Tag Archives: Robert-Allan Arno

Merry 5th-mas Top 10 Playlist with Exclusive Quotes! (Curated by Robert-Allan Arno)

Posted on December 12, 2025 | Leave a comment

It’s that festive time of year where, for your listening pleasure, we proudly present our FOREVER 5th DIMENSION Top 10 playlist along with an array of exclusive quotes, as we bid you a “Merry 5th-mas!”:

–Here’s our FOREVER 5th DIMENSION production of Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.‘s playfully funky “Jingle Bells.” LaMonte McLemore has stated both in his memoir and exclusively to FOREVER 5th, “One of my biggest regrets was that The 5th Dimension never recorded a Christmas album or even one holiday tune.” Producer Bones Howe shared with me, “Perhaps it was an oversight, but the group was so busy on the road and on TV, that when I got them in the studio, the focus was on getting hits.” In this regard, FOREVER tagged “Jingle Bells” with “Joy to the World”…it’s not the Christmas staple but the 3 Dog Night version, from The 5th’s second network TV special, and fits the holiday mood. Join the “jingle bell joy” here: https://youtu.be/R1DHctms7MI?si=JuBz183ei04AxlV2

–Marilyn & Billy deliver a poignant “Silent Night” as part of their appearance on “The Waltons Homecoming.” Sing along with them here:  https://youtu.be/gBZUhZl5svk

–Billy & Marilyn featuring Soldiers for the Second Coming bring a swingin’ “It Wouldn’t Be Christmas” as they remind us about “the reason for the season,” at this link. And we thank our friends at Rewound Radio, Metromedia Radio, and Boss-Boss Radio, where FOREVER 5th assisted in getting the tune radio airplay: https://youtu.be/kzAzRNaheYA?si=_P1GzYJpnImoFi7B

—Florence LaRue released a song which holds great meaning to her, the new holiday standard, “Grownup Christmas List” on limited edition CD in the 90’s. Here she passionately delivers it live on West Coast Praze:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Cj1g-RkVks

–Marilyn’s recording of “Oh Holy Night” from her WHITE CHRISTMAS album is a major fan favorite:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXq_BErKL1Q

–Here’s Florence and The 5th Dimension with an acapella “Winter Wonderland.” Cleverly recorded during the pandemic, it provided much needed uplift and hope to fans: https://youtu.be/j7kY9Tot6eU?si=Lt2IqwYXwPPNeq8c

–Marilyn shared with FOREVER 5th DIMENSION: “This performance of ‘Sweet Little Jesus Boy’ with a grand choir in Washington, DC was a cherished moment.” Watch here:
https://youtu.be/S9xNbCT0Cyc

–Marilyn & Bily were thrilled to perform with Jazz legend Mel Torme on his PBS special. With a laugh, Marilyn shared exclusively with FOREVER 5th, “Billy and I wanted to be perfect for Mel and show him what these former members of The 5th Dimension could do with our harmonies!” Billy added, “We practiced at home at the piano beforehand, and we showed him…he loved us…and we loved him!”:

a. “Jingle Bells,” McCoo/Davis/Torme:  https://youtu.be/Z-c8QPROsJc

b. “Sleigh Ride,” McCoo/Davis:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzg66UYG1ZE

—Dick Clark presents Marilyn & Billy’s soulful Christmas Medley from ’78:

FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, now in our 18th year, extends Christmas Cheer, New Year Blessings and a whole lotta love to our favorite stars, Marilyn & Billy, Florence, and LaMonte, and remembering the beloved Ron Townson. And to loyal fans & golden friends the world over, we truly appreciate you.

—Robert-Allan Arno

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd, copyright 2008-2025, intellectual property, all rights reserved.

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LaMonte Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Hit Memoir & Valentine’s Day…

Posted on February 14, 2025 | Leave a comment

From LaMonte McLemore‘s Social Media…

Happy Valentine’s Day, fans, friends & family. ❤ Guess what?! Today also marks the 10th anniversary of my hit memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension—a Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography & Music,” co-authored by Robert-Allan Arno. So many of you came out to our initial book signing events in Las Vegas, St. Louis, and New York City, others purchased the book online by the thousands over this decade, making it a success every year of its existence. Recommended by Nancy Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, and Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., it’s a tale of music, magic, history, humor and lots of love. For 2025, 50% of all book royalties will go to the America to Africa Higher Education Foundation–AAHEF, where I’m proudly on the Board of Directors.

*So please, keep ordering my memoir, make it a gift for a fellow music lover, and know your purchase is going to a great cross-cultural charity. –Love from LaMonte McLemore❤

*“From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” is available at Amazon and where all online books are sold!

#LaMonteMcLemoreMemoir

#BlackHistoryMonth

#The5thDimension

For more information visit http://www.AmericatoAfricaHigherEducationFoundation.com

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-25, intellectual property, all rights reserved

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Happy Birthday, We Celebrate “The World of LaMonte!”

Posted on September 17, 2024 | Leave a comment

September 17, 2024: We celebrate the birthday of the inimitable LaMonte McLemore—the St. Louis-born founder of chart-topping, 6-time Grammy winning legends The 5th Dimension, and the group’s mellow bass for over 40 years. Their timeless tunes like the uplifting and anthemic “Up-Up and Away,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” and the romantic “One Less Bell to Answer,” and “Wedding Bell Blues,” are iconic musical tapestries for multi-generations.

LaMonte is also known as the premiere freelance photographer for JET magazine’s “Beauty of the Week” feature for 5 decades. In fact, 2024 ushered in McLemore’s new coffee table book titled “Black is Beautiful—JET Beauties of the Week” at a gala event in Las Vegas attended by over 200 of “Mac’s” closest friends & colleagues including Original 5th Dimension mates Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. and Florence LaRue. The luxurious book spotlights LaMonte’s trailblazing photography, which edifies the all-encompassing beauty of women of color.

Known for his sense of humor & style and overall kindness, “The Bronze Clark Gable” is also the author of the popular inspirational memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension (A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music)” as told to Robert-Allan Arno.

In celebration of his birthday this year, on LaMonte’s lively Facebook page of 5,000 followers, his fans, friends, and family will be invited to share their special “reflections of Mac.” And in honor of his birthday, LaMonte welcomes charitable contributions to the America to Africa Higher Education Foundation (where Mac is on the Board of Directors) at: www.AmericatoAfricaHigherEducationFoundation.com  

His biographer and social media curator, Mr. Arno shares, “On behalf of worldwide fans and friends, we send our love, respect and admiration to a hero, mentor, friend, and brother like no other, LaMonte McLemore.”

Special Offer for Special Fans! This charcoal original 16 x 24 collage by the acclaimed Nigerian artist, Ephraim David Udoka is called “The World of LaMonte” and was unveiled to “oohs & ahs” at Mac’s luxurious “Black is Beautiful’ event in Las Vegas early this year. Today by popular request, it’s available in limited edition 16 x 18 high-definition prints, suitable for framing, where ALL proceeds go to the America to Africa Higher Education foundation. Pictured in the artwork, clockwise, is “classic Mac,” LaMonte’s Mama June, “Little Mac” with Grandma Gertrude, LaMonte & wife Mieko, The Original 5th Dimension, and LaMonte with his famed camera.

For a tax-deductible donation of $99 including postage & handling, you’ll receive the print, in protective mailing cylinder. (United States orders, only please.) If you are interested in obtaining this artwork that will help more Nigerian scholars’ educational dreams become a reality, request “The World of LaMonte” at PayPal.

It’s easy–here’s how! Just go to PayPal and enter as payee: VoiceActions@hotmail.com, pay $99 and indicate “LaMonte.” We thank you from the bottom of our cross-cultural hearts and say, “God bless you!”

We share this lovely message from manager & friend, Jason Winters: “Happy Birthday LaMonte! You are the GOAT! Without your talent, creativity, strength and amazing kindness, The Original 5th Dimension would never have happened. Congratulations on another race around the Sun. You are deeply loved by millions, including your Angel Mieko, Sir Robert-Allan, Marilyn & Billy and each member of our tribe. We love you. God bless you. Your Sterling Winters Family.”

Very special thanks to our friends at SoulTracks for this cover feature on LaMonte at: https://soultracks.com/story-lamonte-mclemore-birthday/

(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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Limited Edition Poster offer: The world of LaMonte!!

Posted on August 11, 2024 | Leave a comment

Limited Edition Poster Offer! Hi Fans, Friends & Family! This is Robert-Allan Arno and as many of you know, LaMonte McLemore is on the Board of Directors of my foundation, America to Africa Higher Education Foundation–AAHEF, a public charity commencing our 3rd year, that provides collegiate scholarships & related needs to brilliant Nigerian students, who would otherwise not be able to afford university fees. We’re honored, too that Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., their management, and Florence LaRue also support the work of AAHEF.

This charcoal original 16 x 24 collage by the acclaimed Nigerian artist, Ephraim David Udoka is called “The World of LaMonte” and was unveiled to “oohs & ahs” at Mac’s luxurious “Black is Beautiful’ event in Las Vegas early this year. Today by popular request, it’s available in limited edition 16 x 18 high-definition prints, suitable for framing, where ALL proceeds go to the foundation. Pictured in the artwork, clockwise, is “classic Mac,” LaMonte’s Mama June, “Little Mac” with Grandma Gertrude, LaMonte & wife Mieko, The Original 5th Dimension, and LaMonte with his famed camera.

For a tax-deductible donation of $129 including postage & handling, you’ll receive the print, in protective mailing cylinder. (United States orders, only please.) If you are interested in obtaining this artwork that will help more Nigerian scholars’ educational dreams become a reality, request “The World of LaMonte” at PayPal.

Just go to PayPal and enter as payee: VoiceActions@hotmail.com, pay $129 and indicate “LaMonte.” We thank you from the bottom of our cross-cultural hearts and say, “God bless you!”

Learn more about the foundation at www.AmericatoAfricaHigherEducationFoundation.com

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd. copyright 2008-24, intellectual property, all rights reserved. “The World of LaMonte” by Ephraim David Udoka, copyright 2024, all rights reserved.

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#BlackMusicMonth

Posted on June 3, 2023 | Leave a comment

First, in our 15th year of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, a big thank you to all those stopping by from around the world. I am continually astounded when WordPress sends the monthly stats, indicating thousands of visitors from Japan, Germany, England, the Philippines, France, Brazil, and the US, of course! The enduring legacy of joy that The 5th Dimension holds, their eternal harmony and excellence surely transcends.

Sharing a little story that seems perfect for #BlackMusicMonth, this past Memorial Day weekend, I finally got to the magnificent Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. We had written about it in LaMonte McLemore’s hit memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” when a curator from the museum came for lunch to visit with Mac and wife Mieko in their Las Vegas home, and secure one of The 5th Dimension’s costumes…this was an ornately gold-embroidered black jacket with long golden fringe, circa the 80’s. And yes, I’ve seen photos of this that very kind fans supplied—being Mac’s jacket, reflecting his tall frame, it looked especially spectacular on the museum mannequin.

Upon arrival, I immediately made my way to the fourth floor, where an homage to music, TV, and film icons prevails. It was a rather emotional experience. And I walked and walked in circles, finding LaMonte’s jacket to no avail! After reaching out to a lovely curator, she did a search and lo and behold, the jacket was just rotated out the previous week, to make room for other legend’s outfits! She noted the museum currently has in storage thousands of donated or on-loan costumes to choose from for exhibit. What was thrilling was to see the seemingly lit, majorly jewel-encrusted jacket worn by Luther Vandross, the post-mod patchwork design, early 70’s costuming of The Jackson 5, and the elegant velvet tuxedo of Mac’s good friend, Bubba Knight of Gladys Knight and the Pips. The cool denim vibe of Country’s Charlie Pride juxtaposed by a strikingly petite outfit worn by Diana Ross from an early scene of “Lady Sings the Blues” were set off by a long, in-action placard of Tina Turner, extra poignant in that we just lost the Queen of Rock. And as I took more time to “investigate,” yes, there was The 5th Dimension (photo by our friend, Arnie Lee) positioned on top of Nat “King” Cole (one of Billy Davis, Jr.’s personal influences), in the section that highlighted “cross-over artists.” I’ll leave you, dear fans, with a shot of The 5th and Mr. Cole (above), and a copy of the “narrative” that accompanies it (below). Powerful words about that transcendent quality possessed by The 5th Dimension, Mr. Cole, and really, so many more in this hopeful age of diversity, unity and mutual respect. 

–Robert-Allan Arno

The 5th Dimension at Eastern Michigan University, ’71. The 5th Dimension’s music crossed genres, hitting the pop, rhythm & blues, and adult contemporary charts.

Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2023, intellectual property, all rights reserved; Photos: The Arno 5th Legacy Collection

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

Visit the official website of Florence & The 5th Dimension for 2023 touring schedule & more, here:

Home

Visit the official website of #MarilynBilly for concert appearances, album releases, much more, here:

Home McCoo Davis

Enjoy LaMonte’s hip, hit memoir! “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” 2nd edition, available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hobo-Flats-5th-Dimension-Photography/dp/0692307362/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2023, intellectual property, all rights reserved, photos: Arno 5th Legacy Collection)

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Merry 5th-mas, All the World Over, 2022!

Posted on December 8, 2022 | Leave a comment

Tis the season to let the sunshine in! At FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, we bring you “Santa’s goodie bag” of holiday delights by the stars of The Original 5th Dimension. While the original group didn’t perform or record a holiday tune per se (see link below, to our expanded Christmas edition, for the reason why), there have been many instances of Christmas fare over the years by Florence, Florence and today’s 5th, Marilyn, and Marilyn & Billy, as compiled by FOREVER 5th, with EXCLUSIVE commentary by the stars.

First, let’s begin with a new entry that is certainly part of this special season. An astute and heartfelt forum featuring Florence LaRue, Billy Davis, Jr. and Marilyn McCoo, shot recently at UCLA, after the screening of The 5th Dimension’s historic first network special, “The 5th Dimension Special: An Odyssey in the Cosmic Universe of Peter Max” (originally broadcast in 1970.) Watch here:

Please join us, for our expanded Christmas edition of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, a listening and visual experience with exclusive commentary, at this link: https://forever5thdimension.com/2015/12/19/merry-5th-mas-viewing/

And very special thanks to our stars, Marilyn & Billy, Florence and LaMonte (and their respective management) for their love, support of Forever 5th Dimension, and their continued musical excellence…and to the worldwide fans, you are truly a part of “the 5th Dimension experience” of harmony and unity. –Robert-Allan Arno

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-22 intellectual property, all rights reserved.

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Celebrating LaMonte’s Birthday with new “Dimensions!”

Posted on September 16, 2022 | Leave a comment

September 17, 2022: Birthday Greetings to the inimitable LaMonte McLemore. The St. Louis-born founder of Grammy legends The 5th Dimension, the group’s mellow bass for over 40 years. Their timeless tunes like “Up-Up and Away,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” are iconic uplifting anthems for a generation. The premiere freelance photographer for JET magazine’s “Beauty of the Week” for 5 decades with a documentary about this trailblazing feature in the works. Known for his sense of humor & style and overall kindness, “The Bronze Clark Gable” is the author of the popular inspirational memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5thDimension (A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music)” as told to Robert-Allan Arno. There’s so much more to the tapestry of “Mac”– from his impactful mentoring by his beloved Grandma Gertrude, a Cherokee Indian, to his philosophies on life, love, happiness, and representation of African Americans in the media.

LaMonte & Mieko, enjoying life!

Today in 2022, LaMonte adds a new humanitarian “dimension” as a member of the Board of Directors to America to Africa Higher Education Foundation, assisting brilliant Nigerian scholars in attending college, making their dreams come true. Mr. McLemore states, “We are only in this world to help one another.” Enjoying life residing in Las Vegas with his lovely wife of over 20 years, Mieko, he continues a smooth recovery from a stroke that occurred shortly after his birthday 3 years ago. The couple shares, “We are grateful for daily simple, joyful pleasures, and the kindness of all people we encounter on the journey.” In celebration of his birthday weekend, on LaMonte’s lively Facebook page of 5,000 followers, fans, friends, and family are invited to share their “memories of Mac.” In honor of his birthday, LaMonte welcomes tax-deductible contributions to America to Africa Higher Education Foundation at: www.AmericatoAfricaHigherEducationFoundation.com  

As his biographer and social media curator, I send my love, respect and admiration to a personal hero, mentor, dear friend, and brother like no other, LaMonte McLemore. –Robert-Allan Arno

Mac & Arno

Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd, copyright 2008-2022, all rights reserved, intellectual property. Photos courtesy African American History Museum, LA, and Mieko McLemore.

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Happy Birthday LaMonte McLemore: A 2021 Update

Posted on September 17, 2021 | Leave a comment

From LaMonte’s Facebook page…

Dateline September 17: Today is a sweet celebration, the birthday of the one & only LaMonte McLemore. Some know him worldwide as the multi-Grammy winning “mellow bass” and stylish, visionary founder of legends, The 5th Dimension. Others know him as the premier freelance photographer for JET magazine’s trailblazing Beauty of the Week feature. In your own life’s journey, you may have been in a 5th Dimension sold-out audience, modeled for & been photographed by him, or played a cool game of softball sharing the field. And everyone who has had a personal “moment with Mac” is made to feel special because LaMonte has a knack for seeing everyone’s individual “greatest hit!”

About 2 years ago, LaMonte suffered a stroke. May this greeting also serve as an update, since many of you have inquired. He is progressing well and via this message reaches out to each of you to say “Right on,” and even remember your own birthdays! Like you, LaMonte was thrilled with The 5th Dimension’s appearance in this summer’s Indy film blockbuster, “Summer of Soul.” And he appreciated your sympathies at the passing of his cherished “Mama June” at age 106, this past year. And guess what? Something you probably know…LaMonte always “keeps on steppin’!” He will soon announce some very exciting new projects he & his team have been working on, always pleasing friends, fans, and family!

