Tag Archives: Bones Howe

Merry 5th-mas Top 10 Playlist with Exclusive Quotes! (Curated by Robert-Allan Arno)

Posted on December 12, 2025 | Leave a comment

It’s that festive time of year where, for your listening pleasure, we proudly present our FOREVER 5th DIMENSION Top 10 playlist along with an array of exclusive quotes, as we bid you a “Merry 5th-mas!”:

–Here’s our FOREVER 5th DIMENSION production of Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.‘s playfully funky “Jingle Bells.” LaMonte McLemore has stated both in his memoir and exclusively to FOREVER 5th, “One of my biggest regrets was that The 5th Dimension never recorded a Christmas album or even one holiday tune.” Producer Bones Howe shared with me, “Perhaps it was an oversight, but the group was so busy on the road and on TV, that when I got them in the studio, the focus was on getting hits.” In this regard, FOREVER tagged “Jingle Bells” with “Joy to the World”…it’s not the Christmas staple but the 3 Dog Night version, from The 5th’s second network TV special, and fits the holiday mood. Join the “jingle bell joy” here: https://youtu.be/R1DHctms7MI?si=JuBz183ei04AxlV2

–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

–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. And we thank our friends at Rewound Radio, Metromedia Radio, and Boss-Boss Radio, where FOREVER 5th assisted in getting the tune radio airplay: https://youtu.be/kzAzRNaheYA?si=_P1GzYJpnImoFi7B

—Florence LaRue released a song which holds great meaning to her, the new holiday standard, “Grownup Christmas List” on limited edition CD in the 90’s. Here she passionately delivers it live on West Coast Praze:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Cj1g-RkVks

–Marilyn’s recording of “Oh Holy Night” from her WHITE CHRISTMAS album is a major fan favorite:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXq_BErKL1Q

–Here’s Florence and The 5th Dimension with an acapella “Winter Wonderland.” Cleverly recorded during the pandemic, it provided much needed uplift and hope to fans: https://youtu.be/j7kY9Tot6eU?si=Lt2IqwYXwPPNeq8c

–Marilyn shared with FOREVER 5th DIMENSION: “This performance of ‘Sweet Little Jesus Boy’ with a grand choir in Washington, DC was a cherished moment.” Watch here:
https://youtu.be/S9xNbCT0Cyc

–Marilyn & Bily were thrilled to perform with Jazz legend Mel Torme on his PBS special. With a laugh, Marilyn shared exclusively with FOREVER 5th, “Billy and I wanted to be perfect for Mel and show him what these former members of The 5th Dimension could do with our harmonies!” Billy added, “We practiced at home at the piano beforehand, and we showed him…he loved us…and we loved him!”:

a. “Jingle Bells,” McCoo/Davis/Torme:  https://youtu.be/Z-c8QPROsJc

b. “Sleigh Ride,” McCoo/Davis:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzg66UYG1ZE

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

FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, now in our 18th year, extends Christmas Cheer, New Year Blessings and a whole lotta love to our favorite stars, Marilyn & Billy, Florence, and LaMonte, and remembering the beloved Ron Townson. And to loyal fans & golden friends the world over, we truly appreciate you.

—Robert-Allan Arno

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd, copyright 2008-2025, intellectual property, all rights reserved.

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Happy birthday, Mr. bones!

Posted on March 18, 2025 | Leave a comment

Dateline March 18: Forever 5th Dimension is wishing a very happy 92nd birthday to the “man with the golden ears,” Grammy winning producer, Mr. Bones Howe. Do you know 3 of Bones’ favorite cuts by The Original 5th Dimension? They are “Summer’s Daughter” and “Black Patch”…not to mention “Never My Love.” Bones, I appreciate your mentorship over the years!

–Robert-Allan Arno

Our stars discuss the magic of Bones:

LaMonte exclaims, “I always encouraged Bones about his productions for The 5th Dimension, telling him: ‘Keep on doing what you’re doing, man!'” (Bones told FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, “Mac was the most supportive guy!”)

Florence notes, “Bones would find these tunes we’d never have considered, we were originally thinking more R & B, he’d bring us catchy Pop, the songs of Laura Nyro, and the music of Broadway, too.”

