Tag Archives: McCoo & Davis

Black History Month ’24: A New Book for LaMonte, a New Show for Marilyn & Billy, and a Joyful Birthday for Florence

Posted on January 31, 2024 | Leave a comment

February 2024: For the stars of The Original 5th Dimension, Black History Month is full of excitement.

LaMonte McLemore’s new coffee table book debuts for Valentine’s Day. “Black is Beautiful” features the “Beauty of the Week” models he photographed over 50 years. The high-toned art book, with fiercely elegant images of women of color that jump off the page, is totally fresh while underscoring Mac’s trailblazing eye. (Pre-order at Amazon, here: Amazon.com: Black Is Beautiful: JET Beauties of the Week: 9781648230479: McLemore, LaMonte, Murray, Chris: Books)

For starters, LaMonte is the cover story for the February edition of Las Vegas Black Image Magazine, available free of charge throughout Las Vegas, and online at their website starting Feb 1. Mac talks about the secrets of his photography, read it here, online:  https://lasvegasblackimage.com/…/02/LVBI-February2024.pdf

The First Couple of Pop n’ Soul, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. debut their electrifying autobiographical new musical show, “When a Man Loves a Woman” at the glorious McCallum Theater in Palm Desert on Saturday, Feb 10, 8pm. See all the details, including link to purchase tickets at Forever 5th Dimension, here: McCoo & Davis star in New Show: “When a Man Loves a Woman” | FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION

And the lovely Delightful Diva, Florence LaRue celebrates her birthday on Sunday Feb. 4. Florence’s energy shines, as she tours and leads today’s 5th Dimension in concert through the year, throughout the country. Her book, available on Amazon, “Grace in Your Second Act” promotes Florence’s message of mature good health–physically and spiritually. Read Forever 5th Dimension’s comprehensive tribute to Ms. LaRue, including fan favorite “Florence solos” at this link: Florence LaRue: Celebrating a Delightful Diva’s Birthday | FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION

For Black History month, 2024, the spirit of The 5th Dimension and its original stars is current…and forever! –Robert-Allan Arno

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-24, intellectual property, all rights reserved.

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#MARILYNBILLY AT THE GRAND, Galveston Island!

Posted on June 6, 2023 | Leave a comment

The 7-time Grammy winning original stars of The 5th Dimension, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. @mccoodavis will be on @GalvestonIsland for a spectacular concert on Saturday, June 17 as part of the community’s Juneteenth Celebration. Tickets are on sale now! At this link:

https://thegrand.com/marilyn-mccoo-billy-davis-jr-original-5th-dimensions-in-up-up-away-a-musical-fable/…

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Marilyn & Billy Countdown for Fans on Sirius!

Posted on February 26, 2022 | Leave a comment

#WeekendCountdown 

Here’s a treat, our 1st Couple of Pop & Soul, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. are co-hosting Sirius radios’ “70’s Soul Superstars Countdown.” And they’re having so much fun DJ’ing with the cool, engaging info they provide for this incredible Top 50! Find them at this link* below, it’s available by special podcast (see Shows & Episodes) as well as airing live (replays Sun 2/27 1pm ET) so those with Sirius can tune in at your convenience…but don’t wait too long! 🙂

~~Robert-Allan Arno

P.S. Find out what #’s “One Less Bell to Answer” by The 5th Dimension and “You Don’t Have to be a Star” by MarBill came in at!!

*LINK: https://player.siriusxm.com/query/70’s%20on%207

 #BlackHistoryMonth

(Special thanks, Steve Rosenblum, Sterling/Winters Management, KIW)

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#MarilynBilly Keep it Fresh for the Holidays & Look Ahead to 2022

Posted on December 8, 2021 | Leave a comment

Savor the all-new chat! Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. always like to keep it “fresh” and along with interviewer, Judge Harvey Brownstone, they certainly bring a special energy and flow to their legacy and all of the twosome’s electrifying new endeavors! They welcome us into a charming environment as we get to sit at the table with the ultimate dynamic duo and a true gentleman, Sir Harvey. And a humble thank you for the elegant shout-out. Bless all of you this holiday season. Fans & friends, watch here! ~~Robert-Allan Arno, Forever 5th Dimension

Holiday and Valentine’s Weekend Reminders:

–A replay of “The Walton’s Homecoming” featuring Marilyn & Billy singing “Silent Night” happens on the CW network, Sat. Dec. 11, 8pm, ET!