We appreciate LaMonte’s capacity 5,000 Facebook friends here, we keep his page fresh and up-to-date with not only rare photos & select memories but current events…and making it inclusive, supporting the projects of the other members of The Original 5th Dimension, the married team of Marilyn & Billy, plus Florence & The current 5th Dimension…we call them “5th Family.”  And in that family spirit, LaMonte, Mieko and myself, his biographer & social media curator/media spokesman love putting our heads together to bring you our lively best.

So please leave your birthday greetings for LaMonte…he will certainly enjoy reading them and sends you his love & blessings on his special day!  ~~Robert-Allan Arno

LaMonte’s memoir as-told-to Robert-Allan Arno, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” is available at Amazon, here: https://www.amazon.com/Hobo-Flats-5th-Dimension-Photography/dp/0692307362

(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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Late Summer Sweet Reflections

Posted on September 4, 2021 | Leave a comment

What a charming & charmed “Champagne Soul” summer of ’21…we could certainly say it was a “Summer of Soul,” literally all the world over! The Original 5th Dimension made the cover of 2 international magazines, “Shindig” out of England, and “Blues & Soul” from Japan in honor of their appearance in this summer’s hit docu-movie, “Summer of Soul.” (Thank you to our friend Ryuji for bringing the latter cover to our attention.)

Forever 5th Dimension celebrated our 14th year and I did so, personally by seeing Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension for my pre-birthday weekend in the quaint town of Sellersville in early August. Right now, I’m wearing the beautiful silver crucifix Florence had so thoughtfully gifted me for the occassion…it truly symbolizes the love and protective essence that The 5th Dimension has provided since I was a young boy. And so many of you have a similar story of feeling that warmth in your early life…all the way to today because of what “The 5th” has meant to you…the stories people have shared with me over the years define fellowship…and I hope to compile them in the near future.

More birthday gifts from LaMonte & Mieko (delectable biscuits & coffee!) and these extra-special words from Marilyn & Billy capped off quite a sweet celebration: “Robert, you are such a blessing in our personal & professional lives. We appreciate the many loving ways you show how much you care. We’re proud to call you our friend. Love, Billy and Marilyn.”

Yes, today, to be in a position to work with and showcase my artistic heroes–Marilyn & Billy, Florence & The 5th Dimension, and LaMonte via various social media and other projects is always a “gotta’ pinch myself” moment–something I never take for granted amid my other media, teaching and humanitarian work. But above all, to have their valued friendship and love re-defines the “Up-Up and Away” lyric: “the world’s a nicer place.”

“Love is waiting there!” Do see The 5th Dimension on tour…it’s family fun, “fresh” nostalgia and Florence, Patrice, Leonard, Floyd and Sidney make sure the harmonies are precise, pristine and exhilarating. ALL the hits…and superlative presentations like the extensive “Rain Medley”…and intimate moments when Florence sits on a stool and talks from the heart to an enraptured audience sharing her life philosophy & cute humor make for a thoroughly memorable experience.

Coming for later September, it’s birthday time for both LaMonte and Marilyn! Then in early October, I’ll be with Marilyn & Billy in New Hope, PA for a special charitable gala & their performance. Stay tuned to Forever 5th for the latest & greatest! For now, I’ll leave you with this indelible Labor Day weekend memory from 50 years ago, yes 50–it truly seems like yesterday!! ~~Robert-Allan Arno

Enjoy The Original 5th Dimension on the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day telethon. LaMonte shares, “We had just completed a major summer tour and were so happy to be there with ‘Light Sings,’ ‘Never My Love,’ and more so, to help an important cause for Muscular Dystrophy. Remember, we are only in this world to help one another.”  

View a live & lively “Light Sings” and “Never My Love” here: https://youtu.be/6FSQpjVddVM

Visit The 5th Dimension official for touring schedule here: http://5thdimensionlive.com/calendar/

Visit Florence LaRue at http://www.florencelarue.com ~Learn about her new inspirational self-help book!

Visit Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. at http://www.mccoodavis.com ~Featuring their critically-acclaimed CD, “Blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons”

Visit LaMonte McLemore on Facebook! ~Big News from Mac coming for the holiday season!

Select Photo Credits: Robert w/ The 5th Dimension, and Florence & Patrice courtesy M. Robinson; Marilyn & Billy commissioned artwork by Ephraim David Udoka; Marilyn & LaMonte by Arnie Lee

(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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