Tag Archives: Florence LaRue

A Valentine’s Message from Mac: LaMonte McLemore Expresses His Love

#HappyValentinesDay2020 from LaMonte! He wishes to recollect that exactly 5 years ago, we chose to launch his now-hit memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” with a fun interview stage-show in Las Vegas. As our special guests, Marilyn & Billy attended along with 100’s of excited fans. We decided on February 14, not only to debut the book during #BlackHistoryMonth but because The 5th Dimension always stood for love. MemoirAnd that extends to the love back from fans, friends & family. LaMonte wishes to thank each & everyone of you for your kind concern & inspiring comments during his recovery process. He continues to make step-by-step strides…Mac & his lovely wife, Mieko agree that everyday is a new adventure! And a blessing. On this Valentine’s Day, LaMonte reminds you to send love to the people you love. As he sends it to YOU!
–Robert-Allan Arno, Biographer, on behalf of LaMonte McLemore & all at #TeamMac

Vegas

“From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” 2nd Edition is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hobo-Flats-5th-Dimension-Photography/dp/0692307362/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=hobo+flats+mclemore&qid=1581654132&sr=8-1

Florence good oneFuture News from Forever 5th Dimension: Florence LaRue’s photoshoot featuring the fashions of famed designer Kevan Hall has been completed for her upcoming book…stay tuned for more exciting details from our delightful diva!!

 

Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, copyright 08-20, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., all rights reserved 

RARE Traveling Sunshine

Light Sings: 2019 in Review

Billy Center
2019 marked the 50th anniversary of The 5th Dimension’s greatest hit single, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In”…we got to chat about the medley’s timelessness at the prestigious “Culture Sonar” in an interview with LaMonte McLemore and myself. And how cool to end the year with Rewound Radio voting the “mash-up” #15 in their all-time Top 77 countdown! AAAMarBill RARE50 was also magical for Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. as the First Couple of Pop n’ Soul celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July. Marilyn, Billy and I got to “croon” about the romantic milestone and their 7-time Grammy winning favorite hits, too, also at “Culture Sonar.”
Florence good oneThe ever vivacious 6-time Grammy winning Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension brought their “Champagne Soul” myriad hits all through the country, in concert, selling out every venue where they performed! Florence, Patrice, Leonard, Floyd and Sidney are already racking up important appearances for 2020.  See their exciting developing schedule  here: http://5thdimensionlive.com/calendar/
UDOKA MARBILL PHOTOMERGE

50 Years of Love: Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. by Ephraim Udoka, Exclusive Artiste All Rights Reserved

Still touring to raves, Marilyn & Billy had a featured song on the “Thank you, Mr. Rogers” CD. And in early November, Marilyn made a poignant , heralded return as Tamara Price on “Days of Our Lives”…Billy appeared too.  For MarBill’s 50th anniversary, I had personally commissioned African artist, Ephraim David Udoka to do a rendering of the couple today, juxtaposed with their earlier selves. It was thrilling to have the talented Udoka study the work of McCoo & Davis and then see the duo’s metamorphosis through his young yet ingenious eyes. Marilyn & Billy’s response to the framed piece received as their special gift was enthusiastic, as follows:

“Wow Robert, what an amazing piece of art, and done by an incredibly gifted artist from Nigeria!! Thank you, thank you!! We love the theme–capturing the two of us in the beginning and now, 50 years later–so perfect for our 50th anniversary (and my birthday!). Thank you for the thought and love you poured into the concept, commissioning the execution of it, and now its ultimate delivery. We couldn’t wait to see what was inside! It’s such a special way for our 50 years together to be celebrated and so unique; there is nothing else like it!! Please tell Ephraim, too, that we love the photos you included of him in the creative process and then holding the final result. Ephraim’s handsome face has a wonderful look of satisfaction. With our Love, Marilyn & Billy”
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Nigerian Artist, Ephraim Udoka poses with his MarBill!