–Marilyn & Billy will appear at the 89th Hollywood Christmas Parade, also on the CW, Fri. Dec. 17, 8pm, ET!

#ConcertVegas! Marilyn & Billy will perform a dazzling concert for Valentine’s Weekend in Las Vegas at the Orleans Hotel & Casino Showroom, Sat. Feb. 12, 2022. For tickets, go here: https://www.orleanscasino.com/whats-new/events/2022-february-showroom-mccoodavisjr

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-21, intellectual property, all rights reserved)

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Marilyn & Billy Return to the Stage!

Posted on May 21, 2021 | Leave a comment

Our west coast friends…or those who travel…mark July 10 on your calendars…it’s Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., Thelma Houston (including a tribute to Mary Wilson), Michael Feinstein and the Pasadena Symphony & Pops as part of the Sierra Summer Series…in “Road to Motown.” Forever 5th calls it “Road to Fantastic!“

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McCoo/Davis’ “Blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons” Album Officially Flies on April 30

Posted on April 28, 2021 | Leave a comment

The publicity campaign has been exhilarating so far…fan & media anticipation is high…

the official release of Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.’s “Lennon/McCartney Icons” will be Friday, April 30…

including lyrics, historic background, exclusive and rare photos…it’s Marilyn & Billy reimagining the Beatles & more in a plea for Civil and Human Rights…and unconditional Love for all.

Blackbird…The Fool on The Hill…Ticket to Ride…Yesterday…And I Love Her…The Long & Winding Road…Help…Just Like Starting Over…Silly Love Songs, more…

Pre-order at Amazon here and check “MarBill’s” official pages for more up-to-the-minute information:

Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. – Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons – Amazon.com Music

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2021, all rights reserved.)

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“Blackbird”: McCoo & Davis Soar with Powerful Musical Statement

Posted on February 27, 2021 | Leave a comment

When Marilyn & Billy showcased “Blackbird” as part of the Beatle’s medley in their “Up-Up & Away: A Musical Fable” onstage retrospective a few years back, Ms. McCoo re-defined the classic tune as a soulmate to Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit.” And now presenting its recording*: A passionate, graceful approach makes for a multi-layered message from Marilyn…a breathtaking title song for the 1st couple of Pop & Soul’s upcoming Lennon/McCartney project, available for pre-order at Amazon. ~~Robert-Allan Arno

From Founding member of The 5th Dimension:

“One of Marilyn’s all-time best. My forever friends & former Original 5th Dimension colleagues, McCoo & Davis just keep getting better & better…pay attention young artists!” ~~LaMonte McLemore

Friends & Fans, listen to ‘Blackbird’ right now on YouTube…

*LINK to “Blackbird”: https://youtu.be/Yg5FZJ3AZww

Just in to FOREVER 5th! From Grammy-winning producer of The Original 5th Dimension, Bones Howe:

 Robert, please convey that Bones and I wish Billy and Marilyn love, and success with their new album. ~~Melodie Johnson Howe

Bonus! Watch Marilyn & Billy talk about The 5th Dimension legacy & their new recording on CBS SUNDAY MORNING, taped 2/29/21, at this link: https://youtu.be/qfPJfM9R450

Pre-Order Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.’s “Blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons” CD at Amazon, here:

Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons by Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. on Amazon Music – Amazon.com

And a very special message from Jason Winters of Marilyn & Billy’s Management:

Thank you, Robert for loving and protecting each member of The 5th Dimension. Your relationship with LaMonte (& Mieko), Marilyn & Billy, and Florence is special and precious. Thank you for honoring the legacy of these iconic artists. Imagine the history just made. This week, the 5th Dimension returned to the top of the charts for the first time in 50 years. A miracle. We are all excited about the “Blackbird” project. Whenever we mobilize the support of one (or in this case two) for all and all for The 5th, we have #Victory! Limitless gratitude for all you bring to The McLemore’s during these times and to Forever 5th Dimension each day. You are a hero and blessing. Always, Jason, Erik, Jon, Stephen, Steve and Kathy

