Tag Archives: California Soul

Remembering The “California Soul” & Many Styles of Marlena Shaw

We’re noting the passing of versatile singer, the vivacious Marlena Shaw. Ms. Shaw had the memorable hit of “California Soul” before The 5th Dimension re-envisioned it for the “Stoned Soul Picnic” album and a subsequent single. The musician — who influenced music in the jazz, soul, disco and R&B genres, according to CBS news, “spanned generations and was often featured and sampled in popular media, TV commercials and other songs. Her lyrics often communicated the strength of the Black American community and Black women at a time when there was a great racial divide in the country and its politics.”

Hear the classic “California Soul” as we remember the magical might of Marlena Shaw, here:

“California Soul”: Like a Sound You Hear!

#BlackMusicAppreciationMonth That sexy saga of sand, surf and good lovin’, “California Soul,” recorded by The 5th Dimension from the STONED SOUL PICNIC album is truly a fan fave. In fact, in recent years both Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension and #MarilynBilly (McCoo & Davis) have brought the sizzler back into their live shows. LaMonte McLemore shares, “When we launched my memoir on the east coast with an onstage chat and book signing, the natural destination to do so was at Ashford & Simpson‘s famed Sugar Bar. It was very full-circle because Nick and Val wrote one of my all-time favorite turntable hits, ‘California Soul.'” Valerie and the late Nickolas, themselves told me for the liners of ULTIMATE 5th DIMENSION, “We loved The 5th Dimension’s heartfelt rendition of our song.”~~Robert-Allan Arno

Enjoy, “California Soul,” remastered, here:

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