Modeling in LAIn June, LaMonte celebrated the 105th birthday of his cherished mom, “Mama June.” On Sept 29th, a few hours after he and I confabbed as his social media/press coordinator, about saluting Marilyn’s birthday the following day on his Facebook page, I and subsequently global fans learned that Mac had suffered a mild stroke. I am pleased to report that his recovery has been “sparkling.” He and his lovely wife Mieko are constantly out and about in their hometown of Las Vegas and his trademark rich bass offered a resounding:”Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Rev. Arno!” (his nickname for me) just the other day on the phone!  As Mac says, “The best is yet to come!”  Look for a new coffee table book on the photos of icon Jayne Kennedy, as historically photographed by LaMonte coming in early 2020.
LIGHT SINGSThis year we even un-vaulted a tune by The Original 5th circa ’70: “A Pocketful of Seeds.” And thank you fans, friends and “5th Family” from all over the world, for stopping by these soon-to-be dozen years at our information central, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION. We love and appreciate our favorite stars: Florence, LaMonte and Marilyn & Billy…and we thank YOU most certainly, for your continued support! Indeed, we know you agree…The 5th Dimension…is forever!  Light Sings!
AUG PHOTO FINAL 33  —Robert-Allan Arno 
(Please see “Recent Posts” at right to find the 2019 blog entries & accompanying links to all the aforementioned)

Visit our stars on the web…

Florence & The 5th Dimension:  http://5thdimensionlive.com/

Marilyn & Billy at their Facebook Official or: http://mccoodavis.com

LaMonte on Facebook and Linked-In

VERY RARE BATHING
Forever 5th Dimension, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2019, all rights reserved

“Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” Scores in Top 77 of All-time!

5th 69Number 15, in All-time Hits! To Program Director Allan Sniffen and all our friends at Rewound Radio including the special listeners, The 5th Dimension Family thanks you for placing the medley of “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” at #15 in this year’s Top 77 hits of all time! We always joke that today, they’d call it a “mash-up!”  We honored its 50 year anniversary this year, and leave it to Rewound to add to the glorious celebration!

Love from The Stars of The Original 5th Dimension: Florence LaRue, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.,  LaMonte McLemore and biographer, Robert-Allan Arno & the fans at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION.

–Be sure to listen to this year’s Top 77 Hits of All-time, now thru New Year’s day at Rewound Radio, here: www.rewoundradio.com

#AquariusLettheSunshineIn

Florence & The 5th Dimension bring Hits for the Holidays at Egyptian Theater Residency

5th with SidneyThe 5th Dimension–our Delightful Diva, Ms. Florence LaRue along with Patrice, Leonard, Floyd and Sidney we’ll be bringing their myriad Champagne Soul mega hits in a holiday mood, in residency at the historic Egyptian Theater, 328 Main St., Park City, Utah, from December 26 thru December 31. Tickets for The 5th Dimension are sure to sell-out…it’s fun for the entire family with Florence and classy crew and all your favorites.  For tix and more information:

https://holdmyticket.com/event/338465-the-5th-dimension

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Lovely, legendary Florence LaRue (right) with vivacious Patrice Morris (left)…The 5th Dimension will delight fans between Christmas & New Year at the Egyptian Theater, Utah.

With over 20 million records sold worldwide, 22 Top 40 Hits and 6 GRAMMYS, The 5th Dimension continues to awe sold-out audiences with their amazing harmonies and showmanship!

The 5th Dimension: Chevrolet Jingle ’69, Rare!

5th 69

Watch this latest FOREVER 5th DIMENSION production,

as seen on YouTube:

About the video Forever 5th Dimension is so pleased to present this rarity, The Original 5th Dimension–Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue, LaMonte McLemore and Ron Townson–with a jingle for Chevrolet…”introducing 1969!” And it’s quite symbolic in that the year we’ve been celebrating all this year in 2019, for its 50 year milestone, brought The 5th Dimension their greatest hit with the medley of “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” from HAIR…an “anthem for a generation,” platinum smash that spent 6 straight weeks at #1 in spring of ’69. And then there was Marilyn & Billy’s wedding that summer (sans the “bell blues!”), something else to revel in with the “First Couple of Pop n’ Soul” renewing their vows this past July to honor their golden anniversary.

