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 & 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)
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)
#BlackHistoryMonth Thank you to our good friends at The Wrecking Crew for posting about the “Love’s Lines, Angles and Rhymes” album, often noted as a fan fave for its smooth yet varied vocal & musical stylings and crystalline production values. In fact, to salute its 50th anniversary last year, I offered a retrospective review, my personal reflections at this Forever 5th Dimension link: https://forever5thdimension.com/2021/02/03/the-loves-lines-album-happy-50th/
Now here’s what the WC reports:
During the first week of February of 1971, the LP “Love’s Lines, Angles and Rhymes” by The 5th Dimension was released on Bell Records, Production & Sound by Bones Howe. Vocal Arrangements by BobAlcivar. It is the group’s sixth studio album.
The “Love’s Lines” single peaked at # 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album reached #17 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album Chart and became the quintet’s third consecutive album to be certified Gold.
Side One
“Time and Love” (Laura Nyro)
“Love’s Lines, Angles and Rhymes” (Dorothea Joyce)
“What Does It Take” (Harvey Fuqua, Johnny Bristol, Vernon Bullock)
“Guess Who?” (Jessie Belvin, JoAnne Belvin)
“Viva Tirado” (Gerald Wilson, Norman Gimbel)
Side Two
“Light Sings” (Gary William Friedman, Will Holt)
“The Rainmaker” (Bill Martin, Harry Nilsson)
“He’s a Runner” (Laura Nyro)
“The Singer” (Elliott Willensky, Lamonte McLemore)
“Every Night” (Paul McCartney)
Personnel:
Marilyn McCoo – lead, group and background vocals
Florence LaRue – lead, group and background vocals
Billy Davis, Jr. – lead, group and background vocals
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2022, intellectual property, all rights reserved)
Happy #BlackHistoryMonth from Forever 5th Dimension. We begin with The 5th Dimension‘s medley of “A Change is Gonna Come” with “People Gotta be Free.” This tour-de-force mashup that’s forever in our hearts, comes from the seminal PORTRAIT project of 1970 where, as Marilyn McCoo recounted, “The 5th Dimension wanted to make our version of a protest album.” With one of our greatest Soul singers, Mr. Billy Davis, Jr. at the hub, Sam Cooke’s anthem of pathos and “defiant uplift” takes on a life of even greater magnitude. Coupled with “Free,” there is resolution in a way so specific to The 5th Dimension–that of unbridled joy and vibrant finesse–that the medley heralds the unique legacy of “The 5th,” itself during this special month.
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
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!
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
“Wedding Bell Blues” by The 5th Dimension: the song went to #1 on this date, November 8 in 1969 and stayed at the top of the charts for 3 weeks. “It’s a song written by Laura Nyro that I always liked and held onto for just the right moment,” told producer Bones Howe to 5th/Mac biographer Robert-Allan Arno. Howe continued, “And when LaMonte whispered to me that Marilyn & Billy had been dating…that was it! We had Marilyn record it as a kinda’ wink…then the group came in to do the backgrounds and Billy was certainly pleasantly surprised!”
“As soon as we met, I knew she’d be a star. Today, Marilyn never ceases to surpass herself.”–Jimmy Webb
“Who does not like if not revere Marilyn? She is the personification of beauty and class.”–LaMonte McLemore
“Marilyn is ‘the singer’s singer.’ I am a true fan.”–Neil Sedaka
In celebration of Marilyn McCoo’s birthday, September 30—that magical date for a mellifluous soul and for her millions of fans worldwide—FOREVER 5th DIMENSION reviews her greatest solos with quotes from the songwriters & composers, a Grammy-winning producer, and fellow stars about each treasure.Marilyn’s stellar 7-time Grammy winning artistry, which comes from “the soul of the voice” is interpreted through the eyes & ears of these luminaries who honor Ms. McCoo’s Top 10 (in no necessary order!)
Before we dig in, I will share that personally, like many of you, the eternal grace of Marilyn McCoo has made my life all the brighter. Each shining “Marilyn recording”…every TV appearance…all the “live” concerts with The Original 5th Dimension, as solo headliner, or with husband & duet partner, Billy Davis, Jr.…from Carnegie Hall to Atlantic City to Las Vegas…remain indelible. And to have her friendship along with Billy’s, their mentorship and guidance is a blessed gift. ~~Robert-Allan Arno
~1~Marilyn’s interpretation of “Blackbird,” the title song of her and husband, Billy Davis, Jr.’s latest critically-acclaimed CD, “BLACKBIRD: Lennon/McCartney Icons.” As I reviewed on Amazon: 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. Listen here: https://youtu.be/Yg5FZJ3AZww
~2~”Love’s Lines, Angles & Rhymes”: Marilyn’s personal favorite…from the album of the same title. Composer Dorothea Joyce says, “Marilyn was the perfect artist for this tune, her interpretive abilities as well as impeccable vocal chops, took my song to a new level…she is in a class by herself.” Listen here: https://youtu.be/f8YHTxftS0w
~3~“One Less Bell to Answer”: “It’s really a jazz ballad,” says Grammy-winning producer Bones Howe. Marilyn herself calls it a “torch song.” And it’s been “informally” voted as the fans’ favorite all-time Pop/Soul superhit by The Original 5th Dimension. With words & music by Bacharach/David, from the seminal PORTRAIT album, multi-Tony Award winner, Audra McDonald hummed a few bars of it during a recent TV interview and sited Marilyn’s “beautiful voice” as an early influence. Listen here: https://youtu.be/lBrbu7PvMU0
~4~“Wedding Bell Blues”: “It’s a Laura Nyro tune I always loved…and saved! When I found out Marilyn and Billy were dating, I knew it was the right time for Marilyn to record the lead…we surprised Billy and the group with it when they added their back-ups.” That’s producer Bones Howe talking about the Number 1 classic hit for The Original 5th Dimension, “Wedding Bell Blues.” Composer Nyro shared, “The 5th Dimension’s interpretations of my tunes were like a delicious ice cream soda!” Listen here: https://youtu.be/7q21Bky7r2A
~5~“Never My Love”: Evoking this striking sentiment from Richard Addrisi of song composers, the Addrisi Brothers: “If I could capture any voice in a bottle, it would surely be Marilyn’s…it’s pure love.” Listen to the classic version from THE 5th DIMENSION: LIVE here: https://youtu.be/RgAP_FvQrD0 And the re-visited version from the MANY FACES OF LOVE project here: https://youtu.be/hP5RLu1fjFo
~6~“If I Could Reach You”: Composer Randy McNeil weighs in with this compelling quote: “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.” Listen here: https://youtu.be/QFTZrB-7d3I
~7~The delightful “(Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep At All”: Producer Howe’s secret? Mixing melancholy with a 50’s back-beat and orchestra bells! Listen to Marilyn’s addictively lilting lament here: https://youtu.be/3OY77yy7V00
~8~“Open Your Window”: An album “mood-setter” that happens to be one of Grammy-winning producer Bones Howe’s personal faves. He shares, “When I heard Harry Nilsson’s ‘Open Your Window’ I had a hunch it would be perfect for Marilyn…and I was right. Marilyn has that quality…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!” Take “a deep sigh,” with “Open Your Window;” here: https://youtu.be/T_fqDjs24VA
~9~The original version of “Saving All My Love for You, ” pre-Whitney Houston‘s smash hit: From the “Marilyn & Billy” album, the style was envisioned in the genres of hits of the day, “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” Did you know it was a hit in the Philippines? Enjoy Marilyn’s sincere, bluesy interpretation here: https://youtu.be/EJtgtaRZm5M
~10~”When Did I Lose Your Love”: By Jimmy Webb from The 5th Dimension’s EARTHBOUND album defines “ethereal plaintiveness” and is enhanced by the guitar stylings of Larry Coryell. Listen here: https://youtu.be/ebpEUH8ECMo
10/2: And finally, my own “bonus” addendum, if I may share. What a pleasure to have just spent Marilyn’s birthday weekend with “The 1st Couple of Pop n’ Soul” in New Hope as their guest at a scenic outdoor gala and concert benefiting the prestigious Bucks County Playhouse, in support of their exciting star-studded shows and educational endeavors. Delicious food, an invigorating auction, and a standing-O garnering concert by Marilyn & Billy with all the legendary hits floating upon the crisp night air, “under a twilight canopy”–literally! Including newest selections from “Blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons.” Here we are backstage, fellowshipping post-concert!
With great thanks to all the renowned contributors to our special salute.
Remember to visit Marilyn & Billy’s official website at http://www.mccoodavis.com for latest concert news, to order their CD’s, more!
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., Intellectual Property, all rights reserved, copyright 2008-2021)
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
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