Tag Archives: Robert-Allan Arno

Summer of Champagne Soul: Our FOREVER 5th DIMENSION Top 5!

FOREVER 5th DIMENSION presents the Top 5 for Summer of 2021 for your listening, reading & viewing pleasure–in no necessary order…they’re all spectacular with kudos to Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue and LaMonte McLemore. Oh, and don’t forget our exclusive online magazine interview with Marilyn & Billy coming for their 52nd wedding anniversary, the end of July! OK, let’s countdown…or count up “Up and Away!”

  1. Marilyn & Billy‘s latest CD, “Blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons” is a statement piece in their recording legacy. Our “MarBill” add their inimitable approach with freshness, and a distinct Civil Rights bent to the music of Lennon/McCartney. Critically, celebrity and fan-acclaimed, available at Amazon here: Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons by Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. on Amazon Music – Amazon.com
  2. I just reviewed Florence‘s new book “Grace in Your Second Act– A Guide to Aging Gracefully” (see our previous Forever 5th article) and I am still marveling at the amount of research and anecdotal information our “delightful diva” has compiled. It’s an important self-help & faith-based book with strategies that are practical, revelation-al, and oftentimes cute, poignant and celebrity-inspired. Read it “On the Beach (In the Summertime),” available at Amazon here: Grace in Your Second Act: A Guide to Aging Gracefully: LaRue, Florence, Paschall, Jenny: 9781664227088: Amazon.com: Books
  3. LaMonte‘s hit memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” now in its 2nd edition, and something I am so honored to have co-written with Mac, is one hip literary trip. Recommended by Johnny Mathis, Nancy Sinatra, Otis Williams of the Temptations, more, LaMonte talks music history, Black history, and shares the secrets that made The 5th Dimension harmonic unifiers–bringing together generations, races and crossing record chart boundaries. Lots of laughs and celeb anecdotes…as only “Mac” can tell a story! Available at Amazon…another great beach read!: Amazon.com: From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music (9780692307366): McLemore, LaMonte, Arno, Robert-Allan: Books
  4. The Ultimate 5th Dimension CD reviewed as “the best-sounding, best-annotated anthology”​ of the quintet by All Music Guide is a 21 song overview of The 5th’s recorded hit magic. And yes, I was so proud to compile the tunes with mega-producer Bones Howe for this project and write the extensive liners. Ultimate is a perennial AND back on the charts due to the “5th resurgence” created by “Summer of Soul,” and now at the “nice price,” at Amazon: The 5th Dimension – Ultimate 5th Dimension – Amazon.com Music
  5. Last by not least, “Summer of Soul” is the hit docu-film of the summer! Producer Questlove unearthed countless pristine celluloid hours of African American musical luminaries performing at The Harlem Cultural Festival, circa 1969. Akin to a “Black Woodstock,” Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Mahalia Jackson, Sly & The Family Stone, and more took to the stage before hundreds of thousands. The #1 song of the day (and the year for that matter), actually a “mash-up” of “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” courtesy of Broadway’s HAIR, performed with verve and optimistic joy by a brightly attired The 5th Dimension (Marilyn McCoo, Florence LaRue, Billy Davis, Jr., Ron Townson and McLemore) is one of the movie’s centerpieces. As biographer of The Original 5th Dimension and Mr. McLemore, I stated to SoulTracks and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: “To see The 5th Dimension on the big screen at the apex of their career is thrilling for their many fans, more so it underscores the unexpected power of the group’s unique ebullient flavor.” Be sure to see “Summer of Soul” at a theater near you…or enjoy at home on Hulu! ~~Robert-Allan Arno

(Hit right arrow to experience slideshow!)