VERY RARE BATHINGTo accompany these events, I got to talk to LaMonte McLemore about the legend of “Aquarius” for the popular “Culture Sonar” in late spring, the article is at this link: https://www.culturesonar.com/the-fift…

WEDDING AAnd then I got to visit with Marilyn & Billy about their greatest hits and fondest memories this summer, also for “Culture Sonar” at this link: https://www.culturesonar.com/the-fift…

AAAFLOREnjoy this Chevrolet jingle in the spirit of musical versatility that always reflected The 5th Dimension’s essence. Some great jazzy-pop, matchless harmonies, stratospheric high notes from “the girls,” and a sensual mini solo from Florence and a “soul-licious” one from Billy…all in one commercial! RARE RED 2

–Robert-Allan Arno, November 2019

Biographer, The Original 5th Dimension; LaMonte McLemore

Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension: Exciting Fall & Winter Tour!

5thFlor Zebra Print

Our “Delightful Diva” Ms. Florence LaRue along with Patrice, Leonard, Floyd and Sidney, The 5th Dimension bring you the “Champagne Soul” hits of a lifetime, effortlessly garnering sold-out crowds wherever they grace the stage! Take a look at their crisp Fall & Winter ’19 Calendar with special east coast dates in October, Wisconsin dates in November, and holiday concerts this December thru New Year’s Eve in Park City, Utah …and in the “Forever 5th” vein, they’re starting to book for 2020, too! Check out The 5th Dimension official site , their in-concert schedule here:

http://5thdimensionlive.com/calendar/

LaMonte McLemore Making Smooth Recovery

Official Update on LaMonte McLemore:

LaMonte McLemore Official

10/3/19: Hi, this is LaMonte’s biographer & public relations coordinator, Robert-Allan Arno, writing on behalf of his family. We wanted to let friends & fans know that on Sunday night, LaMonte had suffered a mild stroke. He is receiving the best of care and is already showing remarkable progress. Remember, whatever LaMonte has envisioned in his life & set his mind to, he has championed. His recovery will be no different. For now, we simply ask you to be our special prayer warriors to give “Mac” that extra boost! We know The original 5th Dimension family, Florence LaRue and the team of Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. are joining right along, too…so let’s all “Let the Sunshine In” for LaMonte!

 

Stoned Soul Springtime Review!

APRIL 1 RARE FLIPWelcome to our “Stoned Soul” springtime review! As always, we immeasurably thank Marilyn & Billy...Florence & The 5th Dimension…and LaMonte for their enthusiastic contributions & support…we celebrate our 10th anniversary of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION in late July with some tasty “special events!” And to you, the worldwide fans, our appreciation for making this near-decade of “5th-fabulousness” a global adventure! Let’s catch up…

Marilyn & Billy started the new year with something they had looked forward to for a long time….a trip to Africa. They shared their journey on Twitter & Facebook (official)–starting in front of Nelson Mandela’s statue in Pretoria “with his arms open to the word” and ending at a Namibian village where they were warmly embraced. Along the way, snapping shots of the charming African penguins at Boulders Beach…elephants, baboons, giraffes, “We just loved how all the species seemed to live in harmony!” smiled MarBill.AFMARBILLDONE

On Twitter @mccoodavis–which I’m so proud to curate–Marilyn & Billy and I have put our heads together to bring you new features like #TuesdayGroove, #FashionFriday and #SundaySunshine! Recently, excitement was in the air when our duo congratulated James Reynolds on receiving the prestigious Daytime Emmy for Lead Actor in a Drama Series.  Many of you recall that Marilyn played the saucy, mysterious songstress “Tamara Price” on “Days of Our Lives” in the ’80’s, opposite Mr. Reynolds. Since their characters’ daughter, “Lani” has recently entered “Salem,” as played by the lovely Sal Stowers, fans are clamoring for an onscreen reunion between mother and daughter.  We shall see!

