Tag Archives: Florence LaRue

Florence LaRue: A Delightful Spotlight

Posted on December 5, 2021 | Leave a comment

Enjoy this sweet celebratory interview with the Rock n’ Soul era’s eternal sweetheart, Florence LaRue. The delightful diva talks “Summer of Soul,” her new lifestyle book “Grace in Your Second Act,” and much more. Watch her Celebrity Page spotlight, here:

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Florence & The 5th Dimension Tour!

Posted on October 10, 2021 | Leave a comment

While vivacious 6-time Grammy award winning Florence LaRue continues a successful media tour for her new book, “Grace in Your Second Act” (available at Amazon), Florence & The 5th Dimension (Patrice, Floyd, Leonard & Sidney) are booked in concert through 2022…with more dates upcoming! And kudos, their early October Florida tour was a sold-out affair! Check out their itinerary including a cruise ship, Niagara Falls & Atlantic City…and a concert near you! 🙂 Join Florence & The 5th Dimension for an evening (or afternoon!) of Champagne Soul…all the greatest hits, choreography and special surprises, too!

Patrice of The 5th Dimension shares her personal tour sheet…with us! Don’t miss The 5th Dimension feat. Florence LaRue…coming to a city near you!
Florence’s new book, available at Amazon!

For official tour schedule of The 5th Dimension go to this link: http://5thdimensionlive.com/calendar/

Visit Florence at: http://www.florencelarue.com

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., all rights reserved, copyright 2008-2021)

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Happy Birthday LaMonte McLemore: A 2021 Update

Posted on September 17, 2021 | Leave a comment

From LaMonte’s Facebook page…

Dateline September 17: Today is a sweet celebration, the birthday of the one & only LaMonte McLemore. Some know him worldwide as the multi-Grammy winning “mellow bass” and stylish, visionary founder of legends, The 5th Dimension. Others know him as the premier freelance photographer for JET magazine’s trailblazing Beauty of the Week feature. In your own life’s journey, you may have been in a 5th Dimension sold-out audience, modeled for & been photographed by him, or played a cool game of softball sharing the field. And everyone who has had a personal “moment with Mac” is made to feel special because LaMonte has a knack for seeing everyone’s individual “greatest hit!”

About 2 years ago, LaMonte suffered a stroke. May this greeting also serve as an update, since many of you have inquired. He is progressing well and via this message reaches out to each of you to say “Right on,” and even remember your own birthdays! Like you, LaMonte was thrilled with The 5th Dimension’s appearance in this summer’s Indy film blockbuster, “Summer of Soul.” And he appreciated your sympathies at the passing of his cherished “Mama June” at age 106, this past year. And guess what? Something you probably know…LaMonte always “keeps on steppin’!” He will soon announce some very exciting new projects he & his team have been working on, always pleasing friends, fans, and family!

We appreciate LaMonte’s capacity 5,000 Facebook friends here, we keep his page fresh and up-to-date with not only rare photos & select memories but current events…and making it inclusive, supporting the projects of the other members of The Original 5th Dimension, the married team of Marilyn & Billy, plus Florence & The current 5th Dimension…we call them “5th Family.”  And in that family spirit, LaMonte, Mieko and myself, his biographer & social media curator/media spokesman love putting our heads together to bring you our lively best.

So please leave your birthday greetings for LaMonte…he will certainly enjoy reading them and sends you his love & blessings on his special day!  ~~Robert-Allan Arno

LaMonte’s memoir as-told-to Robert-Allan Arno, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” is available at Amazon, here: https://www.amazon.com/Hobo-Flats-5th-Dimension-Photography/dp/0692307362

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

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A Breathtaking Florence Chats with Judge Harvey!

Posted on August 24, 2021 | Leave a comment

Our “delightful diva,” Florence LaRue is on an exciting multi-media book tour for “Grace in Your Second Act” and one of her first stops may just be one of her best. I was so pleased to help orchestrate her all-encompassing chat with my good friend, the wise and compassionate esteemed Judge Harvey Brownstone. When he’s not in his robes, banging a judicious gavel, he is becoming one of our top interviewers. Here’s my review of “the festivities” with Florence:

Absolutely stellar, Harvey! Florence LaRue is a true sweetheart of the Rock n’ Roll (and Champagne Soul!) era…here, her light shines in a way we have all come to know and love. As someone who personally knows Florence and has been honored to work on projects with her & The 5th Dimension, I found myself not only beaming as I enjoyed the dynamic you two shared but objectively moved by Florence’s inspirational wisdom, it literally brought tears of joy (and insight) to my eyes. “A-plus” for you both…this interview is a definitive blessing. –Robert-Allan Arno, “Forever 5th Dimension”

Enjoy the interview on YouTube:

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., intellectual property, all rights reserved, copyright 2008-2021)

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Summer of Champagne Soul: Our FOREVER 5th DIMENSION Top 5!