Marilyn shared, “I was off the road from touring due to minor surgery, and Bones invited me to the studio to hear what he did with The Independence Medley–‘The Declaration,” “A Change is Gonna Come,” and “People Gotta be Free” from the PORTRAIT album…it brought me to tears, I was astounded by the results!”

Billy rejoinders, “I always try to include my solo of ‘A Change’ in our live Marilyn & Billy shows.” Marilyn adds, “It’s a timeless message…and a highlight of our concerts.”

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, featuring the Arno 5th Legacy Photo Collection, all rights reserved.

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Aquarius Sunshine, NAT “KING,” AND MR. Bones!

Posted on March 18, 2023 | Leave a comment

Enjoy 3 Forever 5th Dimension classic flashback features perfect for mid-March 2023:

The Grammy Anniversary of “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” here:

Aquarius Anniversary Spells Eternal Sunshine! | FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION

The Gentleman of The Original 5th Dimension’s Nat “King” Cole connections, here:

Honoring Nat “King” Cole featuring “5th Dimension Connections” | FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION

Updated! Our 90th Birthday Salute to Bones Howe—The Man with the “Golden Ears,” Grammy-winning Producer of The 5th Dimension, here:

Happy Birthday to “The Man with The Golden Ears,” Mr. Bones! | FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION

(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)

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Waving Birthday Banners for Marilyn’s Milestone Celebration, ’23!

Posted on September 29, 2022 | Leave a comment

September 30 is a memorable day for the millions of fans of Marilyn McCoo because her birthday–and 2023’s milestone one at that–brings a time of reflection on her artistry and exemplary persona. The 7-time Grammy award winner whose roots are with the legendary quintet, The 5th Dimension along with hubby of over 50 years & duet partner, Billy Davis, Jr. is known for her elegance, grace, way with a torch song, and a smooth, soulfully healing multi-octave voice that is simply as astonishingly beautiful as the woman herself.

30 Performances–FOREVER 5th DIMENSION presents The Best of Marilyn!

In honor of her milestone birthday, 2023, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION is pleased to share our 30 curated performances (reviewed by Marilyn & Billy, themselves!)–Marilyn’s hit Solos with The 5th, her “Solid Gold” tunes, live TV segments, inspirational, Broadway and movie theme moments– yes, a real “deep dive” into the musical magic that is La McCoo including a unique twist on some of the classics. (*See Song List below!) And special thanks to the many YouTube fans who have saved such special performances for us to savor!

Press the button to start the “Marilyn Listening Party,” here:

Today, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. known as “The First Couple of Pop n’ Soul,” perform in concert across the country, to sold-out crowds and rave reviews. Their recent resurgence with a critically acclaimed CD, “Blackbird: Lennon–McCartney Icons” and being part of the Oscar-winning docu-film SUMMER OF SOUL has brought a renewed spotlight on their eternal talents.

We complete our special tribute to Marilyn featuring the following quotes given exclusively to FOREVER 5th DIMENSION by renowned musical colleagues including legendary songwriters whose work Marilyn has interpreted. And personally, may I add my heartfelt appreciation to Marilyn. Over many years if not decades of knowing and working with her, Billy and the original members of The 5th Dimension, she has been an encouraging force, a mentor, an arbiter of good taste, fairness and loyalty–as an artist myself, I am wishing a cherished friend abundant blessings on her milestone birthday, with love. –Robert-Allan Arno, 2023

Exclusive Quotes–Tributes to Marilyn

Jimmy Webb: “Marilyn…when we first started working on ‘Up-Up and Away’ with the 5th Dimension, I had laid eyes on one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. When I get the opportunity to sing with Marilyn and Billy today, I always make sure to up my vocal game!”

Richard Addrisi (“Never My Love”): “If I could take any voice and bottle it, it would surely be Marilyn McCoo’s…her voice is love!”

Neil Sedaka (“Working on a Groovy Thing,” “Puppet Man,”): Marilyn is what is noted as ‘the singer’s singer.’ I am a true fan, anytime I’ve gotten to sing with her, like duetting on ‘The Hungry Years’ on SOLID GOLD, is a total joy.”