(Pictured, Marilyn with James Reynolds mid-80’s; Marilyn meets Sal Stowers, this past Thanksgiving eve, LA Mission) And remember, we celebrate Billy’s birthday on June 26! Just in per MarBill’s Management:  “Our friends at SiriusXM recorded Marilyn & Billy’s latest Soul Train Cruise performance along with a sit-down interview, which will air on Sunday, June 17 (Father’s Day) at 6pm EST on Channel 49–Soul Town.”

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

 

Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension simply sell-out wherever they tour! The family-oriented, ever sparkling Champagne Soul magic never ends with the vibrant Ms. LaRue in the lead–our “Delightful Diva” makes sure each show brings authentic harmonies, eye-catching costumes & choreography, warm patter, audience participation, and ALL the many, many hits! Check out the group’s constantly-building touring schedule for ’18 at this link and remember, tix sell-out quickly! Just in! Huge congratulations to Florence & The 5th Dimension for their outdoor concert performance in front of 10,000-plus fans on Sat. June 9 at the Manalapan, New Jersey festival! The group always looks forward to seeing YOU, the special fans:

http://5thdimensionlive.com/calendar/

MEMOIR COVER

Available at Amazon!

LaMonte…besides doing media in promotion of his popular 2nd edition memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” and his “viral hit” for world peace, “Cease Fire”…playing softball daily…and snapping the most candid yet professional photos wherever he goes…Mac’s passion is traveling the world with his lovely wife Mieko. Recent forays have seen Mac & Mieko in India, the Holy Land, and visiting Japan. LaMonte shares, “The Holy Land is my all-time favorite…the peace of God and His spirit of unconditional love was palpable, it fills my heart…forever.”  Mieko adds, “I wanted LaMonte to see Japan…where I grew up. There have been many changes but family and friends endure.” With a “Right on,” a truly touched Mac wants to thank all the fans for their continued enthusiasm. In fact, LaMonte’s cherished mother who we are all welcomed to call “Mama June,” celebrated her 104th birthday on June 3rd! The outpouring of messages from fans, friends and family was truly a thing to behold on Mac’s Facebook page!

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LaMonte, Mieko and adorable Mama June…104 years young!

Oh, and Mr. McLemore has a new dance tune…Ms. “Fanny Fine” is coming your way any day…details will be added here!

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50 Years! June is known as #BlackMusicMonth and we close this edition by honoring a 5 decade milestone! June ’68 marked the single release of #StonedSoulPicnic, bringing #TheOriginal5thDimension R&B chart success as they made Platinum with the genius of #LauraNyro. In that legacy tune’s joyful spirit, let’s all “surry” til the next time we meet!  –Robert-Allan Arno 

Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno is a production of The Soul of The Voice Ltd., copyright 2008-18, Intellectual Property, All Rights Reserved.

Happy New Year: Forever 5th-style!

NEW YEAR FOREVER LETTERINGHappy New Year from FOREVER 5th DIMENSION!

This holiday season, The 5th Dimension made #7 on Rewound Radio‘s Top 20 survey of all-time favorite artists, representing the station’s own 20th anniversary in bringing you the greatest songs of the Rock n’ Roll n’ Soul era.  Mega hits like “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” “Up-Up and Away,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” “One Less Bell,” and “Wedding Bell Blues” remain indelible as we thank our friends & fans at Rewound, including Program Director Allan Sniffen, for their support of The 5th Dimension legacy!