Posted on July 14, 2021 | Leave a comment

FOREVER 5th DIMENSION presents the Top 5 for Summer of 2021 for your listening, reading & viewing pleasure–in no necessary order…they’re all spectacular with kudos to Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue and LaMonte McLemore. Oh, and don’t forget our exclusive online magazine interview with Marilyn & Billy coming for their 52nd wedding anniversary, the end of July! OK, let’s countdown…or count up “Up and Away!”

  1. Marilyn & Billy‘s latest CD, “Blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons” is a statement piece in their recording legacy. Our “MarBill” add their inimitable approach with freshness, and a distinct Civil Rights bent to the music of Lennon/McCartney. Critically, celebrity and fan-acclaimed, available at Amazon here: Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons by Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. on Amazon Music – Amazon.com
  2. I just reviewed Florence‘s new book “Grace in Your Second Act– A Guide to Aging Gracefully” (see our previous Forever 5th article) and I am still marveling at the amount of research and anecdotal information our “delightful diva” has compiled. It’s an important self-help & faith-based book with strategies that are practical, revelation-al, and oftentimes cute, poignant and celebrity-inspired. Read it “On the Beach (In the Summertime),” available at Amazon here: Grace in Your Second Act: A Guide to Aging Gracefully: LaRue, Florence, Paschall, Jenny: 9781664227088: Amazon.com: Books
  3. LaMonte‘s hit memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” now in its 2nd edition, and something I am so honored to have co-written with Mac, is one hip literary trip. Recommended by Johnny Mathis, Nancy Sinatra, Otis Williams of the Temptations, more, LaMonte talks music history, Black history, and shares the secrets that made The 5th Dimension harmonic unifiers–bringing together generations, races and crossing record chart boundaries. Lots of laughs and celeb anecdotes…as only “Mac” can tell a story! Available at Amazon…another great beach read!: Amazon.com: From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music (9780692307366): McLemore, LaMonte, Arno, Robert-Allan: Books
  4. The Ultimate 5th Dimension CD reviewed as “the best-sounding, best-annotated anthology”​ of the quintet by All Music Guide is a 21 song overview of The 5th’s recorded hit magic. And yes, I was so proud to compile the tunes with mega-producer Bones Howe for this project and write the extensive liners. Ultimate is a perennial AND back on the charts due to the “5th resurgence” created by “Summer of Soul,” and now at the “nice price,” at Amazon: The 5th Dimension – Ultimate 5th Dimension – Amazon.com Music
  5. Last by not least, “Summer of Soul” is the hit docu-film of the summer! Producer Questlove unearthed countless pristine celluloid hours of African American musical luminaries performing at The Harlem Cultural Festival, circa 1969. Akin to a “Black Woodstock,” Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Mahalia Jackson, Sly & The Family Stone, and more took to the stage before hundreds of thousands. The #1 song of the day (and the year for that matter), actually a “mash-up” of “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” courtesy of Broadway’s HAIR, performed with verve and optimistic joy by a brightly attired The 5th Dimension (Marilyn McCoo, Florence LaRue, Billy Davis, Jr., Ron Townson and McLemore) is one of the movie’s centerpieces. As biographer of The Original 5th Dimension and Mr. McLemore, I stated to SoulTracks and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: “To see The 5th Dimension on the big screen at the apex of their career is thrilling for their many fans, more so it underscores the unexpected power of the group’s unique ebullient flavor.” Be sure to see “Summer of Soul” at a theater near you…or enjoy at home on Hulu! ~~Robert-Allan Arno

(Hit right arrow to experience slideshow!)

Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-21, intellectual property, all rights reserved

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Remembering Marc Gordon

Posted on July 10, 2021 | Leave a comment

I had just been thinking of Marc Gordon, the beloved manager of The 5th Dimension when the lovely Florence LaRue contacted me, reflecting on Marc’s important history-changing impact, too. This summertime 2021, with there being a resurgence in interest in The Original 5th Dimension due to their vibrant appearance in the docu-film hit of the season, “Summer of Soul” circa the Harlem Cultural Festival, ’69, it is timely to remember Marc’s contributions. Florence expresses, “What many people don’t realize is that without Marc Gordon, The 5th Dimension would not be what it wound up being! He never got the notoriety he deserved; I hope to give it to him.”

