Arno and McLemore co-author Grammy-winner's Hit Memoir

"Robert, who I nickname 'Rev. Arno,' for his inspirational bent, was the perfect man to write my life story, I couldn't be happier with the result," says the dapper LaMonte McLemore, founder and mellow bass of Grammy legends The 5th Dimension about his new memoir. Indeed, "From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music" is equal parts historical, humorous and inspirational. It was officially released at an event on Valentine's Day in Vegas and is already a hit on Amazon, available at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0692307362 McLemore, has been described as the music industry’s “bronze Clark Gable." The six-time Grammy award-winning visionary not only delivered “The 5th's" elegantly hip Champagne Soul as the quintet's smooth bass for over forty years, but is also known for his five decades with JET magazine, as the head-turning photographer for the enticing "Beauty of the Week" feature. LaMonte shares the secrets behind mega-hits like "Up-Up and Away," "Stoned Soul Picnic" and "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In," anthems for a generation which uplifted our country during tumultuous times. He also goes deep for the fans and provides exclusive commentary on The 5th Dimension discography, spotlighting such favorites as "Wedding Bell Blues," "A Love Like Ours," "Love Hangover," plus albums like the iconic "Magic Garden," the seminal "Portrait," and the mysterious "Earthbound." The journey to becoming one of the most popular singing groups of The Rock n' Roll era--one that crossed over racial, generational and record chart boundaries--came by way of “Hobo Flats,” where "Mac" and friends hung their resourceful hats and dreamed big. His Cherokee Grandma’s feisty wisdom was a guiding force that weaves throughout the book, the catalyst for LaMonte's various trailblazing exploits. Mr. McLemore, who played baseball in the Dodgers Farm system, hits a home run presenting a memoir peppered with tasty anecdotes about countless celebrity colleagues from Frank Sinatra to Diana Ross, Ray Charles to Pharrell Williams. There's even a secret recipe! Mac's love of women is also explored, with sensitivity and a classy wink. The memoir's twelve chapters unfold authentically "in LaMonte's voice;" nobody presents a story like the well-known raconteur. Running the gamut from heartwarming slang to sophisticated savvy, the book's style easily reflects the celebrity's earliest humble roots yet wondrous trajectory to stardom on the world stage. With recommendations by Johnny Mathis, Nancy Sinatra, Neil Sedaka and Otis Williams of The Temptations, "From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension" is a literary work as told to Robert-Allan Arno, a New York-based media personality who is a trusted expert in "all things 5th Dimension." The book contains an exhilarating 50-photo centerfold of rare and/or never-before-seen pictures from Mr. McLemore's personal collection. An inspiring, historic tale of unbridled humor and touching pathos, in "From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography, and Music," LaMonte McLemore doesn't quit until he makes you laugh...and think.

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Arno Pens Liners for PLAYLIST: THE VERY BEST OF THE 5th DIMENSION CD

For Immediate Release: The Soul of the Voice, Ltd., NY, NY

Playlist: The Very Best of The 5th Dimension

Robert-Allan Arno has just written sparkling liners for a new CD compilation of 14 songs* featuring the mega hits, the fan & artist favorites and the rarities of one of the most successful and beloved groups of the Pop n' Soul era. The 5th Dimension united our country during turbulent times of the late '60's-early '70's with their uplifting essence of harmony and hiply elegant aura, and in this exciting Sony Legacy treatise, their timelessness is evident.

Arno writes with his acclaimed literary flair, spotlighting current quotes from the original stars of The 5th Dimension--Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue, LaMonte McLemore, plus Bill Cosby, Neil "Puppet Man" Sedaka, Richard "Never My Love" Addrisi, Felix "People Gotta Be Free" Cavaliere and Valerie "California Soul" Simpson. "Playlist: The Best of The 5th Dimension," including special photos, promises to be a retro-nouveau musical highlight of the summer '14 season, due for release May 27th.

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LaMonte of The 5th Dimension to Release Memoir as-told-to Robert-Allan Arno

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Founder of Grammy Legends The 5th Dimension to Release Autobiographical Memoir-- "From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music"

Las Vegas, Sept. 17th 2013--LaMonte McLemore, the dapper founding member of Grammy legends, The 5th Dimension enthuses, "With 'Motown the Musical' on Broadway breaking all records and the Civil Rights-themed 'The Butler' staying tops at the box office, it's the perfect moment to tell the story of The 5th Dimension amid my own life story...people have been asking me to write my book for years!"

