Tag Archives: LaMonte McLemore

Joy!

Posted on February 25, 2023 | Leave a comment

From LaMonte McLemore’s FB page:

The final weekend of Black Heritage Month ’23, and we bring you some beloved & rare photos of The Original 5th Dimension, reflecting their intoxicating energy and spirit of joyful elegance.

–R-AA for Team Mac ❤

Enjoy our curated Forever 5th Dimension playlist, “21-plus” tunes celebrating The 5th Dimension stars’ artistic excellence and diverse stylings, here:  

Forever 5th Dimension Honors African American Heritage Month 2023 – YouTube

FOREVER 5th DIMENSION FLASHBACK! Since the title of this edition is “Joy!” how pertinent to share an excerpt, full circle, from our very first edition of Forever 5th, the summer of 2008. This had to do with the musical play JOY and how The 5th Dimension’s recording of “Sky and Sea” came about:

In the “rarities” department and back to my recent visit with Marilyn & Billy, our discussion got into the fan-fave “Sky and Sea,” from The 5th Dimension’s INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY album.  Marilyn beamed, “Oh, I LOVE that song…it’s such a happy tune…and I love a vocal challenge!” I also remember Marilyn talking about this tune on the radio over NYC’s WNEW-AM way back in the ’70’s with the great broadcaster William B. Williams. She noted that just as the group discovered “Aquarius” while attending Broadway’s “Hair,” “Sky and Sea” was “found” while attending the musical “Joy” by the socially conscious singer, actor and writer, Oscar Brown, Jr. Composed by Johnny Alf and performed in the play by Brazilian jazz musician Sevuca–employing accordion and breathy vocal phrasing–the song was a head-turning experience. 

Arranged for The 5th Dimension by the renowned and Jazz-oriented Bob Alcivar and producer Bones Howe, “Sky and Sea” is a wordless vocalese that is as complex as aptly joyful, invoking romantic ocean breezes, a hand-in-hand walk on the sand, a romp in the surf, and perhaps a seagull or two to observe the entire affair!  In my discussion with the late Ron Townson back in the ’90’s, I remember him being extremely proud of this endeavor as well, noting, “That’s why The 5th Dimension is also embraced by jazz lovers, winning the Playboy All Star Jazz Polls!” 

“Now I’m going to have to listen to ‘Sky and Sea’!” Marilyn enthused during our chat, while Billy laughingly agreed.  And on that charming note, I’ll conclude our installment of “Forever 5th Dimension” by suggesting we all join Marilyn & Billy and take a listen to this incredible outing!

Listen to “Sky & Sea” by The 5th Dimension, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyrpH2YKf9c

Very Special Thanks with Love to: Florence LaRue, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. #MarilynBilly, LaMonte & Mieko McLemore, the Townson Family, Bones Howe, Miles Robinson, Steve Rosenblum, Jason Winters, Patrice Morris, Floyd Smith Armstrong, Leonard Tucker and Sidney Jacobs…and the worldwide fans, the readers of Forever 5th Dimension for over 15 years! —Robert-Allan Arno

Visit the official website of Florence & The 5th Dimension for 2023 touring schedule & more, here:

Home

Visit the official website of #MarilynBilly for concert appearances, album releases, much more, here:

Home McCoo Davis

Enjoy LaMonte’s hip, hit memoir! “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” 2nd edition, available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hobo-Flats-5th-Dimension-Photography/dp/0692307362/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2023, intellectual property, all rights reserved, photos: Arno 5th Legacy Collection)

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Merry 5th-mas, All the World Over, 2022!

Posted on December 8, 2022 | Leave a comment

Tis the season to let the sunshine in! At FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, we bring you “Santa’s goodie bag” of holiday delights by the stars of The Original 5th Dimension. While the original group didn’t perform or record a holiday tune per se (see link below, to our expanded Christmas edition, for the reason why), there have been many instances of Christmas fare over the years by Florence, Florence and today’s 5th, Marilyn, and Marilyn & Billy, as compiled by FOREVER 5th, with EXCLUSIVE commentary by the stars.

