Tag Archives: The Original 5th Dimension

Ode to a Gentleman

Posted on April 25, 2024 | Leave a comment


4/25: Ode to a renowned gentleman and a visionary, Sir Jason Winters on the occasion of his birthday. I first “met” Jason not knowing it was him ‘til many years later, as he mightily announced from behind the scenes as manager extraordinaire, “Please welcome for the first time in 16 years, The Original 5th Dimension!” to thunderous applause on that remarkable ’90’s (reunion) tour. Today, we give that applause back to you, Jason for your elegant care of your stars, the global fans, and your keen eye for keeping it all fresh for them and us. You’ve touched and brightened many lives through those luminaries you’ve guided to entertain the world, not to mention the way you support my longtime efforts via Forever 5rh Dimension. And thus, today you are our shining star to whom we send much appreciation, many blessings, and warmest regards. Happy Birthday, Sir Jason!
–Robert-Allan Arno and Fans @ Forever 5th Dimension

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , ,

Where or When!

Posted on April 24, 2024 | Leave a comment

4/24 Happy Birthday to longtime fan and kind friend Susan Aglio! It is always a blast to share this sweet photographic memory as Susan and I experienced the opening night, front row, of The Original 5th Dimension reunion concert tour. As his told-to-author, LaMonte McLemore and I write about the event’s electric excitement including set list in his hit memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension.” As The 5th crooned Sinatra‘s “Where or When,” we answer it was Dec. 29, 1990, and in many ways, it seems like yesterday. Lastly, special thanks to the beloved Steve Rosenblum of Sterling/Winters Management (a cherished friend & colleague for decades), for orchestrating not only prime seats but an interview with our 5th stars for Goldmine the next afternoon. And fun fact, did you know the wonderful Jason Winters was the iconic concert’s cool announcer who said: “Please welcome for the first time in 16 years…The Original 5th Dimension” to an ovation that blew the roof off the Atlantic City house!!

—Robert-Allan Arno, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged

The “Black is Beautiful” Event Honoring LaMonte McLemore: Las Vegas, 1/6/24

Posted on January 9, 2024 | Leave a comment

A Forever 5th Dimension Exclusive by Robert-Allan Arno: 

This past weekend in Las Vegas, LaMonte McLemore celebrated with his angelic wife Mieko and a few hundred closest friends, the dawning of his newest book to be released for Valentine’s Day ’24, an artful one titled “Black is Beautiful,” representing his photographic excellence for JET magazine’s trailblazing Beauty of the Week, featuring some of the loveliest women of our time. Cherished family and musical friends, colleagues from the publishing, modeling and media world, gathered and gave testimonial speeches or sang songs at a special event, for a special man, MC’ed by Harry Elston of the Friends of Distinction. The members of The Original 5th Dimension, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. and Florence LaRue brought extra excitement by their attendance as did Jayne Kennedy Overton. Love was truly in the air for our visionary, Mac! Enjoy some select event photos courtesy of LaMonte’s daughter, Ciara and the Arno/5th Legacy Collection. You can start pre-ordering the luxurious coffee table book “Black is Beautiful” on Amazon and other relevant sites.

Billy, Marilyn and Florence all gave charming recounts of precious “5th history” and how it was LaMonte who was the catalyst for it all…while MC Harry Elston looked on!

Sitting at the head table with my heroes & sheroes, Florence, Marilyn, Billy, and LaMonte and giving a testimonial speech in honor of “Mac” as his biographer plus repping the millions of worldwide fans of The 5th Dimension, saying the star’s names onstage as they are rightfully due and remembering Ron “Sweets” Townson, too…was a dream come true.

Florence LaRue, Robert-Allan Arno, Billy Davis, Jr., Marilyn McCoo

Underscoring LaMonte’s motto: “We are only in this world to help one another,” garnered knowing “Amen’s” from the crowd as I unveiled this wonderful artwork that I had commissioned for the festivities by gifted Nigerian artist Ephraim David Udoka, titled “LaMonte’s World.” It was met by an appreciative collective “Ahhh!”

At Forever 5th Dimension, as we begin our 16th year, we are always happy to take you to exclusive events like the unforgettable “Black is Beautiful” soiree and bring you more up-to-the-minute surprises as 2024 unfolds. –Robert-Allan Arno

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, intellectual property, all rights reserved, Photo Credits: Arno/5th Legacy Collection, Ciara McLemore, Cynthia Shelby, and artwork by Ephraim Udoka, copyright 2024, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd.

