#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)
LaMonte: That’s my mama, and I get emotional…so I’m glad Mieko expressed that for both of us! (laughs)
Robert: As we stand for justice and that #BlackLivesMatter…for equality and unity.
: “The Declaration.”
Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2020, intellectual property, all rights reserved
9 years ago, while sitting in Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.’s suite, post-show at the Cafe Carlyle, during our “cozy catch-up” visit I presented the concept of the “Forever 5th Dimension” blog-magazine. It was met with immediate instinctual approval by “MarBill” with Billy smiling, “I like the title,” and Marilyn adding with a wink, “I’d read it!” And that they both have, with such kind and astute validation & participation over these past 9 years where we first started on MySpace and migrated over to WordPress in recent years!
Compiling tunes with the group’s members and doing liners for “Playlist” for Sony just like we did with “Ultimate 5th Dimension” was “scholarly hip”…and of course, reporting on the countless sold-out, ovation inducing concert events of Marilyn & Billy (the First Couple of Pop n’ Soul) and the indomitable Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension (including Patrice Morris, Willie Williams, Leonard Tucker & Floyd Smith) is simply sensational! And our worldwide fan participation for each of our star’s birthdays is always an awesome “sunshine” celebration! Marilyn & Billy, Florence and LaMonte (plus Kyle Townson who is so supportive in repping his beloved dad, Ron)–each of them are not only cherished friends but mentoring colleagues who are a total pleasure to work with…their taste and faithful ethic are unparalleled. It just makes sense that the essence of The 5th Dimension brought our world together in harmony during the turbulent times of the late ’60’s/early 70’s…and it’s a blessing that these artists continue to enthrall us with such magic and energy, today. Also the support of another personal mentor, renowned producer Bones Howe is never forgotten.
Visit LaMonte McLemore on: Facebook, Twitter @LaMonteMcLemore, and Linked-in
Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. who by the way, will be celebrating 47 years of marriage this coming July, are happily touring with both their acclaimed concerts plus special Broadway-like retrospective, “Up, Up and Away–a Musical Fable.” By fan request, East coast appearance dates this spring!
Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension (Patrice Morris, Willie Williams, Leonard Tucker and Floyd Smith) sell out vast crowds wherever they take the stage with their exciting evening of harmonious n’ hip “Champagne Soul.” The timeless Florence is celebrating 50 years with The 5th! And just in–they’ll be performing in the Philippines this May!
LaMonte McLemore has added to the accomplishment of his hit memoir which I had to pleasure and honor to co-author (“From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music”) with a fun joke book and a new inspiring tune, “If I Could Fly.”
It’s a “Great Golden Day!” New, from the FOREVER 5th DIMENSION YouTube page, our production of the retro Coca Cola jingle circa ’68…very much in the genre of the “Stoned Soul Picnic” album, The 5th’s unmatched style, shining even in commercial form with a Bossa Nova feel, is addictive all these years later! Take a listen & look at: 
Patrice says!: Here’s a lovely reflection from soprano Patrice Morris about being a member of The 5th Dimension, today and working with the legendary Florence LaRue: “I’m so blessed to work with some of the most talented, spirit-filled people. The beautiful Ms. Florence LaRu
Remembering Frank, Jr.: And sadly, we mourned the untimely passing of Frank Sinatra, Jr. Marilyn & Billy stated, “The Sinatra family was always so kind to The 5th Dimension, and we enjoyed working with Frank, Jr. on a number of occasions. His incredible musical gift will be missed along with his special sense of humor.” Plus, LaMonte and myself extended our condolences to our kind friend, Nancy Sinatra. Recently, Florence & The 5th Dimension guest-starred at the the Frank Sinatra 100th Year Gala, signifying the group’s ongoing connection to the Sinatra legacy…as we all continue to pray for the family.
Breaking News: Forever 5th Dimension is saddened by the untimely passing of music legend, Prince. Our prayers for his family and sympathies to his legions of fans. Marilyn & Billy state: “Prince’s impact on music will long be felt. He opened new doors, created new sounds. As well, the world has been seeing so many amazing stories about Prince–the person. What a beautiful heart he had. Long live his influence!” And fans 
Holiday Greetings from Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension:
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
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