Tag Archives: Florence LaRue

Remembering Marc Gordon

Posted on July 10, 2021 | Leave a comment

I had just been thinking of Marc Gordon, the beloved manager of The 5^th 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 5^th 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 5^th 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 5^th 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 5^th 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 5^th 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

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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

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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!”

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Tagged Florence LaRue, LaMonte McLemore, McCoo Davis Blackbird: Lennon McCartney CD, Robert-Allan Arno, Summer of Soul

#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

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Tagged Billy Davis Jr., Florence LaRue, LaMonte McLemore, Marilyn McCoo, The 5th Dimension

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

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Tagged Black History Month, Florence LaRue, LaMonte McLemore, McCoo & Davis, Summer of Soul

Happy Birthday Florence LaRue, ever-Delightful Diva!

Posted on February 4, 2021 | Leave a comment

Feb 4: Florence and I chatted in a long telephone conversation on New Year’s Day, what a heartwarming way to usher in ‘21…with my cherished radiant friend who is forever enthusiastic, who is all set to get back onstage leading the current 5^th Dimension in-concert and with her solo shows, post-pandemic, who has a new inspiring literary project on the horizon, and is a great and humble humanitarian. But we didn’t talk about ANY of that, just a couple of friends catching up to ring in new year promise and prayerful blessings amid such unusual times. So for the myriad of “Florence fans” and faithful readers of Forever 5^th Dimension, I’m so pleased to direct you to our comprehensive birthday salute to the lovely and mighty Florence…it’s a biographical homage, where the fans got to weigh in on her greatest solos, too. Enjoy the reflections at the Forever 5^th link below. ~Robert-Allan Arno

Florence LaRue: Celebrating a Delightful Diva’s Birthday (Updated for 2021) | FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION (wordpress.com)

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The Love’s Lines Album, Happy 50th!

Posted on February 3, 2021 | Leave a comment

On February 1, 1971 the LP “Love’s Lines, Angles and Rhymes” by The 5th Dimension was released on Bell Records. Produced by the great Bones Howe, it was the group’s sixth album. Personally, one of my all-time faves, beautifully mastered, including cool and memorable cover art with a fold-out, detachable “5” to hang on our youthful walls! But the songs were more than teenage and formed many a fan’s adult musical sensibilities, of course, parents liked this album, too for “The 5th” was always inclusive and as such, united people on many levels. As LaMonte McLemore cites in his memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension”: “We brought together generations, crossed the record charts and racial boundaries.” The “Champagne Soul” sparkled with the mystical title tune, a treatise of #Love–Marilyn McCoo‘s personal fave “vocal solo” (quotes about “Love’s Lines,” the single from Ms. McCoo and composer Dorothea Joyce to be featured in my upcoming book, “Forever 5th Dimension.”) The other single from the project, “Light Sings” from Broadway’s “The Me Nobody Knows” (known as “the first Broadway hit to give voice to the sentiments of inner-city American youth”) is a bona fide fan favorite for its soaring uplift. (We also have exclusive quotes from LaMonte and “MarBill” on this showtune, to be unveiled!) There are 2 Laura Nyro entries, the ebullient “Time and Love” and Florence LaRue‘s radiant lead with “He’s a Runner,” plus sensual & sensory covers done “the 5th way” of the Latin-tinged “Viva Tirado,” Motown’s “What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)?” and Paul McCartney‘s “Every Night,” the latter 2 stand as early McCoo & Davis duets. And the McLemore-penned “The Singer” brings a gut-wrenching tour-de-force for Billy Davis, Jr. The panoramic n’ playful “The Rainmaker” by Harry Nilsson and the ultra-romantic “Guess Who” round out a superb early ’70’s vibe, the “Love’s Lines” project is nearly a follow-up to ’69’s “The Age of Aquarius” album as producer Bones recounted to me in our many exclusives.

For #BlackHistoryMonth 2021, honoring this “patent leather perfect” (as one critic of the time praised it in a brief sound-bite and I never forgot those witty words!) masterpiece proves The 5th Dimension held firmly in grace, edifying each member’s unique talents–from R & B, to Pop, to Classical/Light Opera, to Broadway, to Torch, defying categories and setting examples that were truly ahead of their time. It’s no wonder contemporary artists Audra McDonald, Pharrell Williams, Vanessa Williams, Questlove and Narada Michael Walden–not to mention Earth, Wind & Fire–hold the essence of The 5th Dimension as influential and in high regard. And don’t we all as Forever 5th Dimension celebrates this 50-year recorded milestone. ~~Robert-Allan Arno

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Tagged Billy Davis Jr., Florence LaRue, Love's Lines Angles & Rhymes, Marilyn McCoo

GG Townson Stars in Lifetime’s Salt-N-Pepa Biopic, this Weekend!

