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
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
Dateline January 29–Today we honor the birthday of a gentleman of song who stood for dignity, artistry, pride in bridging musical genres…and making history as a member of The Original 5th Dimension, Ron “Sweets” Townson. There’s not a day that goes by, that dedicated fans of The 5th Dimension don’t smile at the memory of Ron. FOREVER 5th DIMENSION presents our comprehensive tribute to him with song links and quotes from Florence, LaMonte, Marilyn & Billy, his son Kyle, plus fan and management remembrances and exclusive interview memories with Ron at this link: https://forever5thdimension.com/2014/01/
It’s that special time of year where FOREVER 5th DIMENSION brings you our Merry 5th-mas Top 10 Playlist…beloved holiday tunes by our favorite stars at this link:
I just spoke at length with Marilyn & Billy, Florence and LaMonte & wife, Mieko…each are looking forward to a bright, blessed Christmas and have exciting things on the horizon for 2025, personally I am “forever grateful” for their example, their guidance, and their golden friendships…and for the worldwide fans who stop by FOREVER 5th by the thousands, every year. We’ll have a special new year edition recap, too…stay tuned!
God’s abundant blessings,
Robert-Allan Arno
Bonus!Christmas Gift Idea! 50% off! Treat yourself or gift someone with LaMonte McLemore’s new luxurious coffee table book “Black is Beautiful” spotlighting his trailblazing photos for JET Magazine’s iconic Beauty of the Week feature. Available at Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Black-Beautiful-JET-Beauties-Week/dp/1648230474
Flashback! Fans & Friends meet with Marilyn & Billy after the show…the Colors of Christmas Tour, 2017, a Forever 5th Dimension memory collage! (Featuring Jeffrey Graham, Jonathan Weitz, Susie Paige, Cynthia M. White, Miguel de Leon, Pastor Martha Vink, Jim Kelly, Ronald Lange, and yours truly, Robert-Allan Arno)
Forever 5th Dimension, copyright 2008-24, all rights reserved
The 5th Dimension featuring our Delightful Diva, Ms. Florence LaRue, will be making the month of November, 2024 a Champagne Soul festival of greatest hits, in concert with their spectacular show at venues in Evansville, Indiana (Victory Theater, Nov 2), Summterville, Florida (Tracy Performing Arts Center, Nov 9), South Boston, Virginia (The Prizery, Nov. 21), Greensboro, North Carolina, (The Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts with the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, Nov. 22).
Florence and The 5th Dimension are looking forward to seeing you!
Please go to the official 5th Dimension website for more concert/venue details at this link:
September 17, 2024: We celebrate the birthday of the inimitable LaMonte McLemore—the St. Louis-born founder of chart-topping, 6-time Grammy winning legends The 5th Dimension, and the group’s mellow bass for over 40 years. Their timeless tunes like the uplifting and anthemic “Up-Up and Away,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” and the romantic “One Less Bell to Answer,” and “Wedding Bell Blues,” are iconic musical tapestries for multi-generations.
LaMonte is also known as the premiere freelance photographer for JET magazine’s “Beauty of the Week” feature for 5 decades. In fact, 2024 ushered in McLemore’s new coffee table book titled “Black is Beautiful—JET Beauties of the Week” at a gala event in Las Vegas attended by over 200 of “Mac’s” closest friends & colleagues including Original 5th Dimension mates Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. and Florence LaRue. The luxurious book spotlights LaMonte’s trailblazing photography, which edifies the all-encompassing beauty of women of color.
Known for his sense of humor & style and overall kindness, “The Bronze Clark Gable” is also the author of the popular inspirational memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension (A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music)” as told to Robert-Allan Arno.
In celebration of his birthday this year, on LaMonte’s lively Facebook page of 5,000 followers, his fans, friends, and family will be invited to share their special “reflections of Mac.” And in honor of his birthday, LaMonte welcomes charitable contributions to the America to Africa Higher Education Foundation (where Mac is on the Board of Directors) at: www.AmericatoAfricaHigherEducationFoundation.com
His biographer and social media curator, Mr. Arno shares, “On behalf of worldwide fans and friends, we send our love, respect and admiration to a hero, mentor, friend, and brother like no other, LaMonte McLemore.”
Special Offer for Special Fans! This charcoal original 16 x 24 collage by the acclaimed Nigerian artist, Ephraim David Udoka is called “The World of LaMonte” and was unveiled to “oohs & ahs” at Mac’s luxurious “Black is Beautiful’ event in Las Vegas early this year. Today by popular request, it’s available in limited edition 16 x 18 high-definition prints, suitable for framing, where ALL proceeds go to the America to Africa Higher Education foundation. Pictured in the artwork, clockwise, is “classic Mac,” LaMonte’s Mama June, “Little Mac” with Grandma Gertrude, LaMonte & wife Mieko, The Original 5th Dimension, and LaMonte with his famed camera.
For a tax-deductible donation of $99 including postage & handling, you’ll receive the print, in protective mailing cylinder. (United States orders, only please.) If you are interested in obtaining this artwork that will help more Nigerian scholars’ educational dreams become a reality, request “The World of LaMonte” at PayPal.
It’s easy–here’s how! Just go to PayPal and enter as payee: VoiceActions@hotmail.com, pay $99 and indicate “LaMonte.” We thank you from the bottom of our cross-cultural hearts and say, “God bless you!”
We share this lovely message from manager & friend, Jason Winters: “Happy Birthday LaMonte! You are the GOAT! Without your talent, creativity, strength and amazing kindness, The Original 5th Dimension would never have happened. Congratulations on another race around the Sun. You are deeply loved by millions, including your Angel Mieko, Sir Robert-Allan, Marilyn & Billy and each member of our tribe. We love you. God bless you. Your Sterling Winters Family.”
Join our “Delightful Diva,” Ms. Florence LaRue with Patrice, Floyd, Leonard and Sidney for “the Florida tour!” The 5th Dimension will be performing at these venues throughout March! To our friends & fans in Florida (and nearby), experience all the Champagne Soul Greatest Hits, the music, the magic, the family-oriented fun that is truly The 5th Dimension standard of excellence!
February 2024: For the stars of The Original 5th Dimension, Black History Month is full of excitement.
LaMonte McLemore’s new coffee table book debuts for Valentine’s Day. “Black is Beautiful” features the “Beauty of the Week” models he photographed over 50 years. The high-toned art book, with fiercely elegant images of women of color that jump off the page, is totally fresh while underscoring Mac’s trailblazing eye. (Pre-order at Amazon, here: Amazon.com: Black Is Beautiful: JET Beauties of the Week: 9781648230479: McLemore, LaMonte, Murray, Chris: Books)
For starters, LaMonte is the cover story for the February edition of Las Vegas Black Image Magazine, available free of charge throughout Las Vegas, and online at their website starting Feb 1. Mac talks about the secrets of his photography, read it here, online: https://lasvegasblackimage.com/…/02/LVBI-February2024.pdf
The First Couple of Pop n’ Soul, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. debut their electrifying autobiographical new musical show, “When a Man Loves a Woman” at the glorious McCallum Theater in Palm Desert on Saturday, Feb 10, 8pm. See all the details, including link to purchase tickets at Forever 5th Dimension, here: McCoo & Davis star in New Show: “When a Man Loves a Woman” | FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION
And the lovely Delightful Diva, Florence LaRue celebrates her birthday on Sunday Feb. 4. Florence’s energy shines, as she tours and leads today’s 5th Dimension in concert through the year, throughout the country. Her book, available on Amazon, “Grace in Your Second Act” promotes Florence’s message of mature good health–physically and spiritually. Read Forever 5th Dimension’s comprehensive tribute to Ms. LaRue, including fan favorite “Florence solos” at this link: Florence LaRue: Celebrating a Delightful Diva’s Birthday | FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION
For Black History month, 2024, the spirit of The 5th Dimension and its original stars is current…and forever! –Robert-Allan Arno
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-24, intellectual property, all rights reserved.
#CoolCruise Sail the high seas with The 5th Dimension and other music legends for a cool Caribbean cruise, Jan. 27 thru Feb. 3, 2024! Book today at 866-3OLDIES! Less than 100 cabins left! Our Delightful Diva, Ms. Florence LaRue and The 5th (Patrice, Leonard, Sidney & Floyd) hope to see you for this special musical adventure! (More details below) –R-A A
A Forever 5th Dimension Exclusive by Robert-Allan Arno:
This past weekend in Las Vegas, LaMonte McLemore celebrated with his angelic wife Mieko and a few hundred closest friends, the dawning of his newest book to be released for Valentine’s Day ’24, an artful one titled “Black is Beautiful,” representing his photographic excellence for JET magazine’s trailblazing Beauty of the Week, featuring some of the loveliest women of our time. Cherished family and musical friends, colleagues from the publishing, modeling and media world, gathered and gave testimonial speeches or sang songs at a special event, for a special man, MC’ed by Harry Elston of the Friends of Distinction. The members of The Original 5th Dimension, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. and Florence LaRue brought extra excitement by their attendance as did Jayne Kennedy Overton. Love was truly in the air for our visionary, Mac! Enjoy some select event photos courtesy of LaMonte’s daughter, Ciara and the Arno/5th Legacy Collection. You can start pre-ordering the luxurious coffee table book “Black is Beautiful” on Amazon and other relevant sites.
Billy, Marilyn and Florence all gave charming recounts of precious “5th history” and how it was LaMonte who was the catalyst for it all…while MC Harry Elston looked on!
Sitting at the head table with my heroes & sheroes, Florence, Marilyn, Billy, and LaMonte and giving a testimonial speech in honor of “Mac” as his biographer plus repping the millions of worldwide fans of The 5th Dimension, saying the star’s names onstage as they are rightfully due and remembering Ron “Sweets” Townson, too…was a dream come true.
Florence LaRue, Robert-Allan Arno, Billy Davis, Jr., Marilyn McCoo
Underscoring LaMonte’s motto: “We are only in this world to help one another,” garnered knowing “Amen’s” from the crowd as I unveiled this wonderful artwork that I had commissioned for the festivities by gifted Nigerian artist Ephraim David Udoka, titled “LaMonte’s World.” It was met by an appreciative collective “Ahhh!”
At Forever 5th Dimension, as we begin our 16th year, we are always happy to take you to exclusive events like the unforgettable “Black is Beautiful” soiree and bring you more up-to-the-minute surprises as 2024 unfolds. –Robert-Allan Arno
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, intellectual property, all rights reserved, Photo Credits: Arno/5th Legacy Collection, Ciara McLemore, Cynthia Shelby, and artwork by Ephraim Udoka, copyright 2024, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd.
#CaliforniaSoul California fans, don’t miss the dazzling Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension live in concert at the Saban Theatre, this Friday, April 14!
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
You must be logged in to post a comment.