McLemore's been described as the music industry's "bronze Clark Gable," a 6 time Grammy award-winning visionary who literally founded Rock n' Soul royalty, The 5th Dimension, a vocal group whose numerous, anthemic mega-hits like UP-UP & AWAY, AQUARIUS/LET THE SUNSHINE IN, STONED SOUL PICNIC and love songs like WEDDING BELL BLUES and ONE LESS BELL TO ANSWER are strongly woven into America's pop cultural tapestry. Along with Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue and Ron Townson, "Mac" (as he's warmly known) and his signature mellow bass helped to provide racial and generational unity, "bringing people together" through the quintet's uplifting, harmonious sound and hiply elegant image during our nation's tumultuous times of the late '60's - early '70's. As such, The 5th Dimension were one of the most popular groups of the Rock n' Roll Era, their countless hits stand the test of time.

When asked why he consistently speaks through a gentle smile and a subtle laugh in his storytelling, without a trace of gravitas about the racial climate of the times he had to overcome, the trailblazer states, "My grandmother, Gertrude Whiteside was a Cherokee Indian. She would say, 'The sun rises and sets for everyone, we're the only ones who screw it up in between!' It's his "glass half full" compassion as well as swagger that brings thousands upon thousands of worldwide fans to pay homage to LaMonte to this day...as a role model...a trendsetter...an arbiter of taste...a big brother to us all. The outpouring of love Mr. McLemore receives on the net alone via YouTube postings with The 5th Dimension, at his website and even on Facebook is nothing short of transcendent.

LaMonte beams, "Like the Beatles, the fans knew all the names of The 5th Dimension's members...our black fans, our white fans." On stages performing at The White House, headlining at Carnegie Hall to Buckingham Palace, as a personal favorite opening act of Frank Sinatra, on TV's top shows from Ed Sullivan to Flip Wilson, from Soul Train to Johnny Carson, Mac emerged a star of The 5th Dimension who dreamed big but stayed grounded and grateful. All the Gold and Platinum could never make Mac forget what he dubbed as "Hobo Flats." He shares, "In the early days, I would invite all the 'refugees' to come and stay there--The Temptations, Earth, Wind and Fire, Richard Roundtree of 'Shaft' fame...we didn't have money, we'd pool all of ours together and the girls would come around on the weekend and we'd have more fun than anyone...everyone knew of us!"

The 12 chapter memoir's narrative will contain anecdotes about countless celebrities including Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Sammy Davis, Jr., more. LaMonte's trademark photos, many rare and never published before will flow throughout the book. The recorded music of The 5th Dimension will be addressed in-depth from LaMonte's unique perspective.

LaMonte states, "I can't think of a better as-told-to-author as actor/announcer Robert-Allan Arno, he's been covering The 5th Dimension in the media for years, with an authentic flavor like no one else, he truly is 'The 6th Dimension.'

The book is meeting its completion deadline for Christmas season 2013 with plans for release in hardcover for early 2014