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

Summer of Excitement by Robert-Allan Arno

We’re coming out of a difficult time and leave it to the essence of the original stars of The 5th Dimension, just as they did during the turbulent times of the late ’60’s, to STILL bring their inimitable sunshine for the summer of 2021, a time where we also celebrate our 14th year of Forever 5th Dimension. And I can’t thank the stars, my dearest of friends and personal mentors, Marilyn & Billy, Florence, and LaMonte for their “forever soul & inspiration!” Now let’s dig in to the latest & greatest…

Who I call “my angels,” Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. have a critically acclaimed new CD project, “Blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons” and the song selection and interpretations make this glowing affair “milestone & magnificent” with a call to Civil and Human Rights…and a winning vote for the twosome’s eternal artistry. I’m simply leaving the Amazon link, fans & friends, if you have not already purchased. (And what an honor to be mentioned, personally, in their liner notes for the project.) Forever 5th Dimension announces a very special interview between yours truly, Robert-Allan Arno and “MarBill” about this equally special endeavor in time for their 52nd wedding anniversary (7/26), at a very cool literary venue…details upcoming! We’re gonna take a deep dive with the Q & A! Order “Blackbird: Lennon/McCartney Icons” at Amazon, here: Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. – Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons – Amazon.com Music

The docufilm “Summer of Soul,” already an award-winner at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, produced by Questlove, makes its theatrical debut on July 2nd. The Original 5th Dimension, at the apex of their prowess, perform the No. 1 song of the time, and the year, for that matter, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” and more. Yes, the year is 1969, it’s the Harlem Cultural Festival and all of the artists who performed including Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson, BB King, Stevie Wonder, David Ruffin, and Sly & The Family Stone, have literally been unearthed with this priceless un-vaulted and restored archival footage complete with new interviews. Featuring an emotionally compelling one with McCoo and Davis…roll out the Red Carpet and don’t miss it!

The ever vivacious “delightful diva,” Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension (Patrice, Floyd, Leonard & Sidney) are back touring this summer, with tasty dates from east coast to west! (Please scroll down and see our article) Ms. LaRue and The 5th never disappoint their sold-out crowds with the best “Champagne Soul” in town…and lots of surprises!

“From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” the hip hit memoir, on Amazon!

LaMonte McLemore thanks each of you, his memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” (which I had the pleasure to co-author) continues to sell well, the world over…a shout-out to fans in England, Japan, France, Canada, and of course, the USA! We have great fun on his Facebook page which I get to curate with Mac and his lovely wife Mieko, currently celebrating #BlackMusicMonth…and there’s always a plethora of rare and classic photos everyone seems to love. “Mac” has some surprises up his magical sleeve, too…stay tuned, and as he winks, “Right on!”

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

Happy Birthday, Mieko McLemore!

LaMonte & Mieko McLemore

Dateline Feb 10—We’re wishing LaMonte’s lovely wife, Mieko, a Happy & Blessed Birthday today. As humble as she can be, Mieko will wring my neck for posting this, lol, but she deserves a glowing tribute. Many of you know, Mieko’s integrity is her hallmark; personally, she is my honorary sister, and it is ever a pleasure to confab with her and Mac whether keeping LaMonte’s various social media informative, reflective & current, or when we were working tirelessly on LaMonte’s popular memoir. In his book “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” LaMonte highlights Mieko’s delightful sense of humor…and sums up the tale of their charming love story so touchingly, re-working the lyric of a fan favorite song he penned: “A love like ours…was meant to be.” In their Vegas home, Mieko proudly showed me a precious photo of LaMonte’s mother, Mama June and Mieko’s father, walking hand-in-hand. It touchingly stands for Mieko’s heartfelt spirit of unity and exceptional grace. Please join LaMonte and myself, his biographer in celebrating this special lady.  ~~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)

Mac’s Memoir–the Perfect Holiday Gift!

#OrderforChristmas #Thankyou to special fans, music aficionado Tony Spriglia, writer/blogger Monica Haynes, and entertainer extraordinaire Alton Fitzgerald White (of “The Lion King” fame!) for their recent holiday purchases of LaMonte McLemore’s hit memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension.” Each will receive an autographed bookplate to affix in their book. When you order from Amazon, let us know and we’ll mail you a bookplate!

Explore the music of The 5th Dimension, the climate of the times, the laughs, the romance, the love…and even Mac’s grandma’s Top 10 “Wisdom Hits!” Recommended by Johnny Mathis, Nancy Sinatra, Neil Sedaka, Marilyn & Billy….and Tony (above) who shares: “Every 5th fan should have a copy. It’s fascinating, entertaining & easy to read…and enjoy!”

