Tag Archives: LaMonte McLemore

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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Aquarius Anniversary Spells Eternal Sunshine!

Posted on March 12, 2022 | Leave a comment

3/12: On this day in 1970, The 5th Dimension‘s “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” is named Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards. It’s actually one of two for The 5th’s medley plus one for producer, our dear friend, Bones Howe. LaMonte McLemore notes, “We’re the only African American vocal group to have won Record of the Year 2 years in a row (the other for ‘Up-Up and Away.’)” #MarilynBilly (McCoo & Davis) share the medley’s magical story of “the lost wallet” in today’s Oscar-nominated film “Summer of Soul.” In his hit memoir, FROM HOBO FLATS TO THE 5TH DIMENSION, Mac touchingly adds: “I’m heartened to hear from Vietnam Vets to this day, that the medley made them feel closer to home when they would hear it on Armed Forces Radio.” A “mash-up” by way of Broadway’s HAIR, Florence LaRue underscores in concert and interviews, “‘Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In’ truly stands for The 5th Dimension’s message of uplifting harmony and peace, something so relevant in 2022.”

~~Robert-Allan Arno, Forever 5th Dimension…thank you fans, friends & stars for our 15th year!

(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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LaMonte talks “Black Patch”

Posted on February 27, 2022 | Leave a comment

#BlackHistoryMonth We conclude this final weekend of Black History Month ’22 with a remarkable song by The 5th Dimension from the “Individually & Collectively” album. In his memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” LaMonte McLemore states about “Black Patch,” one of his all-time favorites (as well as the other group members and the fans!): “It always strikes me funny that one of my most remembered solo moments is the line I mischievously croon in full-on bass to punctuate Laura Nyro‘s Harlemesque panorama: ‘With lipstick on the reefer, waiting for a match,’ because I never smoked reefer! The ‘invitations to my party’ feel of ‘Black Patch’ was the cream of the crop of our most soulfully styled five-part output.” However, LaMonte continues to share his response to critics who claimed The 5th Dimension wasn’t “soulful enough” via his offering to Playbill concert magazine as follows:

The problem was that we were doing something different from the Rhythm & Blues that most Black groups were singing. Well, we knew we could sing R & B, Gospel and Jazz well, so we simply wanted to do something else. Now I think everyone understands what we were trying to do, and we never hear these complaints anymore.

Friends & fans, enjoy the #SunshineSunday mood of “Black Patch” here:

(“LaMonte Talks ‘Black Patch'” copyright 2015 from the memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” by LaMonte McLemore as told to Robert-Allan Arno, The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., all rights reserved. Forever 5th Dimension copyright 2008-22, intellectual property, all rights reserved)

From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension, the hip hit memoir is available at Amazon!:

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Honoring the Legacy of JET Magazine’s “Beauty of the Week”

Posted on February 24, 2022 | Leave a comment

#BlackHistoryMonth Besides his legacy with The 5th Dimension, for over 5 decades, LaMonte McLemore was the premier freelance photographer for JET magazine’s iconic Beauty of the Week feature. In his acclaimed memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” LaMonte talks a lot about his photographic vision for the history changing feature, including, “I was a Black photographer shooting Black models. I traveled the world with The 5th Dimension so that brought a global perspective…a sensual homage to women of color. And don’t get me wrong, that included their intelligence, intrinsic in their beauty.”

LaMonte’s vision changed the popular culture. Look for more projects on the Beauty of the Week in ’22! Today, we’re so pleased to present former “BotW” lovelies photographed by LaMonte–vivacious, sportive and striking: (top l, r) Tshlene & Tania; (bttm l, r) Sarena & Shana.

~~Robert-Allan Arno, Forever 5th Dimension; Biographer–LaMonte McLemore/The Original 5th Dimension

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“Summer of Soul” Nominated for an Oscar! Featuring quotes from the stars of The Original 5th Dimension!

Posted on February 9, 2022 | Leave a comment

Forever 5th Dimension is so pleased to share that #SummerOfSoulMovie has been nominated for the Academy Award for BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE! Featuring luminous performances by The 5th Dimension onstage at the Harlem Cultural Festival of ’69, here’s what our stars say…

“Who knew that 50 years later this movie would be out! It was so wonderful to see all these Black performers…some young people, they don’t know that music, those performers, it’s great to be part of that history. And to see Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight…and to know they are still performing today, just as we are!” –Florence LaRue

“Congratulations, @Questlove, on the ‘Summer Of Soul’ Oscar nomination by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences! Your brilliant work goes into the history books for its groundbreaking social commentary and incredible uncovering and presentation of these music performances. We are truly proud and blessed to be a part of this @SummerOfSoulMovie project!” –Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.

“It is fabulous to be a part of this historic movie along with my fellow members of The Original 5th Dimension! Congratulations to Questlove, Searchlight Pictures and Hulu.” –LaMonte McLemore

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

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“Summer of Soul” Soundtrack Brings Winter Sunshine!