Dorothea Joyce (“Love’s Lines, Angles & Rhymes”): She’s in the stratosphere with Barbra Streisand and Lena Horne. Marilyn possesses superior vocal chops and interpretive skills, no one else could have done ‘Love’s Lines’ justice.”

Randy McNeil (“If I Could Reach You”): “An unmatchable vocal performance, with a voice so mellow it could melt our hearts yet possessing an electrifying energy. God’s gift to her has been her gift to us.”

Bones Howe (Grammy-winning Producer, The 5th Dimension): “Marilyn has that quality…it’s plaintive with a subtle cry in her voice, it’s very feminine, and it’s all her own. I think she (and Billy, too) should be singing forever…even with just a piano!”

LaMonte McLemore, founding member The 5th Dimension: “We go way back to our days with the Hi-Fi’s and have fun nicknames for one another to this day, mine is ‘Herm,’ hers is…I’ll let her tell you! Marilyn stands for class, she is a voice of reason, and always beautiful.”

Billy Davis, Jr., husband: “Marilyn always mentions that she learns for me. Well, I like listening to her voice, I learn from her, too. Among many things, I love the way she pronounces her words!”

*SONG LIST: 

  1. Open Your Window
  2. Who’s Crying Now (live)
  3. I’m On Your Side (Theme from “Chapter Two”)
  4. (Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All (live)
  5. Love’s Line’s Angles & Rhymes
  6. Overjoyed (live)
  7. If Only for One Night (live)
  8. Saving All My Love for You
  9. Bill (from SHOWBOAT) (live)
  10. Wedding Bell Blues (live)
  11. Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye
  12. One Less Bell to Answer
  13. Never My Love (2008 version)
  14.  If I Could Reach You (live)
  15. When Did I Lose Your Love
  16. The Long & Winding Road
  17. Why Should I Care (live)
  18. I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues (live)
  19. Any Day Now (live)
  20. Chase the Clouds Away (live with Chuck Mangione)
  21. A Song for You/At this Moment (live)
  22. Heart Stop Beating in Time
  23. This Girl’s in Love with You
  24. The Me Nobody Knows
  25. Out Here on My Own (live)
  26. I Dreamed a Dream (live)
  27. O Holy Night
  28. Sweet Little Jesus Boy (live)
  29. My Tribute (To God be the Glory) (live)
  30. Blackbird
Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., intellectual property, all rights reserved, copyright 2008-2023; Photo Credits: Arno 5th Legacy McCoo/Davis Collection, Deniserose Torres, LaMonte McLemore

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On the Beach Memories!

Posted on June 12, 2022 | Leave a comment

#Summer5thFun Let’s go “strollin’ on the boardwalk, on a hot summer day at the shore, by the sea” with “On the Beach (In the Summertime)”…a fan fave by The 5th Dimension. Released as a single-only by Bell Records, thinking it was time to move on from the PORTRAIT album, the late Ron Townson reported to us, during the time of The Original 5th Dimension reunion tour, “I really liked this song (which Townson begins singing with, ‘On the beach, where the happenings are flowing,” in double voice) but it wasn’t released during the summer, when it should have been!” Producer Bones Howe commented to FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, “Even though it was released during the wrong season and is rather obscure, it stands as a quintessential summer song by The 5th. And then we realized PORTRAIT still had legs when ‘One Less Bell” became a delayed, break-out mega hit!”

Enjoy “On the Beach (In the Summertime),” re-mastered as a bonus cut for the PORTRAIT album re-issue, here:

#BlackMusicAppreciationMonth

Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2022, intellectual property, all rights reserved)

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Happy 90th Birthday to “The Man with The Golden Ears,” Mr. Bones!

