Celebrating our 18th Year! A TRIBUTE TO THE MULTI-GRAMMY WINNING LEGENDARY STARS of THE ORIGINAL 5TH DIMENSION, Curated by Biographer, Robert-Allan Arno ~~ History & Current Events, Exclusive Quotes & Interviews, Rare Photo Collection! Recommended by McCoo/Davis, LaRue & Remembering LaMonte McLemore
At Forever 5th Dimension we’re gearing up early for Sunday’s birthday celebration of Grammy legend, founder of The 5th Dimension, the group’s mellow bass, and author of such gems as “The Singer,” and “A Love Like Ours”…not to mention a renowned trailblazing photographer, Mr. LaMonte McLemore.
Personally, I’m leaving town to be with my mom upon today’s passing of my dad at age 93. Dad always loved the members of The 5th Dimension because he knew I loved them so much. He made sure to drive me from Long Island to my first 5th Dimension concert at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City, circa ’72–I was too young to even take a subway there, lol! And when he read, cover-to-cover, the memoir I penned with LaMonte, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” he expressed, “It’s beautiful!” I replied, “Oh, you mean the pretty picture of The 5th on the cover?” Dad responded, “No…I mean the inspirational and poetic manner you and LaMonte expressed yourselves.” Dad always respected LaMonte, two good looking dudes with cool n’ classy fashion sense. And they always sent regards to one another, through me.
On such a somber day, special thanks to LaMonte & Mieko who took my call at 1am (OK, they were 3 hours earlier in Vegas!), Florence who called immediately with prayerful words, and to Marilyn & Billy’s team at KIWW including Jason Winters and Steve Rosenblum for such edifying sentiments. Marilyn & Billy’s profound call of deep fellowship was incomparable as well as their kind posting, remembering Dad on their social media. The duo also called me right before my August birthday this year…I was in my parents’ home taking care of things for them, and it was so full circle as this was the house as a kid, where I first discovered The 5th Dimension. I know Dad would be proud of such an outpouring from my heroes & sheroes…they were his, too. And he is certainly mine, always.
Dateline June 3: We’re remembering the birthday of LaMonteMcLemore‘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. She will always be deeply meaningful to her family, friends, and to The 5thDimension family & fans. —R-A A for #TeamMac
First, in our 15th year of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, a big thank you to all those stopping by from around the world. I am continually astounded when WordPress sends the monthly stats, indicating thousands of visitors from Japan, Germany, England, the Philippines, France, Brazil, and the US, of course! The enduring legacy of joy that The 5th Dimension holds, their eternal harmony and excellence surely transcends.
Sharing a little story that seems perfect for #BlackMusicMonth, this past Memorial Day weekend, I finally got to the magnificent Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. We had written about it in LaMonte McLemore’s hit memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” when a curator from the museum came for lunch to visit with Mac and wife Mieko in their Las Vegas home, and secure one of The 5th Dimension’s costumes…this was an ornately gold-embroidered black jacket with long golden fringe, circa the 80’s. And yes, I’ve seen photos of this that very kind fans supplied—being Mac’s jacket, reflecting his tall frame, it looked especially spectacular on the museum mannequin.
Upon arrival, I immediately made my way to the fourth floor, where an homage to music, TV, and film icons prevails. It was a rather emotional experience. And I walked and walked in circles, finding LaMonte’s jacket to no avail! After reaching out to a lovely curator, she did a search and lo and behold, the jacket was just rotated out the previous week, to make room for other legend’s outfits! She noted the museum currently has in storage thousands of donated or on-loan costumes to choose from for exhibit. What was thrilling was to see the seemingly lit, majorly jewel-encrusted jacket worn by LutherVandross, the post-mod patchwork design, early 70’s costuming of The Jackson 5, and the elegant velvet tuxedo of Mac’s good friend, Bubba Knight of Gladys Knight and the Pips. The cool denim vibe of Country’s Charlie Pride juxtaposed by a strikingly petite outfit worn by Diana Ross from an early scene of “Lady Sings the Blues” were set off by a long, in-action placard of Tina Turner, extra poignant in that we just lost the Queen of Rock. And as I took more time to “investigate,” yes, there was The 5th Dimension (photo by our friend, Arnie Lee) positioned on top of Nat “King”Cole (one of Billy Davis, Jr.’s personal influences), in the section that highlighted “cross-over artists.” I’ll leave you, dear fans, with a shot of The 5th and Mr. Cole (above), and a copy of the “narrative” that accompanies it (below). Powerful words about that transcendent quality possessed by The 5th Dimension, Mr. Cole, and really, so many more in this hopeful age of diversity, unity and mutual respect.
–Robert-Allan Arno
The 5th Dimension at Eastern Michigan University, ’71. The 5th Dimension’s music crossed genres, hitting the pop, rhythm & blues, and adult contemporary charts.
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: The Arno 5th Legacy Collection
(Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a Production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-23, Intellectual Property, all rights reserved. Photos: Arno Legacy Collection)
The final weekend of Black Heritage Month ’23, and we bring you some beloved & rare photos of TheOriginal 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 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 BonesHowe, “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!
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:
(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)
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 FlorenceLaRue, 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:
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.
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:
Open Your Window
Who’s Crying Now (live)
I’m On Your Side (Theme from “Chapter Two”)
(Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All (live)
Love’s Line’s Angles & Rhymes
Overjoyed (live)
If Only for One Night (live)
Saving All My Love for You
Bill (from SHOWBOAT) (live)
Wedding Bell Blues (live)
Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye
One Less Bell to Answer
Never My Love (2008 version)
If I Could Reach You (live)
When Did I Lose Your Love
The Long & Winding Road
Why Should I Care (live)
I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues (live)
Any Day Now (live)
Chase the Clouds Away (live with Chuck Mangione)
A Song for You/At this Moment (live)
Heart Stop Beating in Time
This Girl’s in Love with You
The Me Nobody Knows
Out Here on My Own (live)
I Dreamed a Dream (live)
O Holy Night
Sweet Little Jesus Boy (live)
My Tribute (To God be the Glory) (live)
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
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.
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
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
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
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