First, let’s begin with a new entry that is certainly part of this special season. An astute and heartfelt forum featuring Florence LaRue, Billy Davis, Jr. and Marilyn McCoo, shot recently at UCLA, after the screening of The 5th Dimension’s historic first network special, “The 5th Dimension Special: An Odyssey in the Cosmic Universe of Peter Max” (originally broadcast in 1970.) Watch here:

Please join us, for our expanded Christmas edition of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, a listening and visual experience with exclusive commentary, at this link: https://forever5thdimension.com/2015/12/19/merry-5th-mas-viewing/

And very special thanks to our stars, Marilyn & Billy, Florence and LaMonte (and their respective management) for their love, support of Forever 5th Dimension, and their continued musical excellence…and to the worldwide fans, you are truly a part of “the 5th Dimension experience” of harmony and unity. –Robert-Allan Arno

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-22 intellectual property, all rights reserved.

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Waving Birthday Banners for Marilyn’s Milestone Celebration, ’23!

Posted on September 29, 2022 | Leave a comment

September 30 is a memorable day for the millions of fans of Marilyn McCoo because her birthday–and 2023’s milestone one at that–brings a time of reflection on her artistry and exemplary persona. The 7-time Grammy award winner whose roots are with the legendary quintet, The 5th Dimension along with hubby of over 50 years & duet partner, Billy Davis, Jr. is known for her elegance, grace, way with a torch song, and a smooth, soulfully healing multi-octave voice that is simply as astonishingly beautiful as the woman herself.

30 Performances–FOREVER 5th DIMENSION presents The Best of Marilyn!

In honor of her milestone birthday, 2023, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION is pleased to share our 30 curated performances (reviewed by Marilyn & Billy, themselves!)–Marilyn’s hit Solos with The 5th, her “Solid Gold” tunes, live TV segments, inspirational, Broadway and movie theme moments– yes, a real “deep dive” into the musical magic that is La McCoo including a unique twist on some of the classics. (*See Song List below!) And special thanks to the many YouTube fans who have saved such special performances for us to savor!

Press the button to start the “Marilyn Listening Party,” here:

Today, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. known as “The First Couple of Pop n’ Soul,” perform in concert across the country, to sold-out crowds and rave reviews. Their recent resurgence with a critically acclaimed CD, “Blackbird: Lennon–McCartney Icons” and being part of the Oscar-winning docu-film SUMMER OF SOUL has brought a renewed spotlight on their eternal talents.

We complete our special tribute to Marilyn featuring the following quotes given exclusively to FOREVER 5th DIMENSION by renowned musical colleagues including legendary songwriters whose work Marilyn has interpreted. And personally, may I add my heartfelt appreciation to Marilyn. Over many years if not decades of knowing and working with her, Billy and the original members of The 5th Dimension, she has been an encouraging force, a mentor, an arbiter of good taste, fairness and loyalty–as an artist myself, I am wishing a cherished friend abundant blessings on her milestone birthday, with love. –Robert-Allan Arno, 2023

Exclusive Quotes–Tributes to Marilyn

Jimmy Webb: “Marilyn…when we first started working on ‘Up-Up and Away’ with the 5th Dimension, I had laid eyes on one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. When I get the opportunity to sing with Marilyn and Billy today, I always make sure to up my vocal game!”

Richard Addrisi (“Never My Love”): “If I could take any voice and bottle it, it would surely be Marilyn McCoo’s…her voice is love!”

Neil Sedaka (“Working on a Groovy Thing,” “Puppet Man,”): Marilyn is what is noted as ‘the singer’s singer.’ I am a true fan, anytime I’ve gotten to sing with her, like duetting on ‘The Hungry Years’ on SOLID GOLD, is a total joy.”

Dorothea Joyce (“Love’s Lines, Angles & Rhymes”): She’s in the stratosphere with Barbra Streisand and Lena Horne. Marilyn possesses superior vocal chops and interpretive skills, no one else could have done ‘Love’s Lines’ justice.”

