It’s The 5th Dimension as The Versatiles!
Dateline June 26–We’re honoring the birthday of Billy Davis, Jr. with a rare landmark recording, as featured in this YouTube for FOREVER 5th DIMENSION. According to group founder LaMonte McLemore, “Everyone thinks we started in ’67 because of ‘Up-Up and Away,’ but I formed the group in late ’65.” LaMonte, Billy, along with Marilyn McCoo, Florence LaRue, and Ron Townson were known as The Versatiles then, before manager Marc Gordon convinced them to go find a hipper moniker. This tune, “You’re Good Enough for Me” was the A-side of The Versatile’s only single on Bronco Records (produced and co-written in ’65 by Gordon). And it’s notable that the quintet had initial interest in recording for Motown, for surely this production had that company’s flavor. McLemore adds, “It’s good we didn’t go with Motown and that Marc got us connected with Johnny Rivers’s Soul City Records and the music of Jimmy Webb…our eventual sound wound up un-matched!” True, yet this single side is quite unique, too, as it brings us the roots of The 5th Dimension and one of Mr. Billy Davis, Jr.’s earliest leads.
For his birthday, the fans at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION have been celebrating Billy’s many memorable solos with “The 5th”: The still-timely tour-de-force, “A Change is Gonna Come,” the sweet-Soul of “Summer’s Daughter” and “Misty Roses,” the inspirational “Leave A Little Room,” and the raucous romp of recovery in “Feelin’ Alright.” Along with the passion of “Requiem: 820 Latham,” “Let It Be Me,” and “The Worst that Could Happen,” Billy Davis Jr’s musical exploits bring out equally-impassioned sentiments from fans old and new. It’s no wonder luminaries like the aforementioned Webb, the late Maurice White and Gerald Levert of Earth, Wind & Fire and The O’Jay’s, respectively, and former band-mates McLemore and LaRue have labeled him one of our greatest Soul singers. Most certainly, his wife of soon-to-be 47 years, the ever-lovely Ms. McCoo warmly and pridefully concurs.
Gentleman of Soul
As The Original 5th Dimension’s biographer, I dub Billy Davis, Jr. our Gentleman of Soul. As we wish him a blessed birthday with this early gem, it’s remarkable that this may not have exactly foreshadowed the perfect jewels to come, but was a charming start, one The 5th eventually would have fun “spoofing” in concert and on TV (The Flip Wilson Show). Today, on the occasion of Mr. Davis’s birthday, we can look back on “You’re Good Enough for Me” with a smile, a finger-snap and a strut in our step. —Robert-Allan Arno
Special thanks to Paul Corley–this rare single is from his exclusive collection.
More thanks to the special fans, and to the stars: Billy, Marilyn, Florence and LaMonte. Also to Sterling Winters.
Photos: The Arno 5th Legacy Collection, DeniseRose Torres and Getty Images
LaMonte McLemore’s hit memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” is available at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0692307362
Visit Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. at http://www.mccoodavis.com
Visit Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension, today at: http://the5thdimensionlive.com/
Robert-Allan Arno is at: http://www.about.me/robertallanarno
Billy, Robert, Marilyn, June 2016
(FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, copyright 2016, The Soul of the Voice, Ltd., intellectual property, all rights reserved)
Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. who by the way, will be celebrating 47 years of marriage this coming July, are happily touring with both their acclaimed concerts plus special Broadway-like retrospective, “Up, Up and Away–a Musical Fable.” By fan request, East coast appearance dates this spring!
Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension (Patrice Morris, Willie Williams, Leonard Tucker and Floyd Smith) sell out vast crowds wherever they take the stage with their exciting evening of harmonious n’ hip “Champagne Soul.” The timeless Florence is celebrating 50 years with The 5th! And just in–they’ll be performing in the Philippines this May!
LaMonte McLemore has added to the accomplishment of his hit memoir which I had to pleasure and honor to co-author (“From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music”) with a fun joke book and a new inspiring tune, “If I Could Fly.”