Here’s an excerpt of what Florence and I put together via his written memorial tribute as featured in “Goldmine” and JET magazines over a decade ago, and today, it bears reiteration at Forever 5th Dimension:

Marcus Melvin Gordon, known professionally as Marc Gordon, the manager of The 5th Dimension circa its heyday of the late ’60’s through the ’70s, passed away June 16, 2010, according to the original group’s biographer, Robert-Allan Arno, and group member Florence LaRue. He was 74.

An executive at Motown in the early ’60s, Gordon departed the label in 1966 while discovering The Versatiles, who auditioned for but were not signed to the label. He asked the quintet to find a hipper moniker —The 5th Dimension — and connected them with Johnny River’s Soul City label. The rest was Grammy, Gold and Platinum record history. Gordon co-produced The 5th Dimension’s signature tune, Jimmy Webb’s “Up-Up and Away.”

“We had so much respect for Marc Gordon and his vision…his faith and hard work,” said founding former members Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. Retired founding member, LaMonte McLemore stated, “Marc spoke gently but his plans for us were mighty.” “Marc envisioned The 5th Dimension as ‘the Black Beatles,’” Florence LaRue reflected. Ms. LaRue had been married to Gordon and has a son, Geoffrey, with him. She continues to tour as Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension.

Mr. Gordon also managed Tony Orlando and Dawn, Thelma Houston and Willie Hutch. His Rocky Road records garnered mega-hits hits for Al Wilson (“Show and Tell”) and Climax (“Precious and Few”) in the ’70s.

As Forever 5th Dimension remembers Marc Gordon, Florence & I invite you to view his appearance on this classic “Soul Train,” talking with Don Cornelius in his charming manner, at this link: https://youtu.be/LrWeiGI3EVg

Bonus! And here are Florence and Marc (along with Jimmy Webb’s minister dad!) on this vintage game show, “I’ve Got a Secret,” celebrating the magic of “Up-Up and Away.” View here: https://youtu.be/iA7yyspHdek

(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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We Hold these Truths…

Posted on July 4, 2021 | Leave a comment

On this 4th of July 2021, the essence of The Original 5th Dimension resounds loud & clear, the excitement of movie-goers, Hulu-viewers, reviewers, news & talk hosts countrywide in viewing “Summer of Soul” has been exhilarating, seemingly all over the media and social media. The unearthing of vintage footage from 1969’s Harlem Cultural Festival, 52 years later in producer Questlove‘s docu-film he titles a “jawn,” is all the more poignant and “re-empowered” now, featuring: Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Sly & the Family Stone, David Ruffin, Hugh Masekela, The Edwin Hawkins Singers, The Staple Singers (more)…and The 5th Dimension with the top medley or “mashup” of the day, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” (Featuring an engaging current interview appearance by Marilyn & Billy.) Here are screen shots from “Summer of Soul” supplied by lovely fans Deniserose Torres and Judy Millet with Marilyn McCoo, Florence LaRue, Billy Davis, Jr., Ron Townson and Lamonte McLemore in action onstage, literally before thousands…

Rolling Stone! And here’s the link to a very astute current article by David Browne in Rolling Stone, discussing The 5th Dimension’s gentle subversive-ness aka “Remembering The 5th Dimension’s Quiet Revolution.”: Fifth Dimension: Remembering Sixties Stars Seen in ‘Summer of Soul’ – Rolling Stone

It wouldn’t be 4th of July without this iconic clip of The 5th Dimension performing “The Declaration” with “People Gotta Be Free” on The Ed Sullivan Show. LaMonte smiles, “By singing the song, I learned the words of The Declaration of Independence along with each of our fans!” Watch this moving presentation here: https://youtu.be/oOUxNAexRzs

And then tomorrow, it wouldn’t be the same without acknowledging “The July 5th Album.” Marilyn jokingly calls it “our not-so-greatest-hits album.” Soul City, in capitalizing on the hugely popular Greatest Hits, rushed out this “More Hits” edition with some pretty cool covers like “Let it Be Me,” “Sunshine of Your Love,” and “Ticket to Ride,” the latter re-visited on Marilyn & Billy’s latest, “Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons” project. Wouldn’t it be nice to have “July 5th” reissued in ’21 with additional fan-fave material? Let’s take a survey!

As we approach our official 14th year of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION in late July, we declare, “The 5th is forever”…now, ain’t that the truth!