Posted on March 18, 2022 | Leave a comment
“Up-Up and Away” Album Recording Session: l to r, Florence, Ron, Marilyn, Billy, LaMonte, Bones Howe and Jimmy Webb

3/18/23: We’re wishing a #Happy90thBirthday to The Original 5th Dimension’s “Man with the Golden Ears,” Mr. Bones Howe. LaMonte McLemore shares, “Here’s to our Grammy-winning mega-producer! As The 5th’s founder, I’d always tell Bones these words: ‘Keep doin’ what you’re doin’!’ He’d always call me ‘Mac’ and I always knew he was humbly appreciative about my seal of approval, ‘visionary to visionary!’” Florence LaRue notes, “Bones would bring us tunes, really clever ones we’d never consider. We were thinking more Motown, he was bringing us Pop-Soul that would eventually make history.” Marilyn McCoo comments emotionally, “When I went back to the studio to hear what Bones did with the Independence Medley from our PORTRAIT album: ‘The Declaration,’ ‘A Change is Gonna Come,” and ‘People Gotta be Free’…I was astounded!” Marilyn and Billy (Davis, Jr.) told FOREVER 5th DIMENSION with a cute chuckle, “Bones always told us to keep it simple in our solos….keep it simple!” Bones himself concurred, “They were such powerhouses, reigning it in made for spectacular recorded performances–Billy was like a horse-power engine under the hood, Marilyn’s plaintive quality was tear-jerking.” When you’d see “Production & Sound by Bones Howe” on one of The 5th Dimension’s latest albums, you’d get a thrill and a chill—yes, you could expect some unique, “patent leather perfect” Champagne Soul!

It was Bones’ genius that put together “Aquarius” with “Let the Sunshine In” from Broadway’s HAIR…it became a Platinum mash-up for the generations and has found new popularity as portrayed by The 5th Dimension, circa ’69 in the Oscar-nominated docu-film “Summer of Soul.” All the stars of The Original 5th Dimension, and myself as the group’s biographer and someone mentored by Bones, concur that he was ever the most assuring and mellow gentleman whose creative finesse helped to unite diverse people, the world over. Please join us in wishing “Mr. Bones” special blessings on the occasion of his milestone 90th birthday. ~~Robert-Allan Arno, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION 

The 5th Dimension & Bones, with his Grammy for “Aquarius/Sunshine”…The 5th received 2 for the medley, too!

Bonus Fact as told to FOREVER 5th DIMENSION: Do you know some of Bones’ personal favorites by The 5th Dimension? “Summer’s Daughter” and “The Worst that Could Happen” from the MAGIC GARDEN album, “Sweet Blindness,” “Workin’ on a Groovy Thing,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Puppet Man,” “Never My Love,” “Open Your Window”

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

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Aquarius Anniversary Spells Eternal Sunshine!

Posted on March 12, 2022 | Leave a comment

3/12: On this day in 1970, The 5th Dimension‘s “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” is named Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards. It’s actually one of two for The 5th’s medley plus one for producer, our dear friend, Bones Howe. LaMonte McLemore notes, “We’re the only African American vocal group to have won Record of the Year 2 years in a row (the other for ‘Up-Up and Away.’)” #MarilynBilly (McCoo & Davis) share the medley’s magical story of “the lost wallet” in today’s Oscar-nominated film “Summer of Soul.” In his hit memoir, FROM HOBO FLATS TO THE 5TH DIMENSION, Mac touchingly adds: “I’m heartened to hear from Vietnam Vets to this day, that the medley made them feel closer to home when they would hear it on Armed Forces Radio.” A “mash-up” by way of Broadway’s HAIR, Florence LaRue underscores in concert and interviews, “‘Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In’ truly stands for The 5th Dimension’s message of uplifting harmony and peace, something so relevant in 2022.”

~~Robert-Allan Arno, Forever 5th Dimension…thank you fans, friends & stars for our 15th year!

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-22, intellectual property, all rights reserved)

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The Love’s Lines Album

Posted on February 15, 2022 | Leave a comment

#BlackHistoryMonth Thank you to our good friends at The Wrecking Crew for posting about the “Love’s Lines, Angles and Rhymes” album, often noted as a fan fave for its smooth yet varied vocal & musical stylings and crystalline production values. In fact, to salute its 50th anniversary last year, I offered a retrospective review, my personal reflections at this Forever 5th Dimension link: https://forever5thdimension.com/2021/02/03/the-loves-lines-album-happy-50th/

Now here’s what the WC reports:

During the first week of February of 1971, the LP “Love’s Lines, Angles and Rhymes” by The 5th Dimension was released on Bell Records, Production & Sound by Bones Howe. Vocal Arrangements by Bob Alcivar. It is the group’s sixth studio album.

