Tag Archives: The Original 5th Dimension

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

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged African American Music Month, Black Music Month, The Original 5th Dimension

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 MarilynBillyFlorenceLaMonteRon, Michael Collopy Photography, The Original 5th Dimension

“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 5^th Dimension is so pleased to share that #SummerOfSoulMovie has been nominated for the Academy Award for BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE! Featuring luminous performances by The 5^th 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

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged Florence LaRue, LaMonte McLemore, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., Questlove, Summer of Soul Movie, Summer of Soul Oscar Nomination, The Original 5th Dimension

“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”

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged Florence LaRue, LaMonte McLemore, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Summer of Soul Soundtrack, The Original 5th Dimension

Remembering Marc Gordon

Posted on July 10, 2021 | Leave a comment

I had just been thinking of Marc Gordon, the beloved manager of The 5^th Dimension when the lovely Florence LaRue contacted me, reflecting on Marc’s important history-changing impact, too. This summertime 2021, with there being a resurgence in interest in The Original 5^th Dimension due to their vibrant appearance in the docu-film hit of the season, “Summer of Soul” circa the Harlem Cultural Festival, ’69, it is timely to remember Marc’s contributions. Florence expresses, “What many people don’t realize is that without Marc Gordon, The 5^th Dimension would not be what it wound up being! He never got the notoriety he deserved; I hope to give it to him.”

Here’s an excerpt of what Florence and I put together via his written memorial tribute as featured in “Goldmine” and JET magazines over a decade ago, and today, it bears reiteration at Forever 5^th Dimension:

Marcus Melvin Gordon, known professionally as Marc Gordon, the manager of The 5th Dimension circa its heyday of the late ’60’s through the ’70s, passed away June 16, 2010, according to the original group’s biographer, Robert-Allan Arno, and group member Florence LaRue. He was 74.

An executive at Motown in the early ’60s, Gordon departed the label in 1966 while discovering The Versatiles, who auditioned for but were not signed to the label. He asked the quintet to find a hipper moniker —The 5th Dimension — and connected them with Johnny River’s Soul City label. The rest was Grammy, Gold and Platinum record history. Gordon co-produced The 5th Dimension’s signature tune, Jimmy Webb’s “Up-Up and Away.”

“We had so much respect for Marc Gordon and his vision…his faith and hard work,” said founding former members Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. Retired founding member, LaMonte McLemore stated, “Marc spoke gently but his plans for us were mighty.” “Marc envisioned The 5^th Dimension as ‘the Black Beatles,’” Florence LaRue reflected. Ms. LaRue had been married to Gordon and has a son, Geoffrey, with him. She continues to tour as Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension.

Mr. Gordon also managed Tony Orlando and Dawn, Thelma Houston and Willie Hutch. His Rocky Road records garnered mega-hits hits for Al Wilson (“Show and Tell”) and Climax (“Precious and Few”) in the ’70s.

As Forever 5^th Dimension remembers Marc Gordon, Florence & I invite you to view his appearance on this classic “Soul Train,” talking with Don Cornelius in his charming manner, at this link: https://youtu.be/LrWeiGI3EVg

Bonus! And here are Florence and Marc (along with Jimmy Webb’s minister dad!) on this vintage game show, “I’ve Got a Secret,” celebrating the magic of “Up-Up and Away.” View here: https://youtu.be/iA7yyspHdek

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged Florence LaRue, Marc Gordon 5th Dimension Manage, Soul Train, Summer of Soul Movie, The Original 5th Dimension

Celebrating the Birthday of Ron “Sweets” Townson

Posted on January 24, 2021 | Leave a comment

#SundayThoughts Because of the excitement in the air with Ron Townson’s ultra-talented granddaughter, GG Townson, starring in Lifetime’s Salt-N-Pepa movie this weekend, I wanted to get a jump ahead and make it a “weekend experience” in celebrating our beloved Ron’s birthday this Friday, January 29 (not the 20th as so many publications state in error.) GG, who is a fluid and focused actor of authenticity, and a gracious and “magical” pro expressed that if there would be a movie about The 5th Dimension, she’d be interested! And we add this lovely factoid to the myriad of star and fan tributes, combined with my comprehensive essay–it’s our FOREVER 5th DIMENSION biggest-ever tribute to the warmth, the virtuosity, the pride and dignity that defined Ron, warmly known to all as “Sweets” or “The Sweet Man.” May I leave the link below for you to enjoy.

Our most comprehensive & updated for ’21 tribute to Ron “Sweets” Townson, at this link:

January | 2014 | FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION (wordpress.com)

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged A Message on Intellectual Property by Robert-Allan Arno, Ron "Sweets" Townson, The Original 5th Dimension

Labor Day Weekend Reflections

Posted on September 6, 2020 | Leave a comment

From LaMonte McLemore’s Facebook page:

#SunshineSunday Wishing you a happy, peaceful Labor Day weekend as we pray for our essential workers and those who are unemployed. Along with this classic “flower cart reflection” of The Original 5th Dimension, we provide the link to our performance on the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day telephone. 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. What seems like yesterday was 49 years ago! Yet it is always the right time to reach out and help one another. ❤ ~~LaMonte & Team

Enjoy “Light Sings” and “Never My Love” here: https://youtu.be/6FSQpjVddVM

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, LaMonte McLemore, Light Sings, Marilyn McCoo, The 5th Dimension, The Original 5th Dimension

Photo Reflections!

