Tag Archives: LaMonte McLemore

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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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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