The “Love’s Lines” single peaked at # 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album reached #17 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album Chart and became the quintet’s third consecutive album to be certified Gold.

Side One

“Time and Love” (Laura Nyro)

“Love’s Lines, Angles and Rhymes” (Dorothea Joyce)

“What Does It Take” (Harvey Fuqua, Johnny Bristol, Vernon Bullock)

“Guess Who?” (Jessie Belvin, JoAnne Belvin)

“Viva Tirado” (Gerald Wilson, Norman Gimbel)

Side Two

“Light Sings” (Gary William Friedman, Will Holt)

“The Rainmaker” (Bill Martin, Harry Nilsson)

“He’s a Runner” (Laura Nyro)

“The Singer” (Elliott Willensky, Lamonte McLemore)

“Every Night” (Paul McCartney)

Personnel:

Marilyn McCoo – lead, group and background vocals

Florence LaRue – lead, group and background vocals

Billy Davis, Jr. – lead, group and background vocals

LaMonte McLemore – group and background vocals

Ron Townson – group and background vocals

Hal Blaine – drums

Joe Osborn – Bass Player, Max Bennett – bass

Larry Knechtel, Gary Illingworth – keyboards

Dennis Budimir, Fred Tackett, Mike Deasy, Mike Anthony – guitars

Jimmy Rowles – piano

Catherine Gothoffer – harp

Jack Arnold, Larry Bunker, Victor Feldman – percussion

Jim Horn, Tom Scott, Pete Christlieb, Lanny Morgan – saxophones

Lew McCreary, Bob Edmondson – trombones

Bud Brisbois, Chuck Findley, Oliver Mitchell, Ray Triscari – trumpets

The Sid Sharp String Section – strings

#thefifthdimension#thewreckingcrew

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2022, intellectual property, all rights reserved)

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The “Marry Me Bill!” Song, a No. 1 Anniversary

Posted on November 8, 2021 | Leave a comment

“Wedding Bell Blues” by The 5th Dimension: the song went to #1 on this date, November 8 in 1969 and stayed at the top of the charts for 3 weeks. “It’s a song written by Laura Nyro that I always liked and held onto for just the right moment,” told producer Bones Howe to 5th/Mac biographer Robert-Allan Arno. Howe continued, “And when LaMonte whispered to me that Marilyn & Billy had been dating…that was it! We had Marilyn record it as a kinda’ wink…then the group came in to do the backgrounds and Billy was certainly pleasantly surprised!”

Listen to “Wedding Bell Blues” (official audio) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiQjJraovrI
Pictured: the iconic skit of “WBB” as performed on the Ed Sullivan Show
#MarryMeBillSong 

#5thDimensionNumberOne 

#5thDimensionLauraNyro

(Forever 5th Dimension, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-21, intellectual property, all rights reserved)

 

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Happy Birthday, Mr. Bones!

Posted on March 18, 2021 | Leave a comment

3/18: Happy Birthday to the man with the “golden ears,” Mr. Bones Howe, the Grammy-winning mega-producer of The Original 5th Dimension. I’d always tell Bones, “Keep doin’ what you’re doin’!” and he’d always smile humbly in appreciation of his “Mac.” When you’d see “Production & Sound by Bones Howe” on our albums, you could expect some patent leather perfect Champagne Soul! It was Bones’ genius that put together “Aquarius” with “Let the Sunshine In,” making it a Platinum mash-up for the generations. Did you know one of his favorite album cuts is “Summer’s Daughter” off our “Magic Garden” album? Bones was always the kindest, most assuring, and mellow gentleman whose musical vision helped to unite diverse people. Please join us in wishing him special blessings on his special day. We Love ya, Mr. B!  ~~LaMonte McLemore with Robert-Allan Arno for Team Mac

(Photo Collage: Top–“Up-Up & Away” recording session, l to r: Florence, Ron, Marilyn, Billy, LaMonte, Bones, Jimmy Webb); “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” single sleeve–Production & Sound by Bones Howe; The Original 5th Dimension; LaMonte at home amid gold/platinum records; Bottom–Bones Howe)

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2021, Intellectual Property, All Rights Reserved)

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