Tag Archives: Marilyn McCoo

THE BEST of OUR LOVE: Q & A with John Florez plus a Rare Un-Vaulted Tune, A Forever 5th Dimension Exclusive by Robert-Allan Arno

Posted on March 31, 2025 | Leave a comment

As FOREVER 5^th DIMENSION embarks on its 18^th anniversary, the enigmatic “Soul & Inspiration” album by The 5^th Dimension has surpassed a 50^th anniversary milestone. While “The Magic Garden” and “Earthbound” projects share a certain mystique, the “S & I” sessions remain “mystical” in their own right with the introduction of accomplished producer John Florez (as opposed to the renowned Bones Howe) on four of the cuts, and the shift of the group’s label, Bell Records to Arista, with Clive Davis at the helm. Over a decade ago, we even got to release 6 vaulted Howe-produced tracks from the album, and I was honored to do the “guest liners” for them for the Collector’s Choice “S & I” re-issue. And recently, “Soul & Inspiration” along with those bonuses can be found on Spotify, YouTube and more.

We’re pleased to bring you this exclusive Q & A with John Florez featuring a rare, newly unvaulted tune from “Soul & Inspiration,” produced by him. Known for ear-catching Pop-Soul productions, he began his career in the late 1960’s in Los Angeles. Throughout, one out of every three songs that Mr. Florez produced charted nationally, including the hits, “Grazin’ in the Grass” by The Friends of Distinction (#3), and the #1 Billboard hit, “Rock the Boat” by The Hues Corporation. His clients included: A&M, Arista, Capitol, CBS, Elektra, RCA, and Warner Brothers Records.

Robert/FOREVER 5^th DIMENSION: LaMonte McLemore, in his memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” says his biggest regret about The Original 5th Dimension recording legacy is that a true danceable tune was never produced. You had tremendous success producing The Hues Corporation’s vibrant “Rock the Boat” which is deemed the first Disco tune to hit the Top 10. Many “5th fans,” too, wanted that evolution for the group. Do you feel you were recruited for the “Soul & Inspiration” project (replacing the familiar Bones Howe, whose cuts were still featured on the album) to somehow bring such contemporary success.

John: Maybe. Who knows what occurred in the mind of Clive Davis (who hired me)? The music business is based on how hot you are with producing hits at that time. Yes, I was coming off the #1 dance tune, “Rock the Boat”. When I pitched Clive to produce The 5th Dimension, I brought the songs we eventually recorded. He liked them and set up a meeting for me with The 5th. ALL of us instinctively knew it was time to try something new. I was only commissioned for four tracks. In retrospect, had we decided to find a disco-oriented tune, my question is, which of the agreed upon tunes would we have discarded to allow for such a track. None! The group and I did what they had always done, finding the best songs available at the time. If Clive had given me an added 3-4 track contract, yes, we certainly could’ve looked for a dance cut. In the end, I believe we achieved our initial goal, to try something different.

Robert/FOREVER 5^th DIMENSION: In an earlier interview with FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, you mentioned being involved in the group’s rehearsal of “I Honestly Love You,” written by Peter Allen, with Marilyn McCoo in the lead. Can you give us a flavor of the rehearsals and remind us of how Olivia Newton-John walked away with the recording.

John: Yes, my arranger D’Arneill Pershing and I had chills hearing Marilyn’s captivating lead on “I Honestly Love You” and remember distinctly how lovely the group sounded in unison on their echo line, “shouldn’t blow the chance.” This really sounded like a hit single for us. However, Olivia had already recorded the song for her yet-to-be-released album and had an exclusive on it. In other words, she had “first dibs” if she released it for her upcoming single. If not, we would have gotten the green light to record it with The 5th Dimension. Unfortunately for us, she did choose the ballad as her single.

Editor’s Note: Hear a taste of Marilyn’s version of “I Honestly Love You” in this hits medley with Peter Allen from SOLID GOLD, here: https://youtu.be/jghihoox7G8?si=oz5ZnyVSnzRBatAg

Robert/FOREVER 5^th DIMENSION: “Harlem” remains such a curiously controversial song for its break from more traditional 5th sounds. Nevertheless, it was exhilarating, funky and panoramic, and certainly made for a sassy staged party skit often featured at the beginning of concerts circa ’74, of The Original 5th Dimension, including their performances at the Uris Theater on Broadway. Do you think in retrospect, that it was a mistake to release it as a single?

