Celebrating our 16th 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 & McLemore!
Much rightfully exciting talk about Beyonce’s new Country CD, “Cowboy Carter,” including her cover of the iconic Paul McCartney penned “Blackbird.” While Beyonce stays quite close to the Beatles’ original including a sampling of Paul’s guitar riffing, several worldwide music aficionados on McCartney’s official Facebook thread honoring the re-envisioned tune, mentioned Marilyn McCoo’s recent recorded version on Marilyn & Billy (Davis Jr.)’s acclaimed “blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons” CD. I was certainly happy to see this…thank you, astute fans!
In a complete review of the project, I had written about this interpretation for FOREVER 5th DIMENSION: “The title tune, soloed by Marilyn is ingenious, Ms. McCoo translates ‘Blackbird’ into a cousin of Billie Holiday’s ‘Strange Fruit.’ She takes a gut-wrenching, contemporary Broadway showstopper style and combines it with her recording finesse…it boils down to a fine simmer, in the pantheon of one of Marilyn McCoo’s greatest vocal solos.”
Sir Paul restates his writing of “Blackbird” as a young man was inspired by what Rolling Stone magazine describes as “…the Little Rock Nine, a group of nine Black students who faced discrimination and the lasting impact of segregation after enrolling in the all-white Little Rock Central High School in 1957, following the Supreme Court’s historic Brown vs. the Board of Education decision.”
Re-experience Marilyn’s version of “Blackbird” via the official video as FOREVER 5th DIMENSION salutes an important song about the pioneers of the Civil Rights movement, and all the amazing artists who embrace its message, including our eternally vibrant McCoo & Davis.
We recently lost the popular and beloved Suzanne Somers. She was an industry survivor known for her roles in “American Graffiti,” as Chrissy Snow in “Three’s Company” …and as an advocate for equal pay for women, for melding eastern & western health, for balanced nutrition & fitness…and author of numerous NY Times best sellers, tireless in reinventing herself and empowering others through her diverse efforts. I had thought about one of her talk forums back in the ‘90’s where Marilyn McCoo, a fellow lovely Libra, was her special guest. Suzanne talked one-on-one of seeing The Original 5th Dimension as her first Las Vegas show at age 18, and how Marilyn carried herself onstage and moved a certain way, inspiring the hopeful Somers. Marilyn’s response to such a compliment was quite humble. Here is a snippet of that reflection as Suzanne introduces Marilyn’s song (a rollicking “Ticket to Ride” with the Glenn Zottola Band) and alludes once again to Marilyn/The 5th’s influence. Notice Andre Carthen, part of #MarilynBilly’s in-concert team to this day, adding his choreographed touch to the soul stirring rendition. It’s a sweet footnote to know that Suzanne was an authentic “5th fan.” She brought Light & Love to her many endeavors and left this world a better place.
Marilyn (McCoo) refers to them as “the precursor group to The 5th Dimension,” they’re the Hi-Fi’s, later called the Vocals! Managed by none other than Ray Charles, their sound was vocal Jazz and one of their tunes (later re-recorded by The Friends of Distinction most excellently) is “Lonesome Mood.” In fact, this rare photo comes to Forever 5th Dimension courtesy of our good friend, Mr. Harry Elston of The Friends. LaMonte (McLemore) writes about a rollicking time with the group in his memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” in the amusing chapter titled, “Hi-Fi Nights n’ Flights.” Pictured left to right: Harry Elston, Fritz Basket, Lawrence Summers, Rex Middleton (front, conductor), Marilyn McCoo and LaMonte McLemore.
—Robert-Allan Arno
“From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” the hip hit memoir available at Amazon:
Enjoy “Lonesome Mood” by The Friends of Distinction, here:
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2023, intellectual property, all rights reserved.
Here is a SOLID GOLD classic as host Marilyn McCoo joins Gordon for a seamless take on his memorable hit, “If You Can Read My Mind.” Lightfoot comments, “It’s the kind of song that can be sung by two…people like us,” and FOREVER 5th DIMENSION couldn’t agree more about the music world’s smoothest of voices merging for this poignantly delightful version.
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
At Forever 5th Dimension we’re celebrating Billy’s birthday this coming Sunday, June 26…a few days early! This way, as we lead to the momentous day, you can savor our curated, Top 20 (plus!) solos by Billy at this YouTube link, tunes from every decade of his career. Have a “Billy Listening Party” courtesy of Forever 5th, here…we start with “Leave a Little Room”…just hit the player, it continues through song 25*!!:
Billy Davis, Jr. is truly an American treasure. The multi-Grammy winning soul stylist, with roots as lead singer of The Original 5th Dimension–along with his beautiful wife of soon-to-be 53 years and duet partner, Marilyn McCoo–has an instantly recognizable voice like no other. Fellow-Original 5th mate Florence LaRue declares, “No one sounds like Billy…he can break your heart!” And his best comrade, 5th-founder LaMonte McLemore punctuates his own memoir (“From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension’) acknowledging, “Billy’s lead on ‘A Change is Gonna Come’ says it all.” Mac adds, “Not to mention his ‘havin’ church’ on our biggest hit ‘Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.'” Yes, the man who implored the world to “Sing along with The 5th Dimension” invited us to share in his own harmonic journey….that of an incomparable legacy artist, a stellar showman, and an inspiring faith-based figure. Marilyn reminded Forever 5th Dimension, “Billy always says, ‘What comes from the heart goes to the heart.'” Heralded by the likes of Jimmy Webb (“Up-Up and Away”), Eddie Levert (The O’Jays) and Maurice White (Earth, Wind & Fire), Billy humbly summed up his talents disclosing this to me, “That’s not me…it’s God working through me!” Happy Birthday Billy, we love you & celebrate you with these memorable 20-plus solos!
~~Robert-Allan Arno, Forever 5th Dimension
See Billy & Marilyn on the current Time-Life music special! And visit their official website at mccoodavis.com for recordings, concert & TV appearance news!
*Here’s the song list: 1. Leave a Little Room, 2. The Worst that Could Happen, 3. Speaking with My Heart, 4. Summer’s Daughter, 5. There Never Was a Day, 6. Feelin’ Alright?, 7. I Got a Feelin’, 8. Three Steps from True Love, 9. You’re Good Enough for Me, 10. Silly Love Songs, 11. It’ll Never Be the Same Again, 12. Let It Be Me, 13. Misty Roses, 14. The Singer, 15. Broken Wing Bird,16. Rosecrans Blvd., 17. Requiem: 8:20 Latham, 18. A Change is Gonna Come/People Gotta be Free, 19. Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In, 20. Ticket to Ride, 21. Someone is Standing Outside, 22. Help!, 23. (New, From the Vaults!) Hi-Di-Ho, 24. The Love of God, 25. Let the Sunshine In (Reprise)
Main Billy photo courtesy Deniserose Torres Collection
Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2022, intellectual property, all rights reserved
#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)
Forever 5th Dimension is honoring the 80th birthday of the legendary songstress, actor, and director, Barbra Streisand with two interpretations by our very own iconic women, Florence LaRue and Marilyn McCoo.
Enjoy Florence’s poignant solo of “Stoney End” from “The 5th Dimension: LIVE” album, which boldly kicks off the Laura Nyro medley:
Here’s Marilyn’s memorablely graceful version of “The Way We Were” from SOLID GOLD. Marilyn & Billy (Davis, Jr.) shared with Forever 5th Dimension quite emotionally, that they also got to perform the tune at a tribute to songwriters Alan & Marilyn Bergman including never-before-heard lyrics which according to them, were “breathtaking.” ~~Robert-Allan Arno
(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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