FOREVER 5th DIMENSION presents..."It was a catchy song we put out as a single between albums ("Living Together, Growing Together,"/"Soul & Inspiration") that I knew Marilyn would give her special touch to," smiles Grammy-winning mega producer, Bones Howe about FLASHBACK.
Hi, I'm Robert-Allan Arno, biographer of The 5th Dimension and I'm proud to present our latest YouTube that represents a true fan favorite. 5th aficionados around the world tell me they find this tune addictive; here in America many find Marilyn's solo with the group an indelible memory (or is it a "flashback!") as performed with smoky bravado and cool choreography on "Soul Train," "The Flip Wilson Show," and in concerts around the country. I concur, personally having seen a performance of FLASHBACK at Long Island's Westbury Music Fair circa late '73! It was a post-Age of Aquarius exciting time for fans of Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue, Ron Townson, and Lamonte McLemore with not only countless TV and live appearances but regular mailings from the famed 5th Dimension Fan Club--you know, the one listed on back of all 5th albums with the unforgettable 1022 North Palm Avenue addy! In fact, over at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION --http://www.myspace.com/thesoulofvoice --our current issue of the Blog-Magazine (available 11/21) is titled The FLASHBACK Edition, with reflections of that original fan club and it's varied newsletters and memorabilia. I can attest as so many "back in the day" 5th fans can, that coming home from Junior High to find an envelope chock full of goodies from "North Palm Ave., L A" was a thrilling '70's experience!
Moreover, as I produced this FLASHBACK video, I was heartened to think of our 5th heroes continuing to make beautiful music and magic, with Marilyn & Billy recently playing to Standing Room Only crowds at the trendy Catalina Jazz Club, Florence leading the current 5th to sold-out audiences plus debuting her one-woman show, "Just As I Am," this past month, and Lamonte having a gala/gallery exhibit heralding his acclaimed professional photos of "beautiful woman and the wonders of the world" at the prestigious Govinda Gallery in Washington, DC (still occurring). So while we savor the driving beat...the tasty melodrama...the glossy pop confection with a Champagne Soul chaser that is FLASHBACK, we salute The 5th Dimension--yesterday, today, forever. Indeed, this video turned out to be a tribute not only to the group's glory days but a "shout-out" to our "Fab Five" for their continued artistic stamina and vision. And as Mr. Bones just told me, "I'm so glad the fans are still enjoying FLASHBACK; that's really what it's all about!"
Robert-Allan Arno
(copyright 2009)
With Love and Appreciation to Marilyn & Billy, Florence, Lamonte, The Townson Family, Mr. Bones, and very special thanks to Randall Jeffries, David Brokaw of The Brokaw Co., and Rob Santos & Jeremy Holiday of Sony BMG. And to the fans, "You are fascinating 5th friends...God's blessings and an 'Up-Up and Away!'"
You'll find all the classic 5th & MarBill CD's plus their latest, THE MANY FACES OF LOVE at the store: http://www.mccoodavis.com.
FOREVER 5th DIMENSION is a copyrighted production of The Soul of the Voice, Ltd. Photos contained in the Blog-Magazine and videos are from the Arno-5th Dimension-McCoo-Davis Legacy Collection, All Rights Reserved
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