John: Absolutely. If Black radio had discovered it on the album, played it, and it became popular, then Bell/Arista could’ve considered it for single release. I doubt that would’ve ever happened. It was too much of a departure from the group’s long-established image. However, damn it, it’s a great cut. The group and drummer James Gadsen really kicked. Controversial or not, The 5th Dimension had finally recorded something far less vanilla. I stand by that track and am proud of all of us, including the under-appreciated D’Arneill Pershing and his cinematic string chart. By the way, regarding your first question, “Harlem” is a dance tune, although not Disco, per se.

Editor’s Note: Interestingly, in this newly found memo from Bell Records, “Harlem” was introduced in New York City discos, pre-single release:

Robert/FOREVER 5^th DIMENSION: “No Love in the Room” had hit written all over it. A Disco-tinged undertone, a contemporary familial message, cool group dynamics with a mini solo by Billy Davis, Jr. and with Marilyn leading. We know there were politics involved in the single’s ultimate lack of promotion. But if not for that, how far do you think “No Love” would have climbed?

John: No promotion? Ya think? How about no record label deal whatsoever while it was still charting? Due to tensions and misunderstandings with Clive Davis (Editor’s note: that have since been resolved between Mr. Davis and The 5th Dimension/McCoo & Davis, Jr.), he dropped the group from Arista, pulled their album and the single from stores and radio, just as it was climbing the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “bullets!” I have no idea how high the single would have charted, but I do believe that it was a solid hit. Top twenty? Obviously it should have been our first release instead of “Harlem.”

Robert/FOREVER 5^th DIMENSION: Fans do like “The Best of My Love.” It’s certainly a different take on the Eagles’ hit. They particularly enjoy a breezy and lilting Marilyn amid the slightly syncopated beat, with pretty group harmonies. You’ve mentioned in our previous FOREVER 5th DIMENSION Q & A that it is not one of your favorites. Isn’t it interesting to juxtapose fan approval with your feeling that “it could have been better.”

John: You try going from rehearsing “I Honestly Love You” with Marilyn McCoo to doing an Eagles’ cover of “The Best of My Love.” No comparison. Not even close. I had goose bumps rehearsing the former to, “Oh well, Clive wants us to do this one” for the latter.

EXCLUSIVE ALTERNATIVE VERSION, “THE BEST OF MY LOVE” FROM THE VAULTS—

Robert’s note: After our interview, John surprised me with a from-the-vaults/his personal unmastered copy, alternative version of “Best” with Billy and Marilyn trading leads akin to what they did on “What Does It Take to Win Your Love” from the “Love’s Line’s Angles and Rhymes” album including the group vibe more in the forefront. I did some remastering and present it to our faithful 5th Dimension fans & FOREVER 5th readers, at this private YouTube link…enjoy:

Robert/FOREVER 5^th DIMENSION: “Crazy Spaces” was performed in concert by The 5th and then recorded for the “S & I” project but remains missing. Do you recall why it wasn’t included, or anything about the feel of the tune that you produced, it’s a Bill Withers composition. I asked Marilyn & Billy, and Marilyn remembered it fondly, even sung a bit of it for me.

John: This is a GREAT question. Nobody knows this but “Crazy Spaces” was our “bookend to Harlem” track. Both were Bill Withers songs with drummer James Gadsen and that funky rhythm section. Why it wasn’t included for an album with “Soul” in its title is beyond me. What happened to the original track? I apparently had the only copy of it in two places: on a master cassette tape and on my former PC hard drive. The hard drive got accidentally wiped and the cassette tape somehow vanished into the ethers. This one breaks my heart.

Robert/FOREVER 5^th DIMENSION: “Hard Core Poetry” is one of Florence LaRue’s favorites from the “S & I” project, Billy commented to FOREVER 5th DIMENSION he liked collaborating with you on it, too. Along with the album cuts “Black Patch” (from “Individually and Collectively”), “Day by Day” (from “Living Together, Growing Together”), and “Moonlight Mile” (from “Earthbound”), it stands as one of the original group’s finest recorded LP moments. On behalf of the fans, we thank you for that. Can you tell us your thoughts about “Poetry,” written by the team of Lambert & Potter.

John: Harvey Cooper, the award-winning record promotion executive, brought us “Hard Core Poetry” and “Harlem”. He always had great “ears.” I had been a big Lambert and Potter fan. Previously, I recorded their tunes “I Just Wanna Be Me” with Sisters Love (A&M, 1970) and “Like Monday Follows Sunday” with 5 Flights Up (Talent Associates, 1970). Notice that “Hard Core Poetry,” “No Love in The Room” and “Harlem” are all socially relevant tunes – an intentional departure. “Hard Core Poetry” also features “step out lines”: Marilyn first, Florence second, and then Billy.

Editor’s note: Listen to John’s new remix of “Hard Core Poetry” on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/7xCETRhKtTU

Robert/FOREVER 5^th DIMENSION: John, you obviously have great affinity for your time with The 5th Dimension, they were certainly known as the pinnacle of Pop-Soul if not all singing groups and its individual members, too, were household names. As noted, you’ve remastered the tunes you were involved with and shared some on YouTube. What draws you back to revisiting these gems?

John: When RCA interviewed me for a staff position in 1968, they asked me what kind of music I wanted to produce. I answered, “Something like The 5th Dimension!” That led me to produce The Friends of Distinction, The Hues Corporation, and more. I was living my dream! Later, being offered a chance to produce my favorite act of all, The 5th Dimension, was the rest of my dream come true! It’s my hobby to re-master all the songs I was involved with and bring them to the public in a refreshed way.

The 5^th Dimension members were all consummate pros, and I will never forget the experience of working with each of them—Marilyn: Classy, a lady. Billy: Amazingly soulful and professional. Florence: Brains and beauty combined. LaMonte: Elegant and multi-talented. Ron (Townson): Very much fun to be with! He was full of good-natured mischief like when he pulled out a switchblade during rehearsal to clean his nails!

Robert/FOREVER 5^th DIMENSION: How do you feel about the “Soul & Inspiration” project’s longevity and continued fan interest.

John: I’m proud of everyone involved with it. The major regret was not getting the chance to do a second album with The 5th Dimension. We were still learning how to work together, we had not yet reached our full potential. The 5^th Dimension was adamant with me about not layering their vocals as was done previously, keeping the group blend more organic We did “sweeten” the end of choruses on “Hard Core Poetry” and the group on “The Best of My Love.” I really wanted to experiment more with new directions for us. I felt we were just getting started.

Very special thanks to John Florez who has been a friend to FOREVER 5th DIMENSION for many years. And our love to Marilyn & Billy, Florence and LaMonte.

Fans & Friends, if you enjoyed this special edition including a rare unvaulted release, please consider a tax-deductible donation to The America to Africa Higher Education Foundation. As Executive Director, I am so proud to have LaMonte on our Board and the kind support of Marilyn & Billy, Florence and their respective management. Visit us and see what we’re doing to make the dreams of gifted Nigerian collegiate scholars come true, uniting us cross-culturally, at: http://www.AmericatoAfricaHigherEducationFoundation.com

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Tagged Billy Davis Jr., Clive Davis, Florence LaRue, Hard Core Poetry, Harlem, John Florez Producer, LaMonte McLemore, Marilyn McCoo, No Love in the Room, Soul and Inspiration by The 5th Dimension, The Best of My Love by The 5th Dimension, The Original 5th Dimension

Black History Month 2025–The 5th Dimension Milestones by Robert-Allan Arno

Posted on February 25, 2025 | Leave a comment

The unifying, harmonic, and unique “Champagne Soul” essence of The 5th Dimension is timeless. This blog, entering its 18th year this summer, celebrates the group and its original stars’ trailblazing achievements and ongoing positive influence. More recently, the Oscar-winning musical documentary “Summer of Soul,” produced by Questlove, underscored The 5th Dimension’s relevance and joyful acceptance at the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969, during the chart-topping height of their medley of peace and hope for a generation, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.”

Questlove’s newest documentary, “Sly Lives (aka The Burden of Black Genius),” about Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone, alludes to The 5th Dimension (via the above photo flashed onscreen) as a family-friendly quintet that Sly was advised to emulate early in his group’s career, to which he firmly declined. This does not, in any way, disparage The 5th Dimension. As the song “Everyday People” says, “different strokes for different folks.” Plus, the hit commercial sounds of both groups intersected in a tangible and metaphorical harmonious wash. In fact, The 5th Dimension performed “I Want to Take You Higher” in their live act as an audience participation crowd-pleaser, and later, Marilyn & Billy (McCoo & Davis) opened their live shows with “Everyday People.” Maurice White even told 5th mega producer Bones Howe that “Stoned Soul Picnic” quote, did it for him and inspired him to form Earth, Wind & Fire. However, let’s not digress too far, as today’s entry of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION focuses on the following “quintet” of major achievements amid the group’s long history of milestones.

*Grammy History: The official Grammy Awards website states, “The 5th Dimension had two big Grammy nights in 1968 and 1970, scooping up six awards between the two. With those six wins, they became the first group or duo to win twice for Record of the Year: “Up, Up and Away” in 1968, and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)” in 1970.” According to LaMonte McLemore, what they fail to mention is that The 5th Dimension was the first African American group to do so.

*Television First: Similarly, Marilyn and Billy were the first African American married couple to have their own network TV variety series, The Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. Show in the summer of ’77.

*As Ambassadors: The 5th Dimension traveled behind ‘The Iron Curtain’ in April of 1973 as US Cultural Ambassadors, performing concerts for audiences in Turkey, Romania, Czechoslovakia, and Poland. In TV variety show host Ed Sullivan’s newspaper column of the time, Florence LaRue is quoted: “The young people rushed the stages…they wanted to touch Black people who they had never seen before.” Later in other interviews, she added, “We were their connection to freedom.” Two points by Ms. LaRue when placed together, that are profoundly meaningful. Returning home, The 5^th Dimension were the first entertainers to be featured on TV’s politically oriented “Issues and Answers.”

*On Broadway: The 5th Dimension appeared on Broadway at the Uris Theatre from Nov 27, 1974, and played through Dec 8, 1974. in a musical extravaganza that presented their hits and fresh tunes spotlighting a new musical attitude in a two-part act, complete with comedic skits and poetry selections. Later, other musical artists like Diana Ross and Lena Horne adopted this Broadway concept. My impressionable high school self was present at one of the 2 week-long shows, taking copious notes. Never would I think they’d appear in what would be known as a blog some 50 years later but now seems the right time to give our readers a glimpse into this theatrical spectacular. The show began with a choreographed party skit of “Harlem,” the group’s latest single from the newly released “Soul and Inspiration” album. Marilyn, in long pearls and a feather boa, and Florence’s fluid modern dance moves, made the song a living canvas, not to mention the guys getting down, too, for the tableau that included the support of Jo Jo’s Dance Factory. Solos included Ron’s “One Hell of a Woman,” (yet according to critics, his operatic virtuosity shone other nights with his rendering from “Pagliacci”), Marilyn’s “Loneliness” while intimately sitting centerstage on a stool for this ballad penned by Paul Williams, and Florence’s powerful yet wistful “My Love” by Paul McCartney. In the political commentary medley of “I Just Want to Celebrate/Ball of Confusion” amid strobe lighting and smoke, the complete version of “The Flesh Failures” from HAIR was also included with the familiar “let the sunshine” part delivered differently than usual, as a melancholy battle cry. A scorching “Fire” ensued with lyrics that included, “When you were a baby, your mama told you not to play with fire,” a song recorded by Osibisa, a British-Ghanaian-Caribbean Afro rock band. This was followed by a touching “Tomorrow Belongs to the Children,” from The 5^th Dimension’s “Individually and Collectively” album.

After intermission with the Dance Factory, “Celebrate Life” (a reggae-tinged hit made popular by Johnny Nash) had Marilyn, Florence, Billy, LaMonte and Ron coming down the aisles from the back of the theater, and later, “What is Hip?” by Tower of Power had Billy effortlessly shaking the rafters. Cleverly, this was the first time the audience was asked to shout-out their favorite 5^th song requests. Besides “Up, Up and Away,” “One Less Bell,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” Music Director, John Myles was ready with The 5^th to treat us to such older gems as “Paper Cup,” “Carpet Man,” “Sweet Blindness,” and “Never My Love.”

Before the funky finale of “Dancin’ Machine” made popular by The Jackson 5, comedy segments where Billy was mistaken for Sammy Davis, Jr., and Florence spoofed Diana Ross brought laughs. But the moment of revelation was what Playbill noted as the Black Poetry segment featuring the works of Langston Hughes, Jaci Early, Sandra Sharper, and Paul Lawrence Dunbar. Marilyn coming forward to deliver Nikki Giovanni’s “Revolutionary Dreams” was a stand-out. We recently lost this beloved nationally renowned poet of Civil Rights, and as a tribute, we respectfully share Ms. Giovanni’s poem:

Revolutionary Dreams

i used to dream militant

dreams of taking

over america to show

these white folks how it should be

done

i used to dream radical dreams

of blowing everyone away with my perceptive powers

of correct analysis

i even used to think i’d be the one

to stop the riot and negotiate the peace

then i awoke and dug

that if i dreamed natural

dreams of being a natural

woman doing what a woman

does when she’s natural

i would have a revolution

Source | Giovanni, Nikki. “Revolutionary Dreams” (1970) in The Women and the Men. New York City: William Morrow, 1975.