–Robert-Allan Arno

(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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Summer of Excitement by Robert-Allan Arno

Posted on June 11, 2021 | Leave a comment

We’re coming out of a difficult time and leave it to the essence of the original stars of The 5th Dimension, just as they did during the turbulent times of the late ’60’s, to STILL bring their inimitable sunshine for the summer of 2021, a time where we also celebrate our 14th year of Forever 5th Dimension. And I can’t thank the stars, my dearest of friends and personal mentors, Marilyn & Billy, Florence, and LaMonte for their “forever soul & inspiration!” Now let’s dig in to the latest & greatest…

Who I call “my angels,” Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. have a critically acclaimed new CD project, “Blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons” and the song selection and interpretations make this glowing affair “milestone & magnificent” with a call to Civil and Human Rights…and a winning vote for the twosome’s eternal artistry. I’m simply leaving the Amazon link, fans & friends, if you have not already purchased. (And what an honor to be mentioned, personally, in their liner notes for the project.) Forever 5th Dimension announces a very special interview between yours truly, Robert-Allan Arno and “MarBill” about this equally special endeavor in time for their 52nd wedding anniversary (7/26), at a very cool literary venue…details upcoming! We’re gonna take a deep dive with the Q & A! Order “Blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons” at Amazon, here: Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. – Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons – Amazon.com Music

The docufilm “Summer of Soul,” already an award-winner at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, produced by Questlove, makes its theatrical debut on July 2nd. The Original 5th Dimension, at the apex of their prowess, perform the No. 1 song of the time, and the year, for that matter, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” and more. Yes, the year is 1969, it’s the Harlem Cultural Festival and all of the artists who performed including Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson, BB King, Stevie Wonder, David Ruffin, and Sly & The Family Stone, have literally been unearthed with this priceless un-vaulted and restored archival footage complete with new interviews. Featuring an emotionally compelling one with McCoo and Davis…roll out the Red Carpet and don’t miss it!

The ever vivacious “delightful diva,” Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension (Patrice, Floyd, Leonard & Sidney) are back touring this summer, with tasty dates from east coast to west! (Please scroll down and see our article) Ms. LaRue and The 5th never disappoint their sold-out crowds with the best “Champagne Soul” in town…and lots of surprises!

“From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” the hip hit memoir, on Amazon!

LaMonte McLemore thanks each of you, his memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” (which I had the pleasure to co-author) continues to sell well, the world over…a shout-out to fans in England, Japan, France, Canada, and of course, the USA! We have great fun on his Facebook page which I get to curate with Mac and his lovely wife Mieko, currently celebrating #BlackMusicMonth…and there’s always a plethora of rare and classic photos everyone seems to love. “Mac” has some surprises up his magical sleeve, too…stay tuned, and as he winks, “Right on!”

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-21, all rights reserved)

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#Throwback Fun…All the World Over!

Posted on May 27, 2021 | Leave a comment

From LaMonte’s Facebook Page:

#ThrowbackThursday We’re having some fun today, sharing rare import album/single sleeve artwork…”all the world over” The Original 5th Dimension resounded with “harmony & understanding!” 🙂 Enjoy everyone! ~~Robert-Allan for Team Mac ❤

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd, all rights reserved copyright 2008-21)

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Thoughts from the Stars…

Posted on February 21, 2021 | Leave a comment

At Forever 5th Dimension, honored to share this conglomeration of powerful & poignant most recent quotes from our favorite stars…

From LaMonte McLemore official on Facebook:

#SunshineSunday#BlackHistoryMonth Recently, we celebrated The 5th Dimension being featured in the award-winning Sundance music-docu, “Summer of Soul” produced by the visionary Questlove. The “mash-up” The 5th performed at the historic Harlem Cultural Festival ’69 was currently at the top of the charts: “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” But the other tune The 5th grooved with onstage was this intoxicating one: “Don’tcha Hear Me Callin’ To Ya.” Come dance with us this afternoon with the original recording, remastered at this link: https://youtu.be/x-oAd5Iz6VY ~~R-A A for Team Mac

From Florence LaRue’s Facebook page:

“Many thanks for all the lovely birthday greetings from all over the world! I wanted to acknowledge them personally, but there were just too many!! I thank God for all of you.”

From Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.’s official social media:

“We started making music in a time where a lot of this country didn’t want to accept us simply for the color of our skin. We defied the odds, and became the first African American married couple to host a network television series on CBS in 1977. When you think about it, that wasn’t all that long ago. We pursue our passions in spite of a lot of forces working against us. This month, we celebrate the progress we’ve made, but never forget that we are always a work in progress toward a more accepting tomorrow. Happy Black History Month!”

Artwork Credits: LaMonte by Kenneth Green; Marilyn & Billy: 50 Years of Love by Ephraim David Udoka, commissioned for McCoo/Davis by Robert-Allan Arno

(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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