Rather than do a year-in-review, may I simply ask you to scroll down and/or check our “Recent Posts” located at right to re-visit a wide array of thrilling activities in ’17 for our fave stars–the plethora of sold-out shows including Christmas fare, media appearances, special events and features (like “Marilyn & Billy’s Living Room” for which YOU contributed!) have not failed to show why Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., and LaMonte McLemore have continued to shine in new ways. Dear friends for life, it was heartening, too to see Florence give testimonial honor at Marilyn & Billy’s tribute at the Pacific Pioneer Broadcaster’s luncheon, or in turn for “MarBill” to attend Florence’s birthday soiree. “Mac” (whose song “Cease Fire” went viral this year!) shares he is often on the phone with either Florence or MarBill to offer a joke, a holiday or birthday wish, as I’m in consultation on a regular basis with our stars as both biographer and social media coordinator…they so graciously and enthusiastically endorse our current events- oriented, uplifting format and contribute in ways that make our collective hearts sing!

This year marked the 50th anniversary of “Up-Up and Away” and Marilyn & Billy feted Jimmy Webb at Carnegie Hall in March, while Florence joined Jimmy onstage on the west coast for his acoustic concert in Pasadena in June. Our featured photo: We’ve seen many an incarnation of this backstage photo shoot at the 10th Annual Grammy Awards where The 5th and Jimmy received their multi-awards for that transcendent song about a “beautiful balloon,” but here’s a rather rare one featuring not only Webb (center) with our “Fab 5,” but the group’s beloved manager Marc Gordon (far right). Enjoy as we, fans & friends, look toward a new year, holding hands with our stars…continuing to chase our dream across the sky!  —Robert-Allan Arno

RARE GRAMMY BIG

Marilyn & Billy’s holiday message:

MarBill New Year 18Dear Robert, Fans & Friends:

We appreciate so much the ideas and creative energy you’ve brought to our social media; we’ve received so many beautiful comments about your coverage of the “Colors of Christmas” tour and the year, in general. We met a number of fans after the shows who were so happy to let us know they were friends of yours who were encouraged to introduce themselves! We look forward to what the New Year will bring.

We’re praying that all of you have a Merry Christmas with your families and loved ones as we await God’s plans for us in 2018. He is truly a God of miracles! Stay healthy and keep the faith!

Love,

Billy & Marilyn

Visit Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. Official on FB, at http://www.mccoodavis.com or go to @mccoodavis on Twitter

Florence and GroupVisit Florence LaRue’s lovely updated website at: https://www.florencelarue.com/ And check in with Florence & The 5th Dimension’s 2018 schedule at: http://5thdimensionlive.com/

Visit LaMonte McLemore on FB or go to @LamonteMcLemore on Twitter

book coverMac’s hit memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” co-written by Robert-Allan Arno, 2nd edition, is available on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Hobo-Flats-5th-Dimension-Photography/dp/0692307362/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505846340&sr=8-1&keywords=hobo+flats+5th+dimension+mclemore

Tune into Rewound Radio on the ‘net at:  http://www.rewoundradio.com

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., intellectual property, all rights reserved, copyright 2008-2018)

Summer Highlight: Florence LaRue joins Jimmy Webb!

Flor and JimmySummer ’17 Highlight! In late July, the vibrant Florence LaRue joined Jimmy Webb onstage at his acoustic concert, Levitt Pavilion Pasadena. The two celebrated the 50th anniversary of UP-UP AND AWAY, performing a delightfully rousing version of the multi-Grammy award winner penned by Webb, a signature hit for The 5th Dimension. Ms. LaRue also celebrates 5 decades with the quintet, today she leads the current 5th Dimension to sold-out shows, globally.  Special note: Two fan-favorite “Florence solos”: THIS IS YOUR LIFE and MAGIC IN MY LIFE from the “Portrait” and “Earthbound” albums, respectively were written (and the latter produced) by Webb.  –Robert-Allan Arno

RARE ALTERN 5th

Visit Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension for concert schedule & more at: http://florencelarure.com or  http://5thdimensionlive.com