Order in time for Christmas (press above)…and thank you to our worldwide fans & friends for making “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” the hip, hit memoir…as “Mac” says, “Right on!”

It’s a LaMonte McLemore Birthday Celebration

Dateline Sept. 17: It’s #LaMonteDay with a Special Update: Today is an incredibly momentous day, the birthday of a gentleman we all respect and love: LaMonte McLemore. The world knows him as the founder & “mellow bass” of The Original 5th Dimension, Pop-Soul 6-time Grammy-winning royalty that blazed trails “Up-Up and Away” through the “Age of Aquarius.” Their “Champagne Soul” is still relevant and ever uplifting. The world also knows him as the premier freelance photographer for JET magazine…his “Beauty of the Week” feature edified the loveliness of Black women and helped make historic shifts in the pop culture. But we who know “Mac” through his friendship or “familial being”—whether you’ve played softball with him, have posed as his model, have chatted warmly with him backstage, have been mentored and encouraged by his visionary eye for talent, and so many instances more —know a man of abounding compassion, kindness, humor, and his motto: “We are only in this world to help one another”—something his prophetic Grandma Gertrude always instilled .

Approximately one year ago, Mac suffered a stroke and we wanted to keep you, his fans, friends & family informed…and his birthday is a perfect time to bring you up-to-date. LaMonte—along with his luminous, diligent wife Mieko each step of the way—has worked tirelessly, making great strides this past year with the latest advances in physical and speech therapy, and so much more. Mieko shares, “We have made every day a new adventure, and our hearts have been continually warmed by so many caring people we’ve met along the way.” From celebrating simple sunsets at Christmastime, to Mama June’s 106th birthday this June (LaMonte’s cherished mom), to watching the new Civil Rights movement unfold this springtime, and taking healthy summertime strolls while others have marched, Mac with Mieko has continued to blaze trails with courage, smiles and a can-do spirit…characteristics LaMonte has always represented. And here on his lively Facebook page of 5,000 followers, we love bringing you all sorts of memories and acknowledging current milestones. It’s part of LaMonte’s “vital vibe,” and as his biographer and social media curator, I am so proud to do so, confabbing with Mac & Mieko regularly…it is a special 3-way bond I am so happy to mention in this birthday salute.

LaMonte expresses to you with that “famous twinkle” in his eyes, “Thank you EVERYONE for your heartfelt wishes, prayers, the good times we continue to share…and sometimes, difficult things like the pandemic…where we still see the hope for a brighter day.” LaMonte continues, “Can I end with a joke? Grandma always used to say: ‘The sun rises and sets for everyone…we’re the only ones who screw it up in between!’ So on my birthday I say, don’t screw it up! Seriously, let us continue in joy and with love for one another.”

And with Mac having those final golden words, please join us here with your birthday wishes for this legendary man…our friend…our family…our role model. Robert-Allan Arno for “Team LaMonte” (as published on LaMonte McLemore’s Facebook page)

Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.–the 1st Couple of Pop n’ Soul bring this message:

“Happy Birthday, Mac! Man, you’re getting up there; well we all are! 🙂 Do you remember when The 5th Dimension used to joke about one day all of us rolling around onstage in our wheelchairs singing ‘Up-Up & Away’?!’ 🙂 We’re wishing you a beautiful day of celebration and we’ll see you soon!”
Love, Billy & Marilyn; P. S. Love to Mieko 

LaMonte with forever friends Marilyn & Billy

Happy Birthday, Billy Davis, Jr. — Gentleman of Soul

Happy Birthday Billy Davis, Jr. — His Greatest Solos!

Dateline June 26:  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 51 years, Marilyn McCoo, has an instantly recognizable voice like no other. Fellow-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 reminds, “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 sums up his talents best of all, “That’s not me…it’s God working through me!”

Happy Birthday Billy, we love you and celebrate you with these memorable 15 solos to savor at this link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaK9iR0FOkJGaF5VqOKcXiTsZZc38Pdpz

Robert-Allan Arno & The Fans
Forever 5th Dimension

copyright 2020, The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., all rights reserved

We Remember Artist, Kenneth “Kenny” Green

Dateline June 24:  On the occasion of his birthday, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION honors the beloved artist Kenneth Green who we recently lost due to complications of Covid-19. The remembrance posted on LaMonte McLemore’s page a few weeks ago, expresses our sentiments so well:

LaMonte by Kenny Greene

Portrait of LaMonte McLemore by Kenneth Green

Today’s post is in memory of New York City artist, singer and special fan & friend of The 5th Dimension, Mr. Kenneth Green who we just learned passed away from complications of Covid-19 last month. According to my biographer, Robert-Allan Arno, Kenny got his original inspiration to be a sketch artist and portrait painter from our 5th Dimension: PORTRAIT album– with those amazing drawings by the renowned Leroy Neiman. Robert commissioned Kenny to paint my portrait and then come surprise me at my NYC book event 5 years ago, the onstage talk show & signing for my memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension” held at the charming Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar. Here is the portrait–unsigned version–Kenny did of me, then us happily posing together with it signed…it is timeless just like Kenny’s eternally sweet and talented spirit and the warm memory of knowing him.

Kenneth Mac

Kenneth Green, LaMonte McLemore holding Kenny’s signed artwork, and Robert-Allan Arno

My lovely wife Mieko adds, “We remember Mr. Green fondly and are so sorry to learn of his passing. His portrait of LaMonte sits proudly in our Las Vegas home.” ~~♥ Mieko & LaMonte McLemore

For their 40th wedding anniversary, Kenny also portrayed Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr…something FOREVER 5th DIMENSION was so pleased to use in our social media…Keneth Green MarBill

“Earth hath no sorrow that heaven can not heal”….we will always remember the magical artistic muse of, and endearing, caring soul that is Kenneth Green. —Robert-Allan Arno

Kenneth Green Me

Arno by Green

 

Kenneth Greene

In Loving Memory of Kenneth Green

 

 

Memorial Day Weekend 2020 — Forever 5th Sunshine

On Memorial Day weekend 2020, when we are moving forward in Grace, trying to find “the sunshine” in an unprecedented time, I want to wish you & yours sustained safety and good health as we also remember the heroic people on the front lines who have saved lives, given comfort, and do their jobs with commitment, putting themselves–selflessly–in harm’s way to help others. And we also remember all who were unfortunately lost during this time.

May the music and inherent uplift of The 5th Dimension continue to bring you a smile, as we always attempt to do at FOREVER 5th DIMENISON….and thus, a few highlights & reflections for your enjoyment:

-*-All this holiday weekend, our good friends at REWOUND RADIO bring you the original airchecks of the 60’s & 70’s…from America’s #1 Top 40 AM radio station complete with commercial jingles, news, and yes, lots of hits by The 5th Dimension in their original context. Savor the memories at http://www.RewoundRadio.com

-*-We’re wrapping up “LaMonte’s Music Mondays” on his Facebook page by June 1! Over the past 2 and a half months we were so pleased to bring you LaMonte McLemore’s take on some of your favorite hits and “turntable hits”…as his biographer, I can attest to the fact that your enthusiastic response to our exclusive Q & A’s, especially during the pandemic, made “Mac & me” very happy…to make you happy! On Monday we feature “Black Patch,” and on June 1st we go “full circle”…you’ll see!  WAIT! JUST IN…by popular request, we’re extending “Music Mondays” thru June!

-*-Many of you have asked about our previous “supersized” interviews & features with/about the ever kind, candid and intriguing Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. I’d like to leave you 3 direct links to particular faves in our FOREVER 5th archives, I think you’ll appreciate either re-visiting them or reading for the first time:

*Visit “Marilyn & Billy’s Living Room” ‘17 at this link: https://forever5thdimension.wordpress.com/2017/09/

*The fans salute MarBill’s greatest hits: https://forever5thdimension.wordpress.com/2017/07/

*”Marilyn & Billy, Singing in the Light” ‘15, exclusive interview—rare tunes discussed!: https://forever5thdimension.wordpress.com/2015/07/

-*-Also, here’s a lively review of the delightful Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension in-concert, ’18 by our guest contributor Brian Medoro. Read “Florence & The 5th Electrify” at: https://forever5thdimension.wordpress.com/2018/09/10/florence-larue-the-5th-dimension-electrify/