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , ,

New Year Wishes

Posted on December 29, 2023 | Leave a comment

First, thank you to our good friends at Rewound Radio, the #1 oldies internet station. The 5th Dimension scored beautifully in their annual Top 77 of all-time, with “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” and “One Less Bell to Answer”…complete with special intros by Billy and Marilyn. Listen all holiday week through New Year’s Day at http://www.RewoundRadio.com

Did you know that in 1967 during this final week of December, according to our friends at The Wrecking Crew, the all-time favorite concept album of the members of The Original 5th Dimension and worldwide fans alike, “The Magic Garden” was issued? Break out a re-issue CD, a vintage album, or go to YouTube and re-live the entire song cycle…or savor special tunes like “Carpet Man,” “Paper Cup” (a personal fave of Michael Jackson, by the way), “Orange Air,” “The Girls’ Song,” or the quintessential “Worst that Could Happen.” And the “MG” theme was inspired by Jimmy Webb‘s girlfriend, as the lyric goes, “all over Susan”…

16,918 Views! As we enter a new year, our 16th of Forever 5th Dimension, I deeply thank our stars, Marilyn & Billy, Florence and LaMonte, their respective management, and fans the world over, not only from all throughout the United States but visitors from Brazil, Germany, England, Japan, Australia, Canada, Africa, and more. Yes, just in from WordPress, we’ve had a lovely crowd of 16,918 viewers at the blog in ’23! Look for 2024 surprises from each of our stars, including concert dates for “The First Couple of Pop n’ Soul,” Marilyn & Billy, Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension, and much more (hint: Mac has a cool caper upcoming, too!) We’ll have the scoop on it all, right here!

In God’s Loving Kindness,

Robert-Allan Arno

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

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , ,

Remembering the Trailblazing Richard Roundtree

Posted on October 24, 2023 | Leave a comment

LaMonte McLemore is so sorry to announce the passing of his good friend, Richard Roundtree. Born July 9, 1942, he was an iconic actor as well as a former model. Roundtree is noted as being a trendsetting action hero for his portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film “Shaft,” and its four sequels, released between 1972 and 2019. For his performance in the original film, Roundtree was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor in 1972. LaMonte notes in his memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” that Mr. Roundtree was not only a trailblazer as an African American actor (who continued to work over decades), but for courageously bringing public awareness to the sensitive issue of male breast cancer, as a survivor. Richard was part of a circle of dear longtime friends, which includes The Original 5th Dimension family, Harry Elston of The Friends of Distinction, Jayne Kennedy, Freda Payne, and more. LaMonte extends heartfelt prayers for Richard’s family and many fans, and punctuates, “Richard was an icon…and always a gentleman.”

—Robert-Allan Arno for Forever 5th Dimension and #TeamMac

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , ,

Aquarius Sunshine, NAT “KING,” AND MR. Bones!

Posted on March 18, 2023 | Leave a comment

Enjoy 3 Forever 5th Dimension classic flashback features perfect for mid-March 2023:

The Grammy Anniversary of “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” here:

Aquarius Anniversary Spells Eternal Sunshine! | FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION

The Gentleman of The Original 5th Dimension’s Nat “King” Cole connections, here:

Honoring Nat “King” Cole featuring “5th Dimension Connections” | FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION

Updated! Our 90th Birthday Salute to Bones Howe—The Man with the “Golden Ears,” Grammy-winning Producer of The 5th Dimension, here:

Happy Birthday to “The Man with The Golden Ears,” Mr. Bones! | FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION

(Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a Production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-23, Intellectual Property, all rights reserved. Photos: Arno Legacy Collection)

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , , ,

June is African American Music Appreciation Month

Posted on June 1, 2022 | Leave a comment

With this classic retro photo of The Original 5th Dimension, we’re wishing you a blessed & joyful new month of June, friends, fans & family. This month is officially known as African American Music Appreciation Month. Let’s celebrate with harmony & understanding…on trains of music!!

Throughout the month, we’ll be bringing you special archival highlights from FOREVER 5th DIMENSION as we lead to our official 15th anniversary in July…plus it’s Billy’s birthday, later this month! On behalf of the multi-Grammy winning stars of The Original 5th Dimension–Florence LaRue (and the current 5th Dimension, Patrice, Floyd, Leonard & Sidney), Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. and LaMonte McLemore, we appreciate your continued support and enthusiasm. ~~Robert-Allan Arno

(Forever 5th Dimension, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., intellectual property, all rights reserved, copyright 2008-2022)

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , ,

The Original 5th Dimension: Rare Photo Art and Exclusive Quote!

