Celebrating our 18th Year! A TRIBUTE TO THE MULTI-GRAMMY WINNING LEGENDARY STARS of THE ORIGINAL 5TH DIMENSION, Curated by Biographer, Robert-Allan Arno ~~ History & Current Events, Exclusive Quotes & Interviews, Rare Photo Collection! Recommended by McCoo/Davis, LaRue & McLemore!
June 29: On this date in 1969, The 5th Dimension appeared onstage with a song list that included “Doncha Hear Me Callin’ to Ya,” and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” at the now legendary Harlem Cultural Festival. Their performance along with other greats was filmed over the course of the festival’s multi-days and is part of the recent hit Oscar-winning documentary “Summer of Soul,” produced by Questlove. Marilyn McCoo (pictured) and BillyDavis, Jr. also appear, giving current commentary. As #BlackMusicMonth24 comes to a close, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION honors this important date in 5th Dimension History.
–Robert-Allan Arno
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2024, intellectual property, all rights reserved. Photos: Arno 5th Legacy Collection
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-AllanArno
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.”
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.)
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)
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)
Courtesy of LaMonte McLemore: KUDOS to the gifted artist & music curator, Questlove — @questlove for his vision in excavating footage and producing “Summer of Soul” now at the @sundancefest…2nd showing Sat. Jan 30, 10am, est*! The 5th Dimension will never forget our participation at the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969.
Three months before Woodstock, iconic performers such as Stevie Wonder, Mahalia Jackson, BB King, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Staple Singers, Nina Simone–AND The Original 5th Dimension who had the #1 hit at the time with “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” graced the festival. Only “bootleg” footage has been available over the years…until now with the unveiling of “Summer of Soul.” 1969 will be remembered as a year of change of conscientiousness and a continuation of the Civil Rights movement with a verve of pride reflected in the musical prowess that blazed onstage. As part of the movie, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.’s joyfully emotional reactions to seeing their performance with The 5th Dimension and the huge outdoor audience’s response has been heralded by critics as one of the docu-film’s highlights.
–Robert-Allan Arno, “Forever 5th Dimension”
(Forever 5th Dimension, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., Intellectual Property, All Rights Reserved, copyright 2008-2021)
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