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2021, Intellectual Property, All Rights Reserved)

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Thoughts from the Stars…

Posted on February 21, 2021 | Leave a comment

At Forever 5th Dimension, honored to share this conglomeration of powerful & poignant most recent quotes from our favorite stars…

From LaMonte McLemore official on Facebook:

#SunshineSunday#BlackHistoryMonth Recently, we celebrated The 5th Dimension being featured in the award-winning Sundance music-docu, “Summer of Soul” produced by the visionary Questlove. The “mash-up” The 5th performed at the historic Harlem Cultural Festival ’69 was currently at the top of the charts: “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” But the other tune The 5th grooved with onstage was this intoxicating one: “Don’tcha Hear Me Callin’ To Ya.” Come dance with us this afternoon with the original recording, remastered at this link: https://youtu.be/x-oAd5Iz6VY ~~R-A A for Team Mac

From Florence LaRue’s Facebook page:

“Many thanks for all the lovely birthday greetings from all over the world! I wanted to acknowledge them personally, but there were just too many!! I thank God for all of you.”

From Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.’s official social media:

“We started making music in a time where a lot of this country didn’t want to accept us simply for the color of our skin. We defied the odds, and became the first African American married couple to host a network television series on CBS in 1977. When you think about it, that wasn’t all that long ago. We pursue our passions in spite of a lot of forces working against us. This month, we celebrate the progress we’ve made, but never forget that we are always a work in progress toward a more accepting tomorrow. Happy Black History Month!”

Artwork Credits: LaMonte by Kenneth Green; Marilyn & Billy: 50 Years of Love by Ephraim David Udoka, commissioned for McCoo/Davis by 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)

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Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. release “Silly Love Songs” in time for Valentine’s Day ’21!

Posted on February 12, 2021 | Leave a comment

LaMonte McLemore and I are so pleased to share that our dear friends, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. have just released a new song (from their exciting forthcoming album interpreting the music of Lennon/McCartney)…with trademark vocal stylings and a very fresh twist, perfect from the first couple of Pop n’ Soul as we usher in Valentine’s Day, 2021. Enjoy a deliciously sweet n’ funky “Silly Love Songs” at this link, and sing along with “MarBill,” friends & fans! ~~Robert-Allan Arno

LINK: https://youtu.be/opop7ZULe2o

(Forever 5th Dimension, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2021, Intellectual Property, All Rights Reserved)

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GG Townson Stars in Lifetime’s Salt-N-Pepa Biopic, this Weekend!

Posted on January 23, 2021 | Leave a comment

1/23/21: Huge kudos on behalf of the stars of The Original 5th Dimension–Marilyn & Billy, Florence, and LaMonte–to lovely & vibrant, GG Townson, for her starring role in tonight’s Lifetime TV debut of the Salt-N-Pepa bio-pic. Marilyn & Billy told me, “Robert, how exciting…we’ll definitely be watching her star continue to rise!” View GG’s charming chat with Amy Robach and TJ Holmes on Good Morning America 3, at this link:

With familial music in her blood as the granddaughter of Ron “Sweets” Townson, the late original member of multi-Grammy legends The 5th Dimension, GG recently told the Big 95 Morning Show something of great interest to readers of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION: “‘Wedding Bell Blues’ is actually my favorite song by them. Every once in a while, I’ll just find myself yelling the first line, ‘Biiiilll!’ ‘Aquarius,’ for sure, just makes me smile. It’s such a feel-good song. ‘Up-Up, and Away’…they just have really good music. And I’m not saying that because he’s my grandfather, but The 5th Dimension really put out great music and broke so many barriers.”

The beloved Ron Townson, pictured center with The Original 5th Dimension comrades, Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue, Marilyn McCoo and LaMonte McLemore

–By Robert-Allan Arno

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-21, Intellectual Property, All Rights Reserved)

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