Posted on July 16, 2020 | Leave a comment

#ThrowbackThursday Here’s a treat from our good pal Arnie Lee, an acclaimed photographer who was a pretty ingenious “student photog” when he took these now, iconic shots of The Original 5th Dimension circa ’71 performing at the Dr. Martin Luther King Benefit Concert at Eastern Michigan University. Some of them are at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture alongside of the fringed jacked LaMonte McLemore donated!

ARNIE LEE 5 ARNIE LEE 3 ARNIE LEE 2 ARNIE LEE 1

ARNIE 6

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged Arnie Lee, Billy Davis Jr., Dr. Martin Luther King, Florence LaRue, LaMonte McLemore, Marilyn McCoo, Ron Townson, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, The 5th Dimension, The Original 5th Dimension

Memorial Day Weekend 2020 — Forever 5th Sunshine

Posted on May 24, 2020 | Leave a comment

Unspecified – 1971: (L-R) Marilyn McCoo, Ronald Townson, Billy Davis, Jr, Florence LaRue, Lamonte McLemore, The Fifth Dimension promotional photo for the ABC tv special ‘The 5th Dimension Traveling Sunshine Show’. (Photo by Walt Disney Television via Getty Images)

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,

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

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged Florence LaRue, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, LaMonte McLemore, Marilyn McCoo, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., Rewound Radio, Robert-Allan Arno, The 5th Dimension, The 5th Dimension featuring Florence LaRue, The Original 5th Dimension

Light Sings: 2019 in Review

Posted on December 31, 2019 | Leave a comment

2019 marked the 50th anniversary of The 5th Dimension’s greatest hit single, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In”…we got to chat about the medley’s timelessness at the prestigious “Culture Sonar” in an interview with LaMonte McLemore and myself. And how cool to end the year with Rewound Radio voting the “mash-up” #15 in their all-time Top 77 countdown! AAAMarBill RARE

50 was also magical for Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. as the First Couple of Pop n’ Soul celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July. Marilyn, Billy and I got to “croon” about the romantic milestone and their 7-time Grammy winning favorite hits, too, also at “Culture Sonar.”

The ever vivacious 6-time Grammy winning Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension brought their “Champagne Soul” myriad hits all through the country, in concert, selling out every venue where they performed! Florence, Patrice, Leonard, Floyd and Sidney are already racking up important appearances for 2020. See their exciting developing schedule here: http://5thdimensionlive.com/calendar/

Still touring to raves, Marilyn & Billy had a featured song on the “Thank you, Mr. Rogers” CD. And in early November, Marilyn made a poignant , heralded return as Tamara Price on “Days of Our Lives”…Billy appeared too. For MarBill’s 50th anniversary, I had personally commissioned African artist, Ephraim David Udoka to do a rendering of the couple today, juxtaposed with their earlier selves. It was thrilling to have the talented Udoka study the work of McCoo & Davis and then see the duo’s metamorphosis through his young yet ingenious eyes. Marilyn & Billy’s response to the framed piece received as their special gift was enthusiastic, as follows:

“Wow Robert, what an amazing piece of art, and done by an incredibly gifted artist from Nigeria!! Thank you, thank you!! We love the theme–capturing the two of us in the beginning and now, 50 years later–so perfect for our 50th anniversary (and my birthday!). Thank you for the thought and love you poured into the concept, commissioning the execution of it, and now its ultimate delivery. We couldn’t wait to see what was inside! It’s such a special way for our 50 years together to be celebrated and so unique; there is nothing else like it!! Please tell Ephraim, too, that we love the photos you included of him in the creative process and then holding the final result. Ephraim’s handsome face has a wonderful look of satisfaction. With our Love, Marilyn & Billy”

Nigerian Artist, Ephraim Udoka poses with his MarBill!

In June, LaMonte celebrated the 105th birthday of his cherished mom, “Mama June.” On Sept 29th, a few hours after he and I confabbed as his social media/press coordinator, about saluting Marilyn’s birthday the following day on his Facebook page, I and subsequently global fans learned that Mac had suffered a mild stroke. I am pleased to report that his recovery has been “sparkling.” He and his lovely wife Mieko are constantly out and about in their hometown of Las Vegas and his trademark rich bass offered a resounding:”Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Rev. Arno!” (his nickname for me) just the other day on the phone! As Mac says, “The best is yet to come!” Look for a new coffee table book on the photos of icon Jayne Kennedy, as historically photographed by LaMonte coming in early 2020.

This year we even un-vaulted a tune by The Original 5th circa ’70: “A Pocketful of Seeds.” And thank you fans, friends and “5th Family” from all over the world, for stopping by these soon-to-be dozen years at our information central, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION. We love and appreciate our favorite stars: Florence, LaMonte and Marilyn & Billy…and we thank YOU most certainly, for your continued support! Indeed, we know you agree…The 5th Dimension…is forever! Light Sings!