Broken Wing Bird,” among the 24. Billy’s humble and endearing response, “I can’t believe that’s me you two are talking about!” made us all chuckle…loudly! And so, for 2023, Forever 5th added more to the list for a round 30, including the seamless “Hi-Di-Ho” (from the vaults), the edgy “Diggin’ for a Livin’,” the romantic ballad, “Stay with Me,” “I’m Blessed” (adding to “The Love of God”) from Billy’s Gospel album, and how could we have ever forgotten, in the first place, both the rollicking, “Half Moon,” and the soul-stirring anthem, “When a Man Loves a Woman!” And adding “Lean on Me Always” (from Earthbound) juxtaposes so well with “Help!” (from Billy & Marilyn’s most recent project, Blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons).
Just in!For ’24 we’ve added 3 more to the curated list: A live performance of “I Know I’ll Never Love this Way Again,” made famous by Dionne Warwick, a high-spirited “Shake Your Tambourine” with The Original 5th Dimension, as meaningfully performed in ’68 in front of our brave, appreciative troops on their way to Vietnam, and a gem of the late ’50’s spotlighting Billy’s unmistakable earliest roots with The Emeralds titled “That’s the Way It’s Got to Be.”
Remember, just press the button at the video above (and stay here for uninterrupted playing) to start your Billy’s Birthday listening party!
Here’s the playlist: 1. A Change is Gonna Come/People Gotta be Free, 2. The Worst that Could Happen, 3. Speaking with My Heart, 4. Summer’s Daughter, 5. There Never Was a Day, 6. Feelin’ Alright?, 7. I Got a Feelin’, 8. Three Steps from True Love (7″ Single), 9. That’s the Way It’s Got to Be, 10. You’re Good Enough for Me, 11. Silly Love Songs, 12. Stay With Me, 13. It’ll Never be the Same Again, 14. Half Moon, 15. Shake Your Tambourine, 16. Diggin’ for a Livin’, 17. Leave a Little Room, 18. Requiem: 820 Latham, 19. Let It Be Me, 20. I Know I’ll Never Love this Way Again, 21. Misty Roses, 22. When a Man Loves a Woman, 23. The Singer, 24. Broken Wing Bird, 25. Rosecrans Blvd., 26. Ticket to Ride, 27. Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In, 28. Someone is Standing Outside, 29. Hi-Di-Ho, 30. Help!, 31. Lean on Me Always, 32. I’m Blessed, 33. The Love of God, and (Reprise): Let the Sunshine In
Special thanks: Billy & Marilyn, Florence LaRue, LaMonte McLemore, Jason Winters, Kathy Ireland and all at Sterling/Winters KIWW.
Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-24, intellectual property, all rights reserved; Photos: The Arno 5th Legacy/ McCoo-Davis Collection, #MarilynBilly “listening” photo by LaMonte McLemore
(Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a Production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-23, Intellectual Property, all rights reserved. Photos: Arno Legacy Collection)
The final weekend of Black Heritage Month ’23, and we bring you some beloved & rare photos of TheOriginal 5th Dimension, reflecting their intoxicating energy and spirit of joyful elegance.
–R-AA for Team Mac
Enjoy our curated Forever 5th Dimension playlist, “21-plus” tunes celebrating The 5th Dimension stars’ artistic excellence and diverse stylings, here:
FOREVER 5th DIMENSION FLASHBACK! Since the title of this edition is “Joy!” how pertinent to share an excerpt, full circle, from our very first edition of Forever 5th, the summer of 2008. This had to do with the musical play JOY and how The 5th Dimension’s recording of “Sky and Sea” came about:
In the “rarities” department and back to my recent visit with Marilyn & Billy, our discussion got into the fan-fave “Sky and Sea,” from The 5th Dimension’s INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY album. Marilyn beamed, “Oh, I LOVE that song…it’s such a happy tune…and I love a vocal challenge!” I also remember Marilyn talking about this tune on the radio over NYC’s WNEW-AM way back in the ’70’s with the great broadcaster William B. Williams. She noted that just as the group discovered “Aquarius” while attending Broadway’s “Hair,” “Sky and Sea” was “found” while attending the musical “Joy” by the socially conscious singer, actor and writer, Oscar Brown, Jr. Composed by Johnny Alf and performed in the play by Brazilian jazz musician Sevuca–employing accordion and breathy vocal phrasing–the song was a head-turning experience.
Arranged for The 5th Dimension by the renowned and Jazz-oriented Bob Alcivar and producer BonesHowe, “Sky and Sea” is a wordless vocalese that is as complex as aptly joyful, invoking romantic ocean breezes, a hand-in-hand walk on the sand, a romp in the surf, and perhaps a seagull or two to observe the entire affair! In my discussion with the late Ron Townson back in the ’90’s, I remember him being extremely proud of this endeavor as well, noting, “That’s why The 5th Dimension is also embraced by jazz lovers, winning the Playboy All Star Jazz Polls!”