Randy McNeil (“If I Could Reach You”): “An unmatchable vocal performance, with a voice so mellow it could melt our hearts yet possessing an electrifying energy. God’s gift to her has been her gift to us.”

Bones Howe (Grammy-winning Producer, The 5th Dimension): “Marilyn has that quality…it’s plaintive with a subtle cry in her voice, it’s very feminine, and it’s all her own. I think she (and Billy, too) should be singing forever…even with just a piano!”

LaMonte McLemore, founding member The 5th Dimension: “We go way back to our days with the Hi-Fi’s and have fun nicknames for one another to this day, mine is ‘Herm,’ hers is…I’ll let her tell you! Marilyn stands for class, she is a voice of reason, and always beautiful.”

Billy Davis, Jr., husband: “Marilyn always mentions that she learns for me. Well, I like listening to her voice, I learn from her, too. Among many things, I love the way she pronounces her words!”

*SONG LIST: 

  1. Open Your Window
  2. Who’s Crying Now (live)
  3. I’m On Your Side (Theme from “Chapter Two”)
  4. (Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All (live)
  5. Love’s Line’s Angles & Rhymes
  6. Overjoyed (live)
  7. If Only for One Night (live)
  8. Saving All My Love for You
  9. Bill (from SHOWBOAT) (live)
  10. Wedding Bell Blues (live)
  11. Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye
  12. One Less Bell to Answer
  13. Never My Love (2008 version)
  14.  If I Could Reach You (live)
  15. When Did I Lose Your Love
  16. The Long & Winding Road
  17. Why Should I Care (live)
  18. I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues (live)
  19. Any Day Now (live)
  20. Chase the Clouds Away (live with Chuck Mangione)
  21. A Song for You/At this Moment (live)
  22. Heart Stop Beating in Time
  23. This Girl’s in Love with You
  24. The Me Nobody Knows
  25. Out Here on My Own (live)
  26. I Dreamed a Dream (live)
  27. O Holy Night
  28. Sweet Little Jesus Boy (live)
  29. My Tribute (To God be the Glory) (live)
  30. Blackbird
Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., intellectual property, all rights reserved, copyright 2008-2023; Photo Credits: Arno 5th Legacy McCoo/Davis Collection, Deniserose Torres, LaMonte McLemore

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Celebrating LaMonte’s Birthday with new “Dimensions!”

Posted on September 16, 2022 | Leave a comment

September 17, 2022: Birthday Greetings to the inimitable LaMonte McLemore. The St. Louis-born founder of Grammy legends The 5th Dimension, the group’s mellow bass for over 40 years. Their timeless tunes like “Up-Up and Away,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” are iconic uplifting anthems for a generation. The premiere freelance photographer for JET magazine’s “Beauty of the Week” for 5 decades with a documentary about this trailblazing feature in the works. Known for his sense of humor & style and overall kindness, “The Bronze Clark Gable” is the author of the popular inspirational memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5thDimension (A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music)” as told to Robert-Allan Arno. There’s so much more to the tapestry of “Mac”– from his impactful mentoring by his beloved Grandma Gertrude, a Cherokee Indian, to his philosophies on life, love, happiness, and representation of African Americans in the media.

LaMonte & Mieko, enjoying life!

Today in 2022, LaMonte adds a new humanitarian “dimension” as a member of the Board of Directors to America to Africa Higher Education Foundation, assisting brilliant Nigerian scholars in attending college, making their dreams come true. Mr. McLemore states, “We are only in this world to help one another.” Enjoying life residing in Las Vegas with his lovely wife of over 20 years, Mieko, he continues a smooth recovery from a stroke that occurred shortly after his birthday 3 years ago. The couple shares, “We are grateful for daily simple, joyful pleasures, and the kindness of all people we encounter on the journey.” In celebration of his birthday weekend, on LaMonte’s lively Facebook page of 5,000 followers, fans, friends, and family are invited to share their “memories of Mac.” In honor of his birthday, LaMonte welcomes tax-deductible contributions to America to Africa Higher Education Foundation at: www.AmericatoAfricaHigherEducationFoundation.com  

As his biographer and social media curator, I send my love, respect and admiration to a personal hero, mentor, dear friend, and brother like no other, LaMonte McLemore. –Robert-Allan Arno

Mac & Arno

Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd, copyright 2008-2022, all rights reserved, intellectual property. Photos courtesy African American History Museum, LA, and Mieko McLemore.

