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 & Remembering LaMonte McLemore
My appreciation, Marilyn & Billy for sharing exclusively with FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, your homage to LaMonte that is equal parts heartfelt, historic and charming… —Robert-Allan Arno
In 1965, five young African American singers came together to form an obscure vocal group. We called ourselves The Versatiles. Once we created our sound, the people around us were convinced the name was too square, too vanilla. Ron Townson, along with his wife Bobette, suggested a new name: The 5th Dimension.
And The Original 5th Dimension, we became. The unknown story behind the gold records, the platinum records, the Grammys, the television specials and shows, amazing fans at the thousands of concerts—the laughter and tears is best seen through the photographic lens of the man who brought us all together: LaMonte McLemore, who left this life on Tuesday, February 3rd.
Ron, LaMonte, and Billy all knew each other from St. Louis. Florence was from Pennsylvania, and Marilyn grew up in California. We all had solo dreams. Somehow, with LaMonte’s incredible heart, charm, goodness, and humility, he convinced us to put those dreams on hold for ten years—a full decade—and make beautiful music together.
Every time you hear a 5th Dimension harmony, every time you hear an Original 5th Dimension melody, pause and give thanks for our beloved friend. Without his grace, the egos of everyone else might have kept that dream from ever coming true.
Our hearts are broken. We love LaMonte and his wonderful wife, Mieko, so deeply. They are both rare and truly good human beings.
LaMonte would be the first to tell you he may not have been our group’s strongest lead singer—many have said that honor belongs to Billy—but he was a genius of strength in art, creativity, energy, friendship, kindness, and love.
Many years ago, we recorded a song that feels prophetic today as we lift LaMonte to God, with Whom we know he will be for eternity. The song is called “It’ll Never Be the Same Again.” That is the truth—and it hurts deeply because it is so true.
Thank you, LaMonte, for the miracle of The 5h Dimension and for the music that will live on forever. You gave us a priceless gift: making music, history, and memories that will never fade.
We love you. God bless you and your beautiful family, always.
It is with profound sadness that I present this press release we have created to honor LaMonte McLemore‘s legacy. As his biographer, it was the blessing of a lifetime to work with his genius, as his close friend and someone he mentored, LaMonte’s compassion for others, artistic passion, gentle warmth juxtaposed with endearing humor, and impeccable intuition are with me forever. “Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.” —Robert-Allan Arno
Singer helped define an era of pop-soul; his camera chronicled decades of women of color and music icons
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Feb. 4, 2026) — LaMonte McLemore, a founding member of The 5th Dimension and a longtime celebrity and sports photographer whose images appeared in publications including Jet magazine, died Tuesday morning, Feb. 3, at his home in Las Vegas surrounded by his wife of 30 years and family. He was 90. LaMonte died from natural causes following a stroke suffered several years ago.
With The 5th Dimension, McLemore helped bring a polished, genre-blending sound to American pop and soul in the late 1960s and early 1970s, scoring era-defining hits including “Up, Up and Away” and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” The group won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year twice—first for “Up, Up and Away” (1968) and again for “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)” (1970). Both recordings were later inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame (“Up-Up and Away,” 2003; “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” 2004).
The “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” medley topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks in the spring of 1969, becoming one of the signature recordings of its generation. Other mega-hits included the Number 1, “Wedding Bell Blues,” and the iconic “Stoned Soul Picnic,” amid seven Gold albums and six Platinum RIAA-certified singles. In 1991, The Original 5th Dimension received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Born Sept. 17, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri, McLemore served in the United States Navy, where he trained and worked as an aerial photographer—an early chapter in what became a lifelong parallel career behind the lens. He later pursued professional baseball in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ farm system, one of the first African Americans to participate, before settling in Southern California and turning his attention to music and photography full time.
McLemore co-founded The 5th Dimension in Los Angeles, joining Billy Davis Jr., Florence LaRue, Marilyn McCoo, and Ron Townson. Known for his warm bass vocals and easygoing presence, he helped anchor the group’s sophisticated harmonies and modern pop sensibility, which broadened the palette of soul and R&B on mainstream radio. They appeared on major television variety shows of the era and toured internationally, including a 1973 State Department cultural tour that brought American pop music behind the Iron Curtain.
