Another sad moment in the music world with the passing of acclaimed singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka. Known for multi-generational hits from early confections like “Sweet Sixteen” and “Calendar Girl” to 1970s staples such as “Laughter in the Rain” and the reimagined ballad classic, “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” Neil was also a prolific hitmaker for others — penning songs for Connie Francis (“Where the Boys Are”), Captain & Tennille (“Love Will Keep Us Together”), and, of course, The 5th Dimension: “Puppet Man” and “Working on a Groovy Thing.”
Neil was among the most generous of artists — always gracious when I requested a quote for liner notes, books, or onstage tributes. A flood of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION memories comes to mind.
For my ULTIMATE 5th DIMENSION liner notes, Neil recounted, “I literally fell off the couch while watching The 5th Dimension on The Ed Sullivan Show… I couldn’t believe they chose ‘Groovy Thing’ as their follow-up single to ‘Aquarius!’” He stated, “I was truly a fan of The 5th Dimension.” Notice his joy in the photo above, trading songs with the group on The Mike Douglas Show, Neil at the piano with (left to right): comedian David Steinberg, actor Alan Alda, Florence, Marilyn, Ron, LaMonte, and Billy. Regarding “Puppet Man,” for PLAYLIST: THE VERY BEST OF THE 5th DIMENSION, he confided to me, “They did my song justice,” before adding with a smile, “I preferred their version to Tom Jones’s — although he also did a good job.”
Neil once surprised Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. at their Friars Roast, appearing as an unlisted guest to perform “Working on a Groovy Thing.” “How could I not be here for this lovely, talented couple?” he told us — moving Marilyn to tears. He later shared with me, “Marilyn is what I call the ‘singer’s singer.’ I always love when I get a chance to perform with her.” Indeed, their emotionally sparkling duet of “The Hungry Years” on SOLID GOLD remains unforgettable. (Let’s hope it appears back on YouTube again.)
Neil enthusiastically contributed a back cover recommendation as well as anecdotes when I co-wrote LaMonte McLemore’s memoir, From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension. He also offered a special congratulatory greeting that I was honored to read from the Las Vegas stage at LaMonte’s book signing and chat show, 11 years ago.
And now these two gentlemen reunite in heaven, harmonizing hits and surely making new music to shine upon a world more in need of their sunshine and laughter (even in the rain) than ever.
*****
Please read Marilyn & Billy’s statement about the loss of their friend, Neil, at their official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mccoodavis/
Listen to Workin’ on a Groovy Thing, here: https://youtu.be/OAVZcmlaoLw?si=nXefYZ291PwfTAO2
Listen to Puppet Man, here: https://youtu.be/e_TpFZ51AP0?si=IkqMg5NhLOkNpZZB
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a Production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd, copyright 2008-26, intellectual property, all rights reserved. Photos: Arno 5th Legacy Collection
LaMonte’s Memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” is available here: 
Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. celebrated 46 years of marriage in ‘15 and continue to tour to the best reviews of their career–from Vegas to symphony concerts to cabaret venues and music cruises. 
The engaging duo joined me here at FOREVER 5th in July to honor their anniversary and the blog’s 7th year with an in-depth interview—we laughed, cried and shared some pretty unique thoughts on the music, the magic and even had a mini Master Class. Read “Marilyn & Billy: Singing in the Light” at: 
Marilyn & Billy say: “To all our special friends who stay in touch with us throughout the year, you are our motivation for continuing to do the things we do. Your messages asking us to come to your area mean so much. You don’t know how much we want to perform in every one of those cities and towns…you are truly the wind beneath our wings!”
Florence LaRue , the sole original member and lead singer of The 5th Dimension today, toasted a milestone this past October, her 50th year with the group! Along with Patrice Morris, Willie Williams, Leonard Tucker and Floyd A Smith, she plays to sold-out crowds–including an outdoor concert this past summer of over 20 thousand fans in attendance!
She also presents her one-woman show, “Just As I Am.” Florence is completing her book on beauty “from the inside out,” she told me with her trademark enthusiasm. Bringing her effervescence to the new year, the “delightful diva” just appeared on the Mayor’s Discover LA float at the Rose Parade and offers this to fans: “I pray for you a year (and LIFE ) blessed with good health, peace, prosperity (in ALL things), wonderful music, joy, and love!”
It was a banner year for founder of The 5th Dimension and renowned photographer, LaMonte McLemore. The long-anticipated memoir I had the pleasure of co-authoring with “Mac,” “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music” was released this year to 5-star raves including stellar reviews from colleagues Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Marilyn & Billy, Johnny Mathis, Nancy Sinatra, Neil Sedaka, and JD Nicholas of The Commodores. 
A book that’s equal parts historic, heartwarming and downright hysterical, Mac and I toured with our on-stage chat & autograph signing events from Vegas to NYC, in fact, Marilyn & Billy joined us as special guests for our book launch on Valentine’s Day.
Then later, LaMonte joined the duo on their own concert stage at The Orleans Casino Hotel for a chorus of “Let the Sunshine In.”
LaMonte appeared on countless radio formats and morning TV shows nationwide and plans more promotion of the book in 2016…as they say, the juicy but inspiring memoir including 50 photos, his Grandma’s wisdom, and even a recipe “has legs.” A songwriter from back in the day (remember “A Love Like Ours”?), LaMonte also debuted a new tune this year , the soulfully uplifting “If I Could Fly.”
LaMonte smiles: “‘From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension’…to a new year! How can I thank each of you–friends, fans & family, for your support & enthusiasm this past year as I launched a dream-come true memoir…and got to see so many of you on tour! Wishing you peace, love, blessings & good health in 2016… see ya “on the road” for more adventures! “If I Could Fly”…that’s just what I did…let’s continue doing it together.”
Order “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” at Amazon: 
Incomparable
Robert-Allan Arno
Special thanks to you, the special fans and to my shining stars for your continued, committed support of the FOREVER 5th DIMENSION blog—Marilyn & Billy, Florence and LaMonte. Also to Randall Jeffries, Steve Rosenblum, Patrice Morris and Mieko McLemore. Photo credits: DeniseRose Torres, Christoper Troy, Andy Gard, The Arno 5th McCoo/Davis Legacy Collection, The LaMonte McLemore Collection.
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
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