“Now I’m going to have to listen to ‘Sky and Sea’!” Marilyn enthused during our chat, while Billy laughingly agreed. And on that charming note, I’ll conclude our installment of “Forever 5th Dimension” by suggesting we all join Marilyn & Billy and take a listen to this incredible outing!
Very Special Thanks with Love to: Florence LaRue, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. #MarilynBilly, LaMonte & Mieko McLemore, the Townson Family, Bones Howe, Miles Robinson, Steve Rosenblum, Jason Winters, Patrice Morris, Floyd Smith Armstrong, Leonard Tucker and Sidney Jacobs…and the worldwide fans, the readers of Forever 5th Dimension for over 15 years! —Robert-Allan Arno
Visit the official website of Florence & The 5th Dimension for 2023 touring schedule & more, here:
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2023, intellectual property, all rights reserved, photos: Arno 5th Legacy Collection)
At Forever 5th Dimension we’re celebrating Billy’s birthday this coming Sunday, June 26…a few days early! This way, as we lead to the momentous day, you can savor our curated, Top 20 (plus!) solos by Billy at this YouTube link, tunes from every decade of his career. Have a “Billy Listening Party” courtesy of Forever 5th, here…we start with “Leave a Little Room”…just hit the player, it continues through song 25*!!:
Billy Davis, Jr. is truly an American treasure. The multi-Grammy winning soul stylist, with roots as lead singer of The Original 5th Dimension–along with his beautiful wife of soon-to-be 53 years and duet partner, Marilyn McCoo–has an instantly recognizable voice like no other. Fellow-Original 5th mate Florence LaRue declares, “No one sounds like Billy…he can break your heart!” And his best comrade, 5th-founder LaMonte McLemore punctuates his own memoir (“From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension’) acknowledging, “Billy’s lead on ‘A Change is Gonna Come’ says it all.” Mac adds, “Not to mention his ‘havin’ church’ on our biggest hit ‘Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.'” Yes, the man who implored the world to “Sing along with The 5th Dimension” invited us to share in his own harmonic journey….that of an incomparable legacy artist, a stellar showman, and an inspiring faith-based figure. Marilyn reminded Forever 5th Dimension, “Billy always says, ‘What comes from the heart goes to the heart.'” Heralded by the likes of Jimmy Webb (“Up-Up and Away”), Eddie Levert (The O’Jays) and Maurice White (Earth, Wind & Fire), Billy humbly summed up his talents disclosing this to me, “That’s not me…it’s God working through me!” Happy Birthday Billy, we love you & celebrate you with these memorable 20-plus solos!
~~Robert-Allan Arno, Forever 5th Dimension
See Billy & Marilyn on the current Time-Life music special! And visit their official website at mccoodavis.com for recordings, concert & TV appearance news!
*Here’s the song list: 1. Leave a Little Room, 2. The Worst that Could Happen, 3. Speaking with My Heart, 4. Summer’s Daughter, 5. There Never Was a Day, 6. Feelin’ Alright?, 7. I Got a Feelin’, 8. Three Steps from True Love, 9. You’re Good Enough for Me, 10. Silly Love Songs, 11. It’ll Never Be the Same Again, 12. Let It Be Me, 13. Misty Roses, 14. The Singer, 15. Broken Wing Bird,16. Rosecrans Blvd., 17. Requiem: 8:20 Latham, 18. A Change is Gonna Come/People Gotta be Free, 19. Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In, 20. Ticket to Ride, 21. Someone is Standing Outside, 22. Help!, 23. (New, From the Vaults!) Hi-Di-Ho, 24. The Love of God, 25. Let the Sunshine In (Reprise)
Main Billy photo courtesy Deniserose Torres Collection
Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2022, intellectual property, all rights reserved
6/22, courtesy of LaMonte McLemore’s social media…
Remembering James Rado, co-creator of the groundbreaking hippie musical HAIR which celebrated protest, and unadulterated love and paved the way for the sound of rock n’ soul on Broadway, he has passed away at age 90. HAIR which has a story & lyrics by Mr. Rado and Gerome Ragni and music by GaltMacDermot was trailblazing on many levels. LaMonteMcLemore reflects, “Many of you know, The Original 5thDimension members attended the hottest ticket on Broadway at the time, HAIR, seated separately, that’s how sought-after a ticket it was! And we were invited when the producer of HAIR returned Billy Davis, Jr.’s lost wallet, found in a New York City taxi…as thanks, we invited him to our show at the Royal Box, then he invited us to his show, HAIR! At intermission, we danced for joy knowing we just had to record ‘Aquarius’ and our producer Mr. Bones (Howe) made it a sizzling medley with ‘Let the Sunshine In’…it became the biggest hit of our career–6 straight weeks at number one!” The 5th Dimension family, fans & friends wish “eternal sunshine” upon the memory of James Rado. ~~Robert-Allan Arno for #TeamMac
Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, copyright 2008-2022, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd, intellectual property, all rights reserved)
from 
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
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