Posted on January 24, 2022 | Leave a comment

Available this Friday Jan 28! Yes, the “Summer of Soul” Soundtrack will be available!! Due to popular request, hear all the songs featured in this multi-award-winning docu-movie, live, in their entirety! Hear The Original 5th Dimension Summer of ’69 onstage at the Harlem Cultural Festival with a vibrant n’ funky “Don’t Cha Hear Me Callin’ To Ya,” and their smash #1, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” Order at Amazon, Target and all major sellers. Here’s the official track list with FOREVER 5th DIMENSION’s kudos to Questlove, The 5th Dimension‘s original members–Florence, #MarilynBilly and LaMonte (and remembering our beloved Ron “Sweets”) and all the artists featured! ~~Robert-Allan Arno

1. The Chambers Brothers – “Uptown”
2. B.B. King – “Why I Sing The Blues”
3. The 5th Dimension – “Don’t Cha Hear Me Callin’ To Ya”
4. The 5th Dimension – “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)”
5. David Ruffin – “My Girl”
6. The Edwin Hawkins Singers – “Oh Happy Day”
7. The Staple Singers – “It’s Been A Change”
8. The Operation Breadbasket Orchestra & Choir Featuring Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples – “Precious Lord Take My Hand”
9. Gladys Knight & The Pips – “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”
10. Mongo Santamaria – “Watermelon Man”
11. Ray Barretto – “Together”
12. Herbie Mann- “Hold On, I’m Comin’”
13. Sly & The Family Stone – “Sing A Simple Song”
14. Sly & The Family Stone – “Everyday People”
15. Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach – “Africa”
16. Nina Simone – “Backlash Blues”
17. Nina Simone – “Are You Ready”

(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 Mr. Poitier

Posted on January 7, 2022 | Leave a comment

From LaMonte McLemore’s social media…

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sidney Poitier, the renowned and groundbreaking actor, director and activist who commanded the screen, reshaped the culture and paved the way for countless other Black actors. His soul-stirring performances in classics such as “In the Heat of the Night,” “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” “To Sir, With Love,” and “Lillies of the Field,” established him as one of the finest performers in America. He made history as the first Black man to win an Academy Award for best actor and, at the height of his fame, became a major box-office draw. Ever the trailblazer, my friend, Sidney Poitier stood for excellence.

Statement from Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr….

Sidney Poitier was a national treasure whose contributions to the arts were tremendous. He was the first African American to win an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and, through his entire body of work, opened the door for many talented actors and actresses of color whose gifts have been ignored. He was a wonderful person and also a good friend. Billy says, “I’ll miss our chance meetings at the local grocery store where we would catch each other checking our list prepared by our beautiful wives.” We are deeply saddened by his loss and our hearts go out to Joanna and the Poitier family.

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The 5th Dimension score big on Rewound Radio’s Top 77 Year-end Survey!

Posted on December 30, 2021 | Leave a comment
The Original 5th Dimension (Arno 5th Legacy Collection)

#RightOn! FOREVER 5th DIMENSION is pleased to report that in Rewound Radio’s (the #1 Oldies Internet Radio Station) year-end Top 77 All Time Hits Listener Voted Survey, The 5th Dimension scored 5 hits: “Stoned Soul Picnic,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Up-Up and Away,” “One Less Bell to Answer,” and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” Thank you, fans & friends, for casting your votes, and to Program Director Allan Sniffen who shows such great respect for The 5th Dimension legacy, all year through. Listen to Rewound through New Year’s Day to hear the Top 77, and guess what? LaMonte McLemore, Florence LaRue, Marilyn McCoo, and Billy Davis, Jr. intro the 5th hits, themselves, with fresh ID’s that I was so pleased to coordinate with the stars & Rewound!! ~~Robert-Allan Arno

Listen to Rewound Radio here: www.RewoundRadio.com

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A Bounty of Merry “5th-Mas” Musical Gifts!

Posted on December 18, 2021 | Leave a comment

EnJOY our updated-for-2021 comprehensive guide to the holiday music of the members of The Original 5th Dimension, featuring latest song entries, exclusive quotes given to Forever 5th Dimension from the stars, and fun photos!

At this Forever 5th Dimension link:

https://forever5thdimension.com/2015/12/19/merry-5th-mas-viewing/

Joyful Christmas Blessings to fans, friends & family the world over and special thanks to the stars, Marilyn & Billy, Florence, and LaMonte, plus their respective management. ~~Robert-Allan Arno

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For Fans who Loved “The Singer”: New Musical “Elliot and Me” Highlights Iconic Song from The 5th Dimension Songbook!

Posted on November 30, 2021 | Leave a comment

For our East Coast Fans, premieres onstage, live Dec 2 — Dec 12 at Hudson Theater Works!

Elliot and Me is a musical comedy based on the lives of songwriter Elliot Willensky and his younger brother Steven. The brothers have written a 2-man show they are preparing to pitch to legendary Broadway producer Max Stone. It’s a heartfelt story of brotherly love based on a powerful bond that has grown through the years. Elliot is a charming, free-spirited ladies’ man overflowing with talent and joie-de-vivre… with a knack to drive Steven crazy. Elliot and Steven both reflect on the volatile ups and downs of their shared experiences: from their raucous “wonder years” growing up in Bayonne, NJ; to the painful conflict when Elliot defies the expectations of his traditional middle-class Jewish family and drops out of medical school to write pop songs; to Elliot’s rise to stardom writing hits for Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, The 5th Dimension and Steven’s starry-eyed admiration for his Hollywood lifestyle; and eventually to their role reversals when Elliot’s career hits a few bumps in the road and he needs to rely on Steven for help. The play culminates with a supersonic rendition of The 5th Dimension fan-favorite, “The Singer” co-written by group founding member, LaMonte McLemore and Elliot Willensky. Each of the surviving members of The Original 5th Dimension (Mac, Florence LaRue, and Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.) gave their enthusiastic approval of the song to be utilized in the musical as its apex…certainly another exciting “new dimension” to the group’s legacy!  

TICKETS (TIMES & DIRECTIONS) AVAILABLE, NOW, at this easy link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/elliot-me-a-musical-tickets-209838832597

“A contemporary musical of passion, dreams and brotherly pathos…featuring re-imagined versions of classics by Whitney, Michael plus 5th Dimension powerhouse, “The Singer” culminating the festivities! Starring top flight Broadway actors & singers, Eric Briarley & Drew Seigla deliver the goods with abounding energies.” ~~Robert-Allan Arno, Biographer–The Original 5th Dimension

Forever 5th Dimension, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2021, all rights reserved

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