Footnote: While The 5th Dimension was co-hosting The Mike Douglas Show, Ms. Giovanni was on the panel. Very quietly, Marilyn mentioned, “We performed your poem during our show,” to which Nikki humbly nodded with an appreciative smile.

Speaking of Broadway, The 5^th Dimension (Florence, LaMonte, Ron with Joyce Wright and Michael Procter) were the first singing group to take a Broadway show, Fats Waller’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’” on the road, in the ‘80’s. Marilyn starred on Broadway in the 1990’s revival of “Showboat,” in the leading role of Julie.

*Reunion & A Star: The Original 5^th Dimension’s successful reunion tour (described extensively in LaMonte McLemore’s memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5^th Dimension”) began in Atlantic City, New Year’s Eve of 1990 to sell-out crowds and toured for a few years. On August 9, 1991, after a memorable appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show, The Original 5^th Dimension received their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Today, while Florence leads the current 5th Dimension in-concert to sold-out crowds, Marilyn & Billy perform as a well-respected duo. McCoo & Davis’s recent critically acclaimed CD, “Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons” was a musical call for Civil and Human Rights. Pastor Billy’s ministry along with wife, Marilyn named Soldiers for the Second Coming brings praise and worship to their west coast congregation and can be seen on YouTube and internet TV. Last year, Marilyn & Billy and Florence attended and gave speeches at LaMonte’s “Black is Beautiful” event in Las Vegas, celebrating his accomplishments and coffee table book of the same title, reflecting his legacy photographic work for JET magazine’s “Beauty of the Week.” In separate interviews, Florence and Billy agree, “The 5th Dimension…we’ll always be a family.”

UPCOMING EXCLUSIVE! In March, FOREVER 5^th DIMENSION brings an exclusive interview with the producer John Florez, featuring never-before-shared commentary AND an alternative take tune from the vaults…a true “Soul & Inspiration” experience we look forward to!

Special thanks to Marilyn & Billy, Florence, LaMonte, and their respective representation for their eternal soul & inspiration, kindness, mentorship and abiding friendship. In Loving Memory of Ron “Sweets” Townson

Consider! To the amazing global fans & our thousands of visitors, as the Executive Director, I ask you to please consider a tax-deductible donation to the America to Africa Higher Education Foundation, where LaMonte is on the Board at: www.AmericatoAfricaHigherEducationFoundation.com

–Robert-Allan Arno

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Tagged 5thDimensiononBroadway, 5thDimensionWalkofFame, Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In, Florence LaRue, GrammyAwards, LaMonte McLemore, Marilyn McCoo, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, McCooDavisVarietyShow, Ron "Sweets" Townson, SummerofSoul, The 5th Dimension, TheOriginal5thDimension

Happy Birthday, Our Delightful Diva, FLorence LaRue!

Posted on February 4, 2025 | Leave a comment

Dateline February 4: We’re wishing our “Delightful Diva,” the lovely and ever energetic Florence LaRue, a blessed Happy Birthday. For over 50 years, Florence has brought the music & magic of The 5^th Dimension to the sold-out masses, worldwide. LaMonte mentions, “Florence has an uncanny knack of knowing everyone’s parts including her own…a great asset in keeping The 5^th Dimension sound vibrant.” Marilyn confides, “During the group’s formation, when we were auditioning women for our alto position, I had a friend who was up for the job. But when Florence came to sing, we just knew she had that special something…she was the one.” New York radio legend Cousin Brucie calls Florence one of “the sweethearts of the Rock n’ Soul era.”

Personally, it was Florence who gave me my very first media interview at the great WBAU on Long Island, my college radio station. She took the time to tell me, “You know so much about us…you make me feel like I’m talking to a friend. Keep doing what you’re doing, Robert!” Impactful words from a lady who has always had a special affinity for young people, with her credential in teaching as well as multi-Grammys and millions of fans.

Let’s continue the “Florence Celebration” with our comprehensive tribute to her featuring beloved solos, “love notes” from the fans, and more celebrity quotes at this FOREVER 5^th DIMENSION link: https://forever5thdimension.com/2014/02/03/the-delightful-divas-birthday/

I extend lots of Love & Blessings (and flowers!) to a dear friend who possesses a heart of gold…and we can’t wait to see what adventures she & The 5^th Dimension have in store for us in 2025! –Robert-Allan Arno

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Tagged Florence LaRue, LaMonte McLemore, Marilyn McCoo, The 5th Dimension

Remembering the multi-Faceted Brilliance of Quincy Jones

Posted on November 4, 2024 | Leave a comment

FOREVER 5th DIMENSION is so sorry to note the passing of Quincy Jones at age 91, a maestro of American music and a titan of the entertainment industry who influenced nearly every popular genre, produced landmark albums and earned 80 Grammy Award nominations.