We are hoping that Florence & The 5th Dimension and the duo of Marilyn & Billy will be back on world stages, performing their greatest hits again soon. Stay tuned for updates & make sure to go to their official websites. We wish you, the wonderful fans of Florence & The 5th Dimension, Marilyn & Billy, LaMonte aka “Mac,” and The Original 5th Dimension special blessings — always & forever,

AUG HORIZ

Robert-Allan Arno

Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension official website: http://5thdimensionlive.com/

Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. official website: http://www.mccoodavis.com

LaMonte McLemore’s hit memoir, as told to Robert-Allan Arno — the music, the memories, the magic of “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” 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, copyright 2008-2020, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., all rights reserved)

Happy Birthday, Mr. Bones!

ultimate

A Special Tribute by Robert-Allan Arno, Biographer of The Original 5th Dimension

Dateline March 18: Happy 87th Birthday to renowned Producer extraordinaire, Mr. Bones Howe whose concept for the gone-platinum Medley: “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” not only garnered him and The 5th Dimension respective Grammy’s but defined the “tone” of a generation. A gentle visionary with “ears of gold,” a special man who personally mentored and encouraged me as biographer of The Original 5th Dimension and in general, time and again…yes, our work on “The Ultimate 5th Dimension” CD among many things, will always be cherished. May I share that during the 911 tragedy and while living one neighborhood away, to cheer me, Bones gifted me with the vaulted cuts from The 5th Dimension’s “Soul & Inspiration” album…6 which we eventually got released, 2 that we still have not gotten out there (one day, we promise!) 🙂 With our worldly concerns today, I am especially thinking of such kindness and in a similar way, we’re hoping to bring you some cheer with “LaMonte’s Music Mondays,” now featured weekly on LaMonte McLemore‘s Facebook page. God bless you, Mr. Bones​! His savvy advice, a “think about it” motto for those in the arts is: “Never say ‘no’ until you’re too busy to say ‘yes’!” Today we say “yes” to keeping creatively innovative and harmoniously uplifting during these troubling times, just like Bones’ productions.

–Robert-Allan Arno

BONES

Exclusive! The Stars of The Original 5th Dimension with Reflections of Bones

Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. jointly recounted to FOREVER 5th DIMENSION: “Although we were constantly on the road touring or on TV, recording was of utmost importance to us, our priority…and Bones’ productions were unmatchable!”

Florence LaRue told REWOUND RADIO: “Bones always found songs for us we would have never considered, special gems like ‘Stoned Soul Picnic,’ and ‘Workin’ on a Groovy Thing.'”

LaMonte McLemore told FOREVER 5th DIMENSION: “Bones is easy-going and a genius! Where our many hits were concerned, I always told him to ‘Keep doing what you’re doing!'”

greatest hitsForever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2020, intellectual property, all rights reserved

 

Join LaMonte for “Mac’s Music Mondays!”

The 5th Dimension’s uplifting song choices, and smooth, harmonic blend of “Champagne Soul” were known to soothe souls during our country’s turbulent times. And so, for our current trying days of 2020, LaMonte and I put our heads together and decided that starting this Monday, March 16 on his very popular Facebook page, we’ll be presenting “Mac’s Music Mondays.” Each week, LaMonte will bring you his favorite 5th Dimension mega-hits, their also-delightful “turntable hits,” not to mention the songs he wrote, both yesterday and today. As his biographer, Mac & myself have curated some tasty tunes and very special stories in Q & A form…so, “come on and surry down” & be sure to tune-in at his Facebook page, fans & friends!   –Robert-Allan Arno

Mac and MiekoLaMonte & his lovely wife Mieko, thank each & everyone of you for your support, he’s doing great in his continued recovery and is looking forward to “Music Mondays” and more adventures, too!

Find LaMonte on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/lamonte.mclemore

MemoirAccompany “Mac’s Music Mondays” with his hip, hit memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” recommended by Johnny Mathis, Nancy Sinatra, Neil Sedaka and McCoo/Davis, available on Amazon, here: https://www.amazon.com/Hobo-Flats-5th-Dimension-Photography/dp/0692307362

lamonte mac final final final

Mac & Arno, Grammy legend & Biographer