Posted on April 28, 2022 | Leave a comment
The Original 5th Dimension by Michael Collopy

#ThrowbackThursday Today we have quite a rare treat to share as we conclude our April salute to the Oscar & Grammy wins of “Summer of Soul” featuring The 5th Dimension, with memorable black & white photos of The 5th. Presenting photo-art by the renowned celebrity photographer, Michael Collopy taken in the early 90’s, during The Original 5th Dimension’s reunion tour of the time. Michael shares exclusively for LaMonte McLemore’s social media and with Robert-Allan Arno for FOREVER 5th DIMENSION the following about the shoot:

“This group photo was taken in my studio right before a performance and I remember each of them being so accommodating, warm and personable. I was especially thrilled to photograph the original members of The 5th Dimension together because they truly provided the soundtrack of our lives. They were such a reflection of our turbulent time…how their beautiful music transported and still transports (me) to an indescribable place of happiness and deep joy.”

Thank you, Michael! Mr. Collopy’s humanitarian effort called Architects of Peace, advocates and educates for peace in the schools. Visit his multi-faceted website at: @MichaelCollopy | Linktree

~~Robert-Allan Arno

(Photo of The Original 5th Dimension, l to r: Billy Davis, Jr., Marilyn McCoo, Ron Townson, LaMonte McLemore, Florence LaRue, by Michael Collopy, used by permission, all rights reserved. Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2022, intellectual property, all rights reserved.)

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , ,

“Summer of Soul” Nominated for an Oscar! Featuring quotes from the stars of The Original 5th Dimension!

Posted on February 9, 2022 | Leave a comment

Forever 5th Dimension is so pleased to share that #SummerOfSoulMovie has been nominated for the Academy Award for BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE! Featuring luminous performances by The 5th Dimension onstage at the Harlem Cultural Festival of ’69, here’s what our stars say…

“Who knew that 50 years later this movie would be out! It was so wonderful to see all these Black performers…some young people, they don’t know that music, those performers, it’s great to be part of that history. And to see Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight…and to know they are still performing today, just as we are!” –Florence LaRue

“Congratulations, @Questlove, on the ‘Summer Of Soul’ Oscar nomination by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences! Your brilliant work goes into the history books for its groundbreaking social commentary and incredible uncovering and presentation of these music performances. We are truly proud and blessed to be a part of this @SummerOfSoulMovie project!” –Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.

“It is fabulous to be a part of this historic movie along with my fellow members of The Original 5th Dimension! Congratulations to Questlove, Searchlight Pictures and Hulu.” –LaMonte McLemore

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2022, intellectual property, all rights reserved)

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , ,

“Summer of Soul” Soundtrack Brings Winter Sunshine!

Posted on January 24, 2022 | Leave a comment

Available this Friday Jan 28! Yes, the “Summer of Soul” Soundtrack will be available!! Due to popular request, hear all the songs featured in this multi-award-winning docu-movie, live, in their entirety! Hear The Original 5th Dimension Summer of ’69 onstage at the Harlem Cultural Festival with a vibrant n’ funky “Don’t Cha Hear Me Callin’ To Ya,” and their smash #1, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” Order at Amazon, Target and all major sellers. Here’s the official track list with FOREVER 5th DIMENSION’s kudos to Questlove, The 5th Dimension‘s original members–Florence, #MarilynBilly and LaMonte (and remembering our beloved Ron “Sweets”) and all the artists featured! ~~Robert-Allan Arno

1. The Chambers Brothers – “Uptown”
2. B.B. King – “Why I Sing The Blues”
3. The 5th Dimension – “Don’t Cha Hear Me Callin’ To Ya”
4. The 5th Dimension – “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)”
5. David Ruffin – “My Girl”
6. The Edwin Hawkins Singers – “Oh Happy Day”
7. The Staple Singers – “It’s Been A Change”
8. The Operation Breadbasket Orchestra & Choir Featuring Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples – “Precious Lord Take My Hand”
9. Gladys Knight & The Pips – “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”
10. Mongo Santamaria – “Watermelon Man”
11. Ray Barretto – “Together”
12. Herbie Mann- “Hold On, I’m Comin’”
13. Sly & The Family Stone – “Sing A Simple Song”
14. Sly & The Family Stone – “Everyday People”
15. Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach – “Africa”
16. Nina Simone – “Backlash Blues”
17. Nina Simone – “Are You Ready”

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of the Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2022, all rights reserved)

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , ,