Our 19th Year! A TRIBUTE TO THE MULTI-GRAMMY WINNING LEGENDARY STARS of THE ORIGINAL 5TH DIMENSION, Curated by Biographer, Robert-Allan Arno. Featuring History & Current Events, Exclusive Quotes & Interviews, Rare Photo Collection! Recommended by Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue, & Remembering LaMonte McLemore
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)
On this 4th of July 2021, the essence of The Original 5th Dimension resounds loud & clear, the excitement of movie-goers, Hulu-viewers, reviewers, news & talk hosts countrywide in viewing “Summer of Soul” has been exhilarating, seemingly all over the media and social media. The unearthing of vintage footage from 1969’s Harlem Cultural Festival, 52 years later in producer Questlove‘s docu-film he titles a “jawn,” is all the more poignant and “re-empowered” now, featuring: Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Sly & the Family Stone, David Ruffin, Hugh Masekela, The Edwin Hawkins Singers, The Staple Singers (more)…and The 5th Dimension with the top medley or “mashup” of the day, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” (Featuring an engaging current interview appearance by Marilyn & Billy.) Here are screen shots from “Summer of Soul” supplied by lovely fans Deniserose Torres and Judy Millet with Marilyn McCoo, Florence LaRue, Billy Davis, Jr., Ron Townson and Lamonte McLemore in action onstage, literally before thousands…
It wouldn’t be 4th of July without this iconic clip of The 5th Dimension performing “The Declaration” with “People Gotta Be Free” on The Ed Sullivan Show. LaMonte smiles, “By singing the song, I learned the words of The Declaration of Independence along with each of our fans!” Watch this moving presentation here: https://youtu.be/oOUxNAexRzs
And then tomorrow, it wouldn’t be the same without acknowledging “The July 5th Album.” Marilyn jokingly calls it “our not-so-greatest-hits album.” Soul City, in capitalizing on the hugely popular Greatest Hits, rushed out this “More Hits” edition with some pretty cool covers like “Let it Be Me,” “Sunshine of Your Love,” and “Ticket to Ride,” the latter re-visited on Marilyn & Billy’s latest, “Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons” project. Wouldn’t it be nice to have “July 5th” reissued in ’21 with additional fan-fave material? Let’s take a survey!
As we approach our official 14th year of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION in late July, we declare, “The 5th is forever”…now, ain’t that the truth!
–Robert-Allan Arno
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd, copyright 2008-2021, intellectual property, all rights reserved)
We are saddened by the loss of the great B.J. Thomas who excelled in Pop, Country & Gospel–he always brought Soul to every note! It was an honor for me to solo with “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on my Head” during The 5th Dimension’s “Rain Medley” in our live shows. Our condolences & prayers, LaMonte & Team
Marilyn McCoo recounted at the FOREVER 5th DIMENSION interview, “Marilyn & Billy’s Livingroom” and in a feature I conducted with Marilyn & Billy (Davis, Jr.) at Culture Sonar for their 50th wedding anniversary, that among her favorite duet partners while hosting TV’s memorable “Solid Gold” was B. J. Thomas. Marilyn & Billy also expressed that it was so good to be performing at the Jimmy Webb Carnegie Hall tribute a few years back, with cherished friends like B. J. ~~Robert-Allan Arno
2 of the Best: Here are Marilyn & B. J. duet-ing with 3 of Mr. Thomas’s greatest hits: “Raindrops,” “Hooked on a Feelin'” and “Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song”:
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd. copyright 2008-21, all rights reserved)
#ThrowbackThursday We’re having some fun today, sharing rare import album/single sleeve artwork…”all the world over” The Original 5th Dimension resounded with “harmony & understanding!” Enjoy everyone! ~~Robert-Allan for Team Mac
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd, all rights reserved copyright 2008-21)
On February 1, 1971 the LP “Love’s Lines, Angles and Rhymes” by The 5th Dimension was released on Bell Records. Produced by the great Bones Howe, it was the group’s sixth album. Personally, one of my all-time faves, beautifully mastered, including cool and memorable cover art with a fold-out, detachable “5” to hang on our youthful walls! But the songs were more than teenage and formed many a fan’s adult musical sensibilities, of course, parents liked this album, too for “The 5th” was always inclusive and as such, united people on many levels. As LaMonte McLemore cites in his memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension”: “We brought together generations, crossed the record charts and racial boundaries.” The “Champagne Soul” sparkled with the mystical title tune, a treatise of #Love–Marilyn McCoo‘s personal fave “vocal solo” (quotes about “Love’s Lines,” the single from Ms. McCoo and composer Dorothea Joyce to be featured in my upcoming book, “Forever 5th Dimension.”) The other single from the project, “Light Sings” from Broadway’s “The Me Nobody Knows” (known as “the first Broadway hit to give voice to the sentiments of inner-city American youth”) is a bona fide fan favorite for its soaring uplift. (We also have exclusive quotes from LaMonte and “MarBill” on this showtune, to be unveiled!) There are 2 Laura Nyro entries, the ebullient “Time and Love” and Florence LaRue‘s radiant lead with “He’s a Runner,” plus sensual & sensory covers done “the 5th way” of the Latin-tinged “Viva Tirado,” Motown’s “What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)?” and Paul McCartney‘s “Every Night,” the latter 2 stand as early McCoo & Davis duets. And the McLemore-penned “The Singer” brings a gut-wrenching tour-de-force for Billy Davis, Jr. The panoramic n’ playful “The Rainmaker” by Harry Nilsson and the ultra-romantic “Guess Who” round out a superb early ’70’s vibe, the “Love’s Lines” project is nearly a follow-up to ’69’s “The Age of Aquarius” album as producer Bones recounted to me in our many exclusives.
For #BlackHistoryMonth 2021, honoring this “patent leather perfect” (as one critic of the time praised it in a brief sound-bite and I never forgot those witty words!) masterpiece proves The 5th Dimension held firmly in grace, edifying each member’s unique talents–from R & B, to Pop, to Classical/Light Opera, to Broadway, to Torch, defying categories and setting examples that were truly ahead of their time. It’s no wonder contemporary artists Audra McDonald, Pharrell Williams, Vanessa Williams, Questlove and Narada Michael Walden–not to mention Earth, Wind & Fire–hold the essence of The 5th Dimension as influential and in high regard. And don’t we all as Forever 5th Dimension celebrates this 50-year recorded milestone. ~~Robert-Allan Arno
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd.,, Intellectual Property, copyright 2008-21, All Rights Reserved)
From LaMonte McLemore, founding member of The 5th Dimension:
Dateline Sept 30: Today is the birthday of a lovely lady whose voice is woven so beautifully into the tapestry of American Pop-Soul Culture…as equally beautiful as she is! Yes, let’s wish my forever friend, my colleague in The Original 5th Dimension, Ms. Marilyn McCoo a #HappyBirthday. Can’t you just hear her rich, lilting, and sometimes soaring tones with “One Less Bell,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Love’s Line’s, Angles & Rhymes,” “Never My Love,” “If I Could Reach You,” and “Last Night I Didn’t Get to Sleep,” reflecting her recorded “vocal solos” with The 5th! Marilyn just celebrated her 51st wedding anniversary with Billy Davis, Jr., and today we honor her special day with Love & God’s blessings…
~~LaMonte McLemore, as told to Robert-Allan Arno
Birthday Bonus! Go to the ComingTogether site to get a free copy of Marilyn’s latest inspirationally-based solo, “My Tribute” (To God Be the Glory) here: www.coming2gether.net.
Enjoy everyone! ~~Robert-Allan for Team Mac 
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