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Celebrating Our 15th Year of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION with a From-the-Vaults Release!

Posted on July 17, 2022 | Leave a comment

Dateline July 17, 2022: Forever 5th Dimension, our globally acclaimed blog is celebrating its 15th year this month! And I sincerely thank the stars of The Original 5th Dimension for their many enthusiastic, blessed contributions over the years—multi-Grammy winning legends of the Rock n’ Soul era who continue to be actively performing today, that would be Florence LaRue (with the current 5th Dimension,) and the married team of Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. Not to mention the now retired (but never tired!) LaMonte McLemore (I was honored to be the “as told to” author of his popular memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension”), and remembering the late, beloved Ron Townson.

Recently Marilyn & Billy called me—they loved the over 20 “Billy solos” Forever 5th curated for his birthday last month, powerful, poignant and even pretty songs from different genres and different decades of his career…so I thought, why not add one extra to the list?! To celebrate our 15th, Forever 5th Dimension presents, from the vaults, “Hi-Di-Ho” with Billy in the effortless exuberant lead. The song was originally intended for The 5th Dimension’s SOUL & INPSIRATION album (1974) and as producer Bones Howe told me, “I wanted to give it that ‘Black Patch’ gospel feel…and The 5th and Billy certainly delivered!” Twice before as biographer of The Original 5th and liner note writer/music curator, I attempted to get it released as one of the bonus cuts on the S & I CD re-issue and for PLAYLIST: THE VERY BEST OF THE 5th DIMENSION but due to space limitations, it was “omitted.” Well, here it is, making its global debut approximately 48 years later!

WATCH/LISTEN HERE!!

We dedicate its release to countless devoted worldwide fans, many who have become dear friends…and on behalf of #MarilynBilly, Florence, LaMonte, their respective management, the Townson Family and Mr. Bones; with lovingkindness, we hope you savor every second of this spectacular recording!

—Robert-Allan Arno

Video Photos: The Robert-Allan Arno 5th Legacy Collection, and courtesy Michael Collopy, Arnie Lee, Deniserose Torres, and Andy Gard

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2022, intellectual property, all rights reserved

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Happy 4th…and 5th!

Posted on July 2, 2022 | Leave a comment

Courtesy LaMonte McLemore‘s social media:

Wishing fans, friends & family a happy, peaceful, safe, exhilarating 4th of July weekend! Bless each of you! ❤ Here’s The Original 5th Dimension with our special version of the Declaration of Independence set to music, known as “The Declaration.” Watch us on the Ed Sullivan Show, at this link. It was a watershed performance for us. ~~Mac

Watch here: https://youtu.be/oOUxNAexRzs

And now to the 5th…wouldn’t the classic July 5th (More Hits by the Fabulous 5th Dimension) album make a perfect reissue?! ~~Robert-Allan Arno

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2022, all rights reserved)

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Remembering James Rado, Co-Creator of Broadway’s HAIR

Posted on June 22, 2022 | Leave a comment

6/22, courtesy of LaMonte McLemore’s social media…

Remembering James Rado, co-creator of the groundbreaking hippie musical HAIR which celebrated protest, and unadulterated love and paved the way for the sound of rock n’ soul on Broadway, he has passed away at age 90. HAIR which has a story & lyrics by Mr. Rado and Gerome Ragni and music by Galt MacDermot was trailblazing on many levels. LaMonte McLemore reflects, “Many of you know, The Original 5th Dimension members attended the hottest ticket on Broadway at the time, HAIR, seated separately, that’s how sought-after a ticket it was! And we were invited when the producer of HAIR returned Billy Davis, Jr.’s lost wallet, found in a New York City taxi…as thanks, we invited him to our show at the Royal Box, then he invited us to his show, HAIR! At intermission, we danced for joy knowing we just had to record ‘Aquarius’ and our producer Mr. Bones (Howe) made it a sizzling medley with ‘Let the Sunshine In’…it became the biggest hit of our career–6 straight weeks at number one!” The 5th Dimension family, fans & friends wish “eternal sunshine” upon the memory of James Rado. ~~Robert-Allan Arno for #TeamMac

Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, copyright 2008-2022, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd, intellectual property, all rights reserved)

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“California Soul”: Like a Sound You Hear!

Posted on June 17, 2022 | Leave a comment

#BlackMusicAppreciationMonth That sexy saga of sand, surf and good lovin’, “California Soul,” recorded by The 5th Dimension from the STONED SOUL PICNIC album is truly a fan fave. In fact, in recent years both Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension and #MarilynBilly (McCoo & Davis) have brought the sizzler back into their live shows. LaMonte McLemore shares, “When we launched my memoir on the east coast with an onstage chat and book signing, the natural destination to do so was at Ashford & Simpson‘s famed Sugar Bar. It was very full-circle because Nick and Val wrote one of my all-time favorite turntable hits, ‘California Soul.'” Valerie and the late Nickolas, themselves told me for the liners of ULTIMATE 5th DIMENSION, “We loved The 5th Dimension’s heartfelt rendition of our song.”~~Robert-Allan Arno

Enjoy, “California Soul,” remastered, here:

(Forever 5th Dimension a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., by Robert-Allan Arno, copyright 2008-2022, intellectual property, all rights reserved)

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Remembering Mama June

Posted on June 3, 2022 | Leave a comment

Dateline June 3: We’re remembering the birthday of LaMonte McLemore‘s cherished mother, warmly known to all as “Mama June.” So many of you knew of her inspiring example or had the pleasure to be in her incandescent presence. A witness to history, Mama June left us at age 106 in 2020. Read the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s accounting of her life, and how meaningful she was to The 5th Dimension family, in the following excerpts:

Mama June had remained the only surviving parent of the original stars of Grammy legends, The 5th Dimension of which 3 members of the quintet, including Mr. McLemore emanated from St Louis. Always beautifully groomed and wonderfully wise, LaMonte proudly shared in his recent memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” as well as with many an interviewer: “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.” 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 and media spokesman, 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. She was elated to witness our first Black president and lived to see our first Black woman, South Asian vice president-elect. 

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-22, Intellectual Property, all rights reserved)

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Honoring Nat “King” Cole featuring “5th Dimension Connections”

Posted on March 17, 2022 | Leave a comment

Dateline March 17: Today is the birthday of the beloved, trailblazing, iconic smooth crooner and jazz pianist extraordinaire, Nat “King” Cole. There are “5th Dimension connections” with Nat and the “original guys” have it! Mr. Cole is deemed as one of Billy Davis, Jr.’s idols when it comes to influencing his balladry and way with telling the story of a song…Billy noted to Forever 5th Dimension and to Michael Feinstein, as well. The late Ron “Sweets” Townson toured with Nat’s sold-out, standing room only concerts in the early ’60’s as one of his back-up troupe, known as “The Merry Young Souls.” You can find photos of Ron with Nat in a rare souvenir book of the time. And LaMonte McLemore photographed the “King” via assignment while Nat’s daughter “Cookie” (Carole Cole) had her cotillion. LaMonte reported to Forever 5th Dimension, “None other than President John F. Kennedy made a special appearance!” Mac continued thoughtfully, “Nat was a true gentleman, in every sense of the word.”

~~Robert-Allan Arno, biographer, The Original 5th Dimension…thank you fans, friends and the stars for our 15th year at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION!

#natkingcole #Forever5thDimension #BillyDavisJr #LaMonteMcLemore #RonSweetsTownson

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-22, intellectual property, all rights reserved)

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