Outside the recording studio, McLemore built a distinguished reputation as a photographer, with work spanning entertainment, sports, and editorial portraiture. His images captured many of the defining figures of 20th-century popular culture, and he contributed photography to Jet magazine over the course of multiple decades.
McLemore and The 5th Dimension also reached new audiences in recent years. Their musical performances were featured in Questlove’s Oscar-winning documentary ‘Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised),’ which revisited the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival and its enduring musical impact.
In 2014, he co-authored with Robert-Allan Arno the autobiography ‘From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography, and Music,’ reflecting on a career that moved effortlessly between the stage and the camera.
Statements
“All of us who knew and loved him will definitely miss his energy and wonderful sense of humor.”– Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.
“Proverbs 17:22 states that “A joyful heart is good medicine…” Well, Lamonte really knew my prescription! His cheerfulness and laughter often brought strength and refreshment to me in difficult times. We were more like brother and sister than singing partners. I didn’t realize the depth of my love for Lamonte until he was no longer here. His absence has shown me the magnitude of what he meant to me and that love will stay in my heart forever,” said Florence LaRue.
“As a childhood friend to me from St. Louis, Mo., he will certainly be missed,” shared bandmate Billy Davis Jr.
“Lamonte loved music and was always so generous, making his photography studio available to us in our early years before the hits started,” said Marilyn McCoo.
Life Motto “All in all, we are only in this world to help one another. If I can make you smile, if I can see the greatness in others and help propel them to excellence, I wake up each day a happy man,” McLemore previously expressed.
Survivors
McLemore is survived by his wife, Mieko McLemore, his daughter Ciara, son Darin, sister Joan, and three grandchildren.
Services
A memorial service and celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
For February 4, 2026: What better way to celebrate the birthday of our “Delightful Diva,” Ms. FlorenceLaRue than with a delivery of radiant flowers in the form of a listening party spotlighting her best loved recorded solos. Join us at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION with these select 10 “Florence’s Greatest Hits” and rarities, tunes by Jimmy Webb, Laura Nyro, Bacharach/David, Stevie Wonder, and more:
Happy Birthday Blessings to a cherished personal friend of decades and one of the true sweethearts of the Rock n’ Soul era. With Love from Robert & the Fans
Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a Production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., intellectual property, copyright 2018-2026, all rights reserved.
January 29th is a sentimental day among myriad fans of The 5th Dimension. As we celebrate the birthday of the late great Ron “Sweets” Townson, we instantly remember his dignity, operatic overtones, his robust presence–lovable, sometimes comedic (think the group’s appearance on the Flip Wilson Show!) and certainly prideful. Sorely missed among The Original 5th Dimension’s members–Florence, LaMonte and Marilyn & Billy–each have special remembrances of Ron. For that and more we refer you to FOREVER 5th DIMENSION’s comprehensive tribute to Ron at this link: https://forever5thdimension.com/2014/01/
FILE–Memebrs of the pop group, The 5th Dimension, pose in this 1973 file photo. Shown left to right, are: Billy Davis, Florence LaRue, Ron Townson, Marilyn McCoo, and Lamonte McLemore. Townson, the centerpiece singer for the Grammy-winning group, died Thursday, Aug. 2, 2001, of renal failure at his home in Las Vegas. Townson was 68. (AP Photo/File)
Personally, I’ll never forget sitting with Ron for over 2 hours along with Florence, Billy and LaMonte (Marilyn had a previous appointment), as I (with special fan Susan Aglio) interviewed these thoughtful artists, mellow in the afternoon, coming off the exhilaration of the previous evening’s premier of The Original 5th Dimension reunion tour, 1990. Ron, in particular, expressed deep satisfaction with the quintet’s trailblazing place in history and talked specifically about his solos, “Sailboat Song” and “MacArthur Park,” the latter which brought down the show, that glorious night before.
In honoring his birthday in 2026, let’s savor 3 of Ron’s most beloved tunes in the pantheon of his fan-favorite solos:
Ron “Sweets” Townson, forever in the hearts of colleagues, fans and the American Pop & Soul golden era. —Robert-Allan Arno, Biographer, The Original 5th Dimension
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2026, intellectual property, all rights reserved
from *Save the Country, written by Laura Nyro, recorded by The 5th Dimension
FOREVER 5th DIMENSION and The Original 5th Dimension’s cherished stars, Marilyn & Billy, Florence and LaMonte–each of whom I’ve just communicated with–honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and his tenants of Equality, Justice, Unity and Service.
With Respect on Dr. Martin Luther King Day, 2026,
Robert-Allan Arno
Manager Jason Winters, commented eloquently on our post as follows:
“Thank you, Sir Robert. On this blessed celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, we are reminded of Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr and The Original 5th Dimension’s excellence. Amazing. Powerful. Truth. Genius.”
*The 5th Dimension sing “Save the Country,” here:
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2026, intellectual property, all rights reserved
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 & BillyDavis, 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
–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!”:
—Dick Clark presents Marilyn & Billy’s soulful Christmas Medley from ’78:
FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, now in our 18th year, extendsChristmas Cheer, New Year Blessings and a whole lotta love to our favorite stars, Marilyn & Billy, Florence, and LaMonte, and remembering the beloved RonTownson. 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.
Countdown to Halloween: “Mac (LaMonte) the Visionary” predicts a “treat” of upcoming new surprises from FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, the globally acclaimed blog trusted by the stars of The Original 5th Dimension, now in our 18th year!
Fun Notes: Tunes like “The Riverwitch” (Billy solo), and “Magic in My Life” (Florence solo with lyrics like “make me feel superstitious”), surely fit the mood of October 31st! Then there’s Marilyn‘s favorite solo, “Love’s Lines, Angles and Rhymes” which also has that mystical vibe. The author of the latter, Dorothea Joyce told FOREVER 5th DIMENSION exclusively, “There was no one better to interpret the song’s mystery of love, stream of consciousness feeling than Marilyn!” —Robert-Allan Arno
And we begin November with this prestigious event!
@thesherylleeralph and @thedivafoundation are proud to honor the legendary duo Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. at the 35th Annual DIVAS Simply Singing! 🌟
From The 5th Dimension to their timeless love story, Marilyn and Billy have spent decades using their voices to uplift, inspire, and unite generations through music. Their harmony — both onstage and in life — continues to remind us what it means to shine with purpose. ✨
Join us as we honor this dynamic duo with the Legacy of Love Humanitarian Award presented by @aarp for their extraordinary legacy of artistry, love, and philanthropy. 🥂✨
🎶 Saturday, November 1, 2025 📍 Taglyan Complex | Los Angeles 🎟️ divas35.eventbrite.com
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2025, intellectual property, 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
The unifying, harmonic, and unique “Champagne Soul” essence of The 5th Dimension is timeless. This blog, entering its 18th year this summer, celebrates the group and its original stars’ trailblazing achievements and ongoing positive influence. More recently, the Oscar-winning musical documentary “Summer of Soul,” produced by Questlove, underscored The 5th Dimension’s relevance and joyful acceptance at the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969, during the chart-topping height of their medley of peace and hope for a generation, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.”
Questlove’s newest documentary, “Sly Lives (aka The Burden of Black Genius),” about Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone, alludes to The 5th Dimension (via the above photo flashed onscreen) as a family-friendly quintet that Sly was advised to emulate early in his group’s career, to which he firmly declined. This does not, in any way, disparage The 5th Dimension. As the song “Everyday People” says, “different strokes for different folks.” Plus, the hit commercial sounds of both groups intersected in a tangible and metaphorical harmonious wash. In fact, The 5th Dimension performed “I Want to Take You Higher” in their live act as an audience participation crowd-pleaser, and later, Marilyn & Billy (McCoo & Davis) opened their live shows with “Everyday People.” Maurice White even told 5th mega producer Bones Howe that “Stoned Soul Picnic” quote, did it for him and inspired him to form Earth, Wind & Fire. However, let’s not digress too far, as today’s entry of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION focuses on the following “quintet” of major achievements amid the group’s long history of milestones.
*Grammy History: The official Grammy Awards website states, “The 5th Dimension had two big Grammy nights in 1968 and 1970, scooping up six awards between the two. With those six wins, they became the first group or duo to win twice for Record of the Year: “Up, Up and Away” in 1968, and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)” in 1970.” According to LaMonte McLemore, what they fail to mention is that The 5th Dimension was the first African American group to do so.
*Television First: Similarly, Marilyn and Billy were the first African American married couple to have their own network TV variety series, The Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. Show in the summer of ’77.
*As Ambassadors: The 5th Dimension traveled behind ‘The Iron Curtain’ in April of 1973 as US Cultural Ambassadors, performing concerts for audiences in Turkey, Romania, Czechoslovakia, and Poland. In TV variety show host Ed Sullivan’s newspaper column of the time, FlorenceLaRue is quoted: “The young people rushed the stages…they wanted to touch Black people who they had never seen before.” Later in other interviews, she added, “We were their connection to freedom.” Two points by Ms. LaRue when placed together, that are profoundly meaningful. Returning home, The 5th Dimension were the first entertainers to be featured on TV’s politically oriented “Issues and Answers.”
*On Broadway: The 5th Dimension appeared on Broadway at the Uris Theatre from Nov 27, 1974, and played through Dec 8, 1974. in a musical extravaganza that presented their hits and fresh tunes spotlighting a new musical attitude in a two-part act, complete with comedic skits and poetry selections. Later, other musical artists like Diana Ross and Lena Horne adopted this Broadway concept. My impressionable high school self was present at one of the 2 week-long shows, taking copious notes. Never would I think they’d appear in what would be known as a blog some 50 years later but now seems the right time to give our readers a glimpse into this theatrical spectacular. The show began with a choreographed party skit of “Harlem,” the group’s latest single from the newly released “Soul and Inspiration” album. Marilyn, in long pearls and a feather boa, and Florence’s fluid modern dance moves, made the song a living canvas, not to mention the guys getting down, too, for the tableau that included the support of Jo Jo’s DanceFactory. Solos included Ron’s “One Hell of a Woman,” (yet according to critics, his operatic virtuosity shone other nights with his rendering from “Pagliacci”), Marilyn’s “Loneliness” while intimately sitting centerstage on a stool for this ballad penned by Paul Williams, and Florence’s powerful yet wistful “My Love” by Paul McCartney. In the political commentary medley of “I Just Want to Celebrate/Ball of Confusion” amid strobe lighting and smoke, the complete version of “The Flesh Failures” from HAIR was also included with the familiar “let the sunshine” part delivered differently than usual, as a melancholy battle cry. A scorching “Fire” ensued with lyrics that included, “When you were a baby, your mama told you not to play with fire,” a song recorded by Osibisa, a British-Ghanaian-Caribbean Afro rock band. This was followed by a touching “Tomorrow Belongs to the Children,” from The 5th Dimension’s “Individually and Collectively” album.
After intermission with the Dance Factory, “Celebrate Life” (a reggae-tinged hit made popular by Johnny Nash) had Marilyn, Florence, Billy, LaMonte and Ron coming down the aisles from the back of the theater, and later, “What is Hip?” by Tower of Power had Billy effortlessly shaking the rafters. Cleverly, this was the first time the audience was asked to shout-out their favorite 5th song requests. Besides “Up, Up and Away,” “One Less Bell,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” Music Director, John Myles was ready with The 5th to treat us to such older gems as “Paper Cup,” “Carpet Man,” “Sweet Blindness,” and “Never My Love.”
Before the funky finale of “Dancin’ Machine” made popular by The Jackson 5, comedy segments where Billy was mistaken for Sammy Davis, Jr., and Florence spoofed Diana Ross brought laughs. But the moment of revelation was what Playbill noted as the Black Poetry segment featuring the works of Langston Hughes, Jaci Early, Sandra Sharper, and Paul LawrenceDunbar. Marilyn coming forward to deliver Nikki Giovanni’s “Revolutionary Dreams” was a stand-out. We recently lost this beloved nationally renowned poet of Civil Rights, and as a tribute, we respectfully share Ms. Giovanni’s poem:
Revolutionary Dreams
i used to dream militant
dreams of taking
over america to show
these white folks how it should be
done
i used to dream radical dreams
of blowing everyone away with my perceptive powers
of correct analysis
i even used to think i’d be the one
to stop the riot and negotiate the peace
then i awoke and dug
that if i dreamed natural
dreams of being a natural
woman doing what a woman
does when she’s natural
i would have a revolution
Source | Giovanni, Nikki. “Revolutionary Dreams” (1970) in The Women and the Men. New York City: William Morrow, 1975.