In a prolific career that spanned more than 70 years, Mr. Jones established himself as a behind-the-scenes force and a gifted artist in his own right, working as an arranger, composer, songwriter and performer.

He left indelible imprints on Jazz, Pop, Hip-Hop and dozens of film and television soundtracks, collaborating with some of the most illustrious names in the American songbook, from Count Basie and Dinah Washington to Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin and Paul Simon. He produced Michael Jackson’s smash record “Thriller,” as well as Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of “The Color Purple” and the NBC sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” — projects that helped bolster his legacy as a hit-maker and media mogul.

Chris Rizik at SoulTracks adds, “Notably, Jones was at the center of the cultural event of the 1980s, the benefit single ‘We Are the World,’ which he produced and helped organize. It would go on to win yet another Grammy for him and raise over $100 million for African aid.”

Marilyn McCoo participated in 1992’s Grammy-winning “Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration” project produced by Quincy. Watch the video here, note Marilyn front row left.

FOREVER 5th DIMENSION extends its respect, condolences and prayers to Quincy Jones’s family and myriad global fans. –Robert-Allan Arno

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Tagged culture, Handel's Messiah, Hendel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration, Marilyn McCoo, Michael Jackson, music, news, Quincy Jones

Let’s celebrate the Birthday of Marilyn McCoo with a Curated 40 of Her Very Best!

Posted on September 29, 2024 | Leave a comment

September 30 is a memorable day for the millions of fans of Marilyn McCoo for her birthday 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 5 decades & duet partner, Billy Davis, Jr. is known for her elegance, way with a torch song, and a smooth, soulfully healing multi-octave voice that is simply as astonishingly beautiful as the woman herself. In honor of her birthday, for 2024, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION is pleased to curate an expanded 40 performances–her 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.

Just hit the player here, for uninterrupted wall-to-wall Marilyn!

And special thanks to the many YouTube fans who have saved such special performances for us to savor! Today, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. 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.

On a personal note, I express to a dear friend and mentor, “Marilyn, you have brought your very special grace, wisdom, faith, fairness and artistic excellence to so many lives, and certainly mine! You stand for beauty (inside and out) in the dictionary of life. Have a wonderful birthday celebration with Billy. Lots of Love and Blessings,” —Robert-Allan Arno

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Tagged Marilyn McCoo, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Marilyn McCoo Birthday Celebration, Marilyn McCoo's Greatest Performances, One Less Bell to Answer, Wedding Bell Blues

“blackbird” Remains Relevant: McCartney, Marilyn & Beyonce

Posted on April 7, 2024 | Leave a comment

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 5^th 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 5^th 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.

—Robert-Allan Arno, April 2024

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Tagged Beyonce, Marilyn McCoo, McCoo Davis Blackbird: Lennon McCartney CD, Sir Paul McCartney

Remembering Suzanne Somers Together With Marilyn: 2 Lovely Libras

Posted on October 23, 2023 | Leave a comment

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 5^th 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 5^th’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.

—Robert-Allan Arno

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Tagged Marilyn McCoo, McCooSomers, Suzanne Somers, Ticket to Ride

Hi-Fi Cool!

Posted on October 10, 2023 | Leave a comment

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:

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Tagged Harry Elston, LaMonte McLemore, LonesomeMood, Marilyn McCoo, Ray Charles, The Friends of Distinction, The Hi-Fi's

Remembering Gordon Lightfoot

Posted on May 2, 2023 | Leave a comment

From Wiki: Legendary Gordon Lightfoot Jr. was a Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist who achieved international success in folk, folk-rock, and country music. He is credited with helping to define the folk-pop sound of the 1960s and 1970s.^[1] Biographer Nicholas Jennings said, “His name is synonymous with timeless songs about trains and shipwrecks, rivers and highways, lovers and loneliness.”

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 5^th DIMENSION couldn’t agree more about the music world’s smoothest of voices merging for this poignantly delightful version.

–Robert-Allan Arno

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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 5^th 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 5^th, the summer of 2008. This had to do with the musical play JOY and how The 5^th 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