Posted on January 23, 2021 | Leave a comment

1/23/21: Huge kudos on behalf of the stars of The Original 5th Dimension–Marilyn & Billy, Florence, and LaMonte–to lovely & vibrant, GG Townson, for her starring role in tonight’s Lifetime TV debut of the Salt-N-Pepa bio-pic. Marilyn & Billy told me, “Robert, how exciting…we’ll definitely be watching her star continue to rise!” View GG’s charming chat with Amy Robach and TJ Holmes on Good Morning America 3, at this link:

With familial music in her blood as the granddaughter of Ron “Sweets” Townson, the late original member of multi-Grammy legends The 5th Dimension, GG recently told the Big 95 Morning Show something of great interest to readers of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION: “‘Wedding Bell Blues’ is actually my favorite song by them. Every once in a while, I’ll just find myself yelling the first line, ‘Biiiilll!’ ‘Aquarius,’ for sure, just makes me smile. It’s such a feel-good song. ‘Up-Up, and Away’…they just have really good music. And I’m not saying that because he’s my grandfather, but The 5th Dimension really put out great music and broke so many barriers.”

*The beloved Ron Townson, pictured center with The Original 5th Dimension comrades, Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue, Marilyn McCoo and LaMonte McLemore*

–By Robert-Allan Arno

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Tagged Florence LaRue, GG Townson, LaMonte McLemore, McCoo & Davis, Salt-N-Pepa

LaMonte McLemore’s Cherished Mother, “Mama June” Passes Away at Age 106

Posted on November 8, 2020 | Leave a comment

It is with great solemnity we report that LaMonte McLemore’s cherished mother, known warmly by all as “Mama June” has passed away peacefully at age 106. Mama June had remained the only surviving parent of the members of The Original 5th Dimension. Always beautifully groomed & attired, and wonderfully wise, LaMonte proudly shared in his memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” and with many an interviewer: “Don’t let the homespun name fool you…my ever-glamorous Mama June’s memory is better than yours and mine, combined…she’s as sharp as a tack!” Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. expressed on the occasion of her centennial birthday: “Mama June is one of the true gems in our lives, she’s always been full of joy, love, and acceptance for all–a true treasure.” Florence LaRue made a special appearance at Mama June’s 105th birthday celebration in St. Louis delivering a prayer and song in her honor. LaMonte’s biographer, Robert-Allan Arno states: “Mama June possessed a warm godly light—not only coming from inside but surrounding her—that was simply breathtaking when in her presence.”

June McLemore (1914-2020) lived through many decades, eras, US presidents, and positive changes in Civil Rights. She always embraced a “can-do” spirit of diligence, grace, optimism, fairness, and inclusivity through it all, attributes that are reflected in the ethos of The 5th Dimension’s harmoniously uplifting hits like “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” and “Up-Up and Away.” The McLemore family states, “She was elated to witness our first Black president and lived to see our first Black woman, South Asian vice president-elect.”

Mama June is also survived by her daughter Joan and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. Visitation and funeral services will be held privately in her hometown of St. Louis. The family thanks fans for their outpouring of sympathetic sentiments on Mr. McLemore’s Facebook page.

With appreciation to the publications: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch,” “Soul Tracks,” and “Backbeat R & B Magazine” for their special tributes to Mama June.

Mama June’s presence will be greatly missed, yet “Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.” —Robert-Allan Arno for LaMonte McLemore

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Happy Birthday, Jimmy Webb!

Posted on August 15, 2020 | Leave a comment

From LaMonte McLemore’s FB page: Dateline Aug 15 — Happy Birthday to our dear friend, our historic colleague, the poetically profound musical genius that made us soar “Up-Up and Away”…Mr. Jimmy Webb. And who can forget “The Magic Garden” album…or “Earthbound,” two of Jimmy’s masterpieces for us? Here we are, The Original 5th Dimension with Jimmy at the Grammys where “Up-Up and Away” was a multi-winner.