Footnote: While The 5th Dimension was co-hosting The Mike Douglas Show, Ms. Giovanni was on the panel. Very quietly, Marilyn mentioned, “We performed your poem during our show,” to which Nikki humbly nodded with an appreciative smile.
Speaking of Broadway, The 5th Dimension (Florence, LaMonte, Ron with Joyce Wright and Michael Procter) were the first singing group to take a Broadway show, Fats Waller’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’” on the road, in the ‘80’s. Marilyn starred on Broadway in the 1990’s revival of “Showboat,” in the leading role of Julie.
*Reunion & A Star: The Original 5th Dimension’s successful reunion tour (described extensively in LaMonte McLemore’s memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension”) began in Atlantic City, New Year’s Eve of 1990 to sell-out crowds and toured for a few years. On August 9, 1991, after a memorable appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show, The Original 5th Dimension received their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Today, while Florence leads the current 5th Dimension in-concert to sold-out crowds, Marilyn & Billy perform as a well-respected duo. McCoo & Davis’s recent critically acclaimed CD, “Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons” was a musical call for Civil and Human Rights. Pastor Billy’s ministry along with wife, Marilyn named Soldiers for the Second Coming brings praise and worship to their west coast congregation and can be seen on YouTube and internet TV. Last year, Marilyn & Billy and Florence attended and gave speeches at LaMonte’s “Black is Beautiful” event in Las Vegas, celebrating his accomplishments and coffee table book of the same title, reflecting his legacy photographic work for JET magazine’s “Beauty of the Week.” In separate interviews, Florence and Billy agree, “The 5th Dimension…we’ll always be a family.”
UPCOMING EXCLUSIVE! In March, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION brings an exclusive interview with the producer John Florez, featuring never-before-shared commentary AND an alternative take tune from the vaults…a true “Soul & Inspiration” experience we look forward to!
Special thanks to Marilyn & Billy, Florence, LaMonte, and their respective representation for their eternal soul & inspiration, kindness, mentorship and abiding friendship. In Loving Memory of Ron “Sweets” Townson
Consider! To the amazing global fans & our thousands of visitors, as the Executive Director, I ask you to please consider a tax-deductible donation to the America to Africa Higher Education Foundation, where LaMonte is on the Board at: www.AmericatoAfricaHigherEducationFoundation.com
–Robert-Allan Arno
Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, and “The 5th Dimension Milestones,” a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2025, intellectual property, all rights reserved.
Dateline February 4: We’re wishing our “Delightful Diva,” the lovely and ever energetic Florence LaRue, a blessed Happy Birthday. For over 50 years, Florence has brought the music & magic of The 5th Dimension to the sold-out masses, worldwide. LaMonte mentions, “Florence has an uncanny knack of knowing everyone’s parts including her own…a great asset in keeping The 5th Dimension sound vibrant.” Marilyn confides, “During the group’s formation, when we were auditioning women for our alto position, I had a friend who was up for the job. But when Florence came to sing, we just knew she had that special something…she was the one.” New York radio legend Cousin Brucie calls Florence one of “the sweethearts of the Rock n’ Soul era.”
Personally, it was Florence who gave me my very first media interview at the great WBAU on Long Island, my college radio station. She took the time to tell me, “You know so much about us…you make me feel like I’m talking to a friend. Keep doing what you’re doing, Robert!” Impactful words from a lady who has always had a special affinity for young people, with her credential in teaching as well as multi-Grammys and millions of fans.
I extend lots of Love & Blessings (and flowers!) to a dear friend who possesses a heart of gold…and we can’t wait to see what adventures she & The 5th Dimension have in store for us in 2025! –Robert-Allan Arno
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-25, Intellectual Property, all rights reserved
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
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