Tag Archives: The Way We Were

Reflections of Connie Francis, and Songwriter, Alan Bergman

This past week, the music world lost the legendary pop songstress Connie Francis, whose early ’60s hits captured her versatility–one of dynamic prowess, playfulness, and adeptness in interpreting both beloved Italian and Jewish tunes. Connie scored hits co-written by Neil Sedaka, including the bubbly “Stupid Cupid” and the anthemic “Where the Boys Are.” Nearly a decade later, The 5th Dimension found chart success with Sedaka songs, too—“Workin’ on a Groovy Thing” and “Puppet Man.” Our prayers are with Connie’s family, whom she always considered to be her legions of global fans.

We also mourn the passing of Alan Bergman, who—alongside his late wife Marilyn—gave us timeless standards such as “The Way We Were” (with Marvin Hamlisch) and “How Do You Keep the Music Playing” (with Michel Legrand). We remember the prolific magic of the Bergmans, as Marilyn McCoo movingly delivers the former, and Marilyn & Billy (Davis, Jr.) duet on the latter from their album The Many Faces of Love. –Robert-Allan Arno

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

Happy 80th, Barbra Streisand, featuring Tunes by Marilyn & Florence!

Forever 5th Dimension is honoring the 80th birthday of the legendary songstress, actor, and director, Barbra Streisand with two interpretations by our very own iconic women, Florence LaRue and Marilyn McCoo.

Enjoy Florence’s poignant solo of “Stoney End” from “The 5th Dimension: LIVE” album, which boldly kicks off the Laura Nyro medley:

Here’s Marilyn’s memorablely graceful version of “The Way We Were” from SOLID GOLD. Marilyn & Billy (Davis, Jr.) shared with Forever 5th Dimension quite emotionally, that they also got to perform the tune at a tribute to songwriters Alan & Marilyn Bergman including never-before-heard lyrics which according to them, were “breathtaking.” ~~Robert-Allan Arno

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