It’s a “Great Golden Day!” New, from the FOREVER 5th DIMENSION YouTube page, our production of the retro Coca Cola jingle circa ’68…very much in the genre of the “Stoned Soul Picnic” album, The 5th’s unmatched style, shining even in commercial form with a Bossa Nova feel, is addictive all these years later! Take a listen & look at: 
Patrice says!: Here’s a lovely reflection from soprano Patrice Morris about being a member of The 5th Dimension, today and working with the legendary Florence LaRue: “I’m so blessed to work with some of the most talented, spirit-filled people. The beautiful Ms. Florence LaRu
Remembering Frank, Jr.: And sadly, we mourned the untimely passing of Frank Sinatra, Jr. Marilyn & Billy stated, “The Sinatra family was always so kind to The 5th Dimension, and we enjoyed working with Frank, Jr. on a number of occasions. His incredible musical gift will be missed along with his special sense of humor.” Plus, LaMonte and myself extended our condolences to our kind friend, Nancy Sinatra. Recently, Florence & The 5th Dimension guest-starred at the the Frank Sinatra 100th Year Gala, signifying the group’s ongoing connection to the Sinatra legacy…as we all continue to pray for the family.
–The Memoir o
Breaking News: Forever 5th Dimension is saddened by the untimely passing of music legend, Prince. Our prayers for his family and sympathies to his legions of fans. Marilyn & Billy state: “Prince’s impact on music will long be felt. He opened new doors, created new sounds. As well, the world has been seeing so many amazing stories about Prince–the person. What a beautiful heart he had. Long live his influence!” And fans 
The engaging duo joined me here at FOREVER 5th in July to honor their anniversary and the blog’s 7th year with an in-depth interview—we laughed, cried and shared some pretty unique thoughts on the music, the magic and even had a mini Master Class. Read “Marilyn & Billy: Singing in the Light” at: 
Marilyn & Billy say: “To all our special friends who stay in touch with us throughout the year, you are our motivation for continuing to do the things we do. Your messages asking us to come to your area mean so much. You don’t know how much we want to perform in every one of those cities and towns…you are truly the wind beneath our wings!”
Florence LaRue , the sole original member and lead singer of The 5th Dimension today, toasted a milestone this past October, her 50th year with the group! Along with Patrice Morris, Willie Williams, Leonard Tucker and Floyd A Smith, she plays to sold-out crowds–including an outdoor concert this past summer of over 20 thousand fans in attendance!
She also presents her one-woman show, “Just As I Am.” Florence is completing her book on beauty “from the inside out,” she told me with her trademark enthusiasm. Bringing her effervescence to the new year, the “delightful diva” just appeared on the Mayor’s Discover LA float at the Rose Parade and offers this to fans: “I pray for you a year (and LIFE ) blessed with good health, peace, prosperity (in ALL things), wonderful music, joy, and love!”
It was a banner year for founder of The 5th Dimension and renowned photographer, LaMonte McLemore. The long-anticipated memoir I had the pleasure of co-authoring with “Mac,” “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music” was released this year to 5-star raves including stellar reviews from colleagues Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Marilyn & Billy, Johnny Mathis, Nancy Sinatra, Neil Sedaka, and JD Nicholas of The Commodores. 
A book that’s equal parts historic, heartwarming and downright hysterical, Mac and I toured with our on-stage chat & autograph signing events from Vegas to NYC, in fact, Marilyn & Billy joined us as special guests for our book launch on Valentine’s Day.
Then later, LaMonte joined the duo on their own concert stage at The Orleans Casino Hotel for a chorus of “Let the Sunshine In.”
LaMonte appeared on countless radio formats and morning TV shows nationwide and plans more promotion of the book in 2016…as they say, the juicy but inspiring memoir including 50 photos, his Grandma’s wisdom, and even a recipe “has legs.” A songwriter from back in the day (remember “A Love Like Ours”?), LaMonte also debuted a new tune this year , the soulfully uplifting “If I Could Fly.”
LaMonte smiles: “‘From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension’…to a new year! How can I thank each of you–friends, fans & family, for your support & enthusiasm this past year as I launched a dream-come true memoir…and got to see so many of you on tour! Wishing you peace, love, blessings & good health in 2016… see ya “on the road” for more adventures! “If I Could Fly”…that’s just what I did…let’s continue doing it together.”
Incomparable
Robert-Allan Arno
Special thanks to you, the special fans and to my shining stars for your continued, committed support of the FOREVER 5th DIMENSION blog—Marilyn & Billy, Florence and LaMonte. Also to Randall Jeffries, Steve Rosenblum, Patrice Morris and Mieko McLemore. Photo credits: DeniseRose Torres, Christoper Troy, Andy Gard, The Arno 5th McCoo/Davis Legacy Collection, The LaMonte McLemore Collection.
Holiday Greetings from Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension:
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
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