Contact : voiceactions@hotmail.com

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A YEAR IN TRUE REVIEW

I look back on 2012 and indeed, it has been a confluence of many blessed successes...being on the ABC Family Channel as Bible Lector for "The Sunday Mass," a very different reading style than my hip, sardonic national spots for the Zeebox TV campaign! Then there was celebrating 20 years of mentoring voice-actors and not only developing stellar voiceover artists but continuing my work as Director of neo-Soul sensation and dear friend Nhojj--what we just did for his Vegas "intimate concert"...well, I never thought I'd be choreographing in an homage to Motown's great "Cholly" Atkins! What else...well, I got to MC the Laura Nyro tribute at Lincoln Center this summer, announce at the Beacon Theatre for the Veteran's Day St. Malachy's--The Actors' Chapel benefit plus deliver The Pope's Letter to Artists at their "Look at the World" concert, along with appearances on REWOUND radio and on the "Never II Late" talk show along the way! Yes, it's all nicer than nice...and my work as biographer of Grammy legends The original 5th Dimension is always invigorating with some surprises on the new year horizon. Reminds me that the founder of the group, my mentor LaMonte McLemore schooled me on how to "do a speech right," this year...a man who's performed with Sinatra, Sammy, in front of royalty, at Carnegie Hall and for presidents reminded me better than I could ever tell my students about so-called "patter:" Start with humor...be inspirational but don't preach...and get off quick, leaving them wanting more! So what is the "more?" All these achievements have their foundation in "grace." God IS good. When Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. invited me to be their special guest for their Friar's tribute in June, I had more fun sitting next to them in the front row, watching their reaction to the festivities, than enjoying the charming likes of Tony Orlando and Neil Sedaka! My fave duo's elemental sense of wondrous gratitude never wanes. And they have supported my "trajectory" like angels, all down the pike, even watching me on "The Sunday Mass." I loved watching Melissa Manchester in rehearsal for the Nyro tribute...her way of uniting musicians, back-up singers (including my visionary friend of 20 years, Charlo) was godly. Uniting or re-uniting was key in general this year...forgiving, never forgetting, just accepting...realizing that NOTHING has to do with me...it's how I live my calling and honor God every (baby) step of the way. That's the success that is best...our relationship with Him...and yes, how to see the face of God on EVERYONE along His chosen journey for you. "Spirit of Excellence" is what Marilyn and Billy attributed to me...well, I give it to YOU...my friends, family, those near and far, who have been such a blessing and inspiration to me in 2012 and always. May I name some of you right here (as well as tagging!) and I pray I have not forgotten anyone as I wish "you...you...and ESPECIALLY YOU" (as we'd say when I hosted "Gospel Gold" back in the day!) showers of New Year Blessings...with my unconditional love and great appreciation, Robert ***THANK YOU: Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., LaMonte, Mieko & Ciara McLemore, Florence LaRue, Patrice Morris, Joyce Wright Pierce, Nhojj, Anton Nimblett, Jeffrey Graham, Randall Jeffries, Don Durant, Mark Pacoe, Fathers Richard Baker and Edward Beck, Eileen Haves, the folks at Zeebox & Mother, NY (Bronwen, Jordan & Dave), Stefanie Alleyne, Carol Lewis, Jeremy Holiday, Richard Winslow, Allan Sniffen, Tom Flamia, Charlo, Renie Quan, Julie Anne Ramos, Jamie Bassel, Ellen Cohen, Gui Tang Wang, Nazir Nasir, (Pls. Gve to:) ChildHelp, USA, Phyllis McGrane and my dearest parents, "Annette & Bob."

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UP-UP & AWAY!

What a summer in NYC...I celebrated my 20 years of mentoring voice-actors with my "Own the Soul of Your Voice" seminar at Manhattan Neighborhood Network (twice, by popular demand!), I continue to read the Bible at the beautiful St. Malachy's--The Actors' Chapel in the heart of Broadway plus a few days after my August birthday, I had the honor of MC'ing Lincoln Center's tribute to the GREAT Laura Nyro...I got to introduce, with revival meeting verve other greats, Melissa Manchester, Melba Moore and the ladies of LaBelle. This upcoming fall promises to be AWESOME...I appear on the ABC Family Channel's THE SUNDAY MASS, reading the Bible on Oct 7th...I'm currently teaching my Saturdays in September Master Series and I love my newest students (my gifted voice-actors!)...and there are more suprises on the horizon, to be announced! God is good, His light shines ALWAYS...and often when we least expect it, He provides "grace to run the race" and also reminds to slow down when needed, to "listen" for the revelation. Yes His "still small voice" is mighty-mighty. Here's to the journey...yours and mine...and I am surely blessed to know YOU! --Robert-- *Oct. PS*...I just booked the national TV commercial campaign for Zeebox TV, all those sardonically fun voiceovers like "Downright Nautical," "Double Chocolate Chips," "The Prom Queen," "The Fancy French Designer Mustard Hot Dog!" What a hip team to work with in the studio, again, what an unexpected blessing!!

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"THE 5th DIMENSION: AN UP-UP & AWAY LEGACY" DOCUMENTARY Airs in Februrary!

PRESS RELEASE-- Contact: Robert-Allan Arno Think "The 5th Dimension" and reflections of harmonious sounds & images so readily fill the mind that you can't help but smile. It's hard to believe this hiply elegant quintet first entered our collective consciousness over 4 decades ago. And with the invincible married couple & leading Alum of the group, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. always surprising us with new endeavors on their kaleidoscopic musical journey, and the vivacious Florence LaRue continuing to lead The (current) 5th Dimension in sold-out concerts globally, the magic never ends! Survey fans and "The 5th Dimension essence" seems to mean just as much in 2012 as in the group's heyday. That wondrous "beautiful balloon ride," as in their signature song, "Up-Up & Away" proved to be a bold statement indeed, for "The 5th" are beloved for transcending time, musical genres, fashion, choreography & even spiritual philosophy...uniting a vast audience of racial & generational diversity during turbulent times in our country's history. Multi-Grammy, Gold & Platinum record winning with countless chart-toppers, The 5th Dimension presented an amalgam of Pop, Jazz, R & B, Broadway, Gospel, Torch and light Opera treatments that defined "Champagne Soul." Mega hits including the medley, "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In" became anthems of uplift for a generation. "Stoned Soul Picnic," "Wedding Bell Blues," & "One Less Bell To Answer" are also strongly woven into America's pop cultural tapestry. Biographer of The 5th Dimension, Robert-Allan Arno who pens the globally popular FOREVER 5th DIMENSION Blog-zine, does liner notes for the group & collaborates on other projects with the group's individual original members, produced the documentary, "The 5th Dimension: An Up-Up & Away Legacy." He states, "I wanted to put this together as an homage to 5 distinct artists who are truly beloved the world over. As a group, The 5th Dimension were and still are in a class by themselves, they shaped our world, made it 'a nicer place.' Like Nat "King" Cole before them, The Jackson 5 after them, 'The 5th' set sky high standards in the entertainment biz that brought a spirit of hope and unity to our culture. The 5th Dimension, above all, stood for love." As such, Manhattan Neighborhood Network, where the 30 minute self-contained documentary was produced for Mr. Arno's company, The Soul of the Voice, Ltd., is running the special for Black History Month, February 2012, during prime evening times including on Valentine's night. The documentary features rare performance footage of varied greatest hits. There's a breathtaking segment of The 5th Dimension rehearsing with Burt Bacharach & clips from McCoo & Davis' summer variety series '77. Plus the reunion tour of The original 5th Dimension & the quintet receiving their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Arno enthuses, "Many of these segments haven't been seen in over 30 years." Although the documentary is self-contained with numerous musical segments & a few comedy skits including one with Sinatra, there are plans to extend the project into a 90 minute feature. Arno is hoping the documentary will also jumpstart the campaign to induct The 5th Dimension into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. *How to Watch: "The 5th Dimension: An Up-Up & Away Legacy" premiers on Saturday, February 11th at 8:30 PM & repeats Saturday, February 18th at 8:30 PM on Manhattan Neighborhood Network's Channel 4, the Culture Channel, available on Channel 67 (Time Warner Cable), Channel 85 (RCN), and Channel 36 (FiOS). A special Valentine's Day evening airing occurs on Tuesday, February 14th at 8:30 PM on the network's Channel 3, the Spirit Channel, available on Channel 57 (Time Warner Cable), Channel 84 (RCN) and Channel 35 (FiOs.) All broadcasts are viewable via live streaming on the web at: http://www.mnn.org

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Reflections of Angels: A McCoo/Davis Exclusive

Marilyn McCoo. Billy Davis, Jr. Marilyn and Billy. Leading Alum of The 5th Dimension. A Duet Dynasty. Grammy-winning, globally acclaimed legends. Individually, she--an eternally beautiful contemporary song stylist of infinite magnitude, he--a gentleman of Soul who is unparalleled for his timbre and interpretations. Collectively, two birds who sing as one, flying to even greater heights artistically and as a married couple of now 42 years. For our 3rd Anniversary celebration of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, Marilyn and Billy joined me 2 glorious days in a row for an interview that essentially extends the theme of their new YouTube "living room" series. Yes, we get to sit in MarBill's cozy yet exhilarating den for fellowship, philosophy and lots of heartfelt laughs. The questions so many of you have posed over our journey together, you know, about those rare tunes and vaulted mysteries are answered for you. And for all the artists who revere the MarBill approach, we even hold an all-new mini Master Class on technique. "It seems we stood and talked like this before," are the lyrics to "Where or When," a standard often sung in their live show. This time, it's wonderfully familiar yet surprisingly different. Our dynamic duo's authentic humbleness and unadulterated joy pervade the in-depth festivities in a way that brings us closer than ever to their spirit of generosity. This is a song for you, the special fans... "Reflections of Angels:" A Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. Exclusive" is now available in Part 1 and Part 2 at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION...just go to http://www.myspace.com/thesoulofvoice What a special summer this is! Blessings to all, Robert

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That You Can Be...

"Be the man that you can be, On angel's wings the heart pulls strings right now, oh taste and see!" June 26, 2011: This is a chosen stanza from a poem I just wrote for a dear friend's birthday ("For Your Birthday"). The words in the quote literally "stepped out of my dream," where the "taste and see" reference to a biblical Psalm came from heaven itself as it was a favorite recited by a beloved fellow broadcaster, the late Barbara Dee during my GOSPEL GOLD radio days. Yes, I could still hear her crystalline tones helping me to complete the verse! "Be the man that you can be" is my mantra this summer as I approach my birthday in early August...with miles to go in joy and focus, planning yet letting go as God charts my course. With Appreciation to : neo-Soul artist Nhojj, the family of Sister Dee, The Walkers--family of "The Gospel Ambassador," Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. and LaMonte McLemore. "For Your Birthday" copyright 2011, Robert-Allan Arno, The Soul of the Voice, Ltd.

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From "The Soul of My Voice"

Sunday, Feb 27th: I want to take the opportunity to thank Pastor Patti Welch and scholar-in-residence Christiana Peppard at the grand Cathedral of St. John the Divine, NYC for orchestrating such a transcendent "Evensong & Ecology" event. I had the honor if not exhilaration of reading Philip Larkin's WATER as well as one of my favorite passages from the Gospel of Mathew...I call it the "Don't Worry, Be Happy" reminder: "But strive first for the Kingdom of God...and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today." Even fighting a cold/flu, the "show" went on--with His grace, you CAN will yourself...and how healing to let God work through you upon "arrival"...it's truly what all actors/announcers/singers do from "the soul of the voice." Now if you "collapse" afterward...well, that's OK, too, I say with some humor, underscoring the "re-group!" I'll conclude with the thought-provoking WATER...a prism of blessings for I think of "fording" as a WADE IN THE WATER to freedom, "any-angled light" as the concept of unity as we also "conclude" beautiful Black History month...and all strive to hold hands continually: WATER by Philip Larkin If I were called in To construct a religion I should make use of water. Going to church Would entail a fording To dry, different clothes; My liturgy would employ Images of sousing A furious devout drench. And I should raise in the east A glass of water Where any-angled light Would congregate endlessly. Blessings to all...my friends, students (who teach me!), my heroes, mentors and my GOSPEL GOLD and 5th Dimension family, Robert

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Jingle Bell Joy: 2010 Reflections--Groovin' Forward!

"Jingle Bell Joy"--2010 Reflections, Groovin' Forward! "Oh What Fun" it was, it WILL be...and if your 2010 wasn't a groovy glide or a nifty sleigh ride(!) make a little list anyway, check it twice, and note a few things that were NICE...then it's time to look forward! I'm grateful for the work I did this year with my stellar voice-acting student and very good pal, the Number One Neo-Soul sensation, Nhojj including directing his inspirational & invigorating summer tour! Attending the St. Louis Walk of Fame festivities as my beloved The 5th Dimension received their well-deserved star in March was an "Up-Up and Away Escapade!" and giving a speech in celebration of founding member LaMonte McLemore at his gallery exhibit opening there (he's also a renown photographer published in our top magazines for decades now!) was something I'll never forget; what a privilege to salute this multi-faceted visionary and wonderful spirit who I consider a dear friend and mentor. We visited again this October when I traveled to Vegas to spend quality fun and work time with "Mac" and his adorable wife Mieko; we talked legendary music with his legendary friends Bubba Knight, Harry Elston and his cousin Robert DeBlanc of Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Friends of Distinction and Little Anthony & The Imperials respectively...we even bumped into Michael Jackson's dad, Joe Jackson! My varied work as biographer of The original 5th Dimension continues to take new "dimensional destinations" (details coming!) and our globally-acclaimed Blog-Mag FOREVER 5th DIMENSION had a 2 year anniversary in July; our Holiday Newsletter Edition is up right now at-- http://www.myspace.com/thesoulofvoice and how giving, as always, of the great Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. to have just sent their appreciative and lovely kudos. Kudos back at our dynamic duo--their jazzy interpretation of "Jingle Bells" is our latest FOREVER 5th video production at-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1DHctms7MI and it's a delight...just the perfect mood for owning the good and then swingin' into 2011! Enjoy it and your holiday and Christmas season. I became a lay reader of the Bible at the wondrous Cathedral of St. John the Divine recently and am heartened to be reading next at Evensong the Sunday before Christmas. I will remember all of you--students, grads, 5th fans & 5th family--all kind friends--while at the lectern of that awesome and holy space, honored to know you, honored to speak the Word from the Soul of my Voice, letting God work through me. Love and Blessings, Robert

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