From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music - Paperback

by Robert-Allan Arno (Author), LaMonte McLemore (Author)

"The 5th Dimension is forever," smiles founder of the 6-time Grammy winning vocal group, LaMonte McLemore in 2022. Musing about The 5th Dimension's appearance in the Oscar & Grammy-winning musical docu-film "Summer of Soul," "Mac" continues, "Amid this resurgence, my memoir in its 2nd edition, has found its own refreshed stride!" McLemore has been described as the music industry's "bronze Clark Gable." The visionary not only delivered "The 5th's" elegantly hip Champagne Soul as the quintet's smooth bass for over 40 years, but is also known for his 5 decades with JET magazine, as the 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," "One Less Bell to Answer," "A Love Like Ours," "Love Hangover," "Black Patch," 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 Richard Pryor. There's even a secret recipe! Mac's love of women is also explored, with sensitivity and a classy wink.

The memoir's 12 chapters unfold authentically in LaMonte's voice, nobody presents a story like the rib-tickling 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. "From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension" is a literary work as told to Robert-Allan Arno, an east coast-based media personality who is a trusted expert in "all things 5th Dimension." Included, an exhilarating 50-photo centerfold of rare and/or never-before-seen pictures from Mr. McLemore's personal collection, as well as a detailed album and singles Discography appendix of The 5th Dimension.

An inspiring, historic tale of unbridled humor and touching pathos, in "From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension," LaMonte doesn't quit until he makes you laugh...and think.

Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.: "LaMonte's special brand of humor is truly on display in 'From Hobo Flats...' He has a way with storytelling, and we've particularly enjoyed re-living our successes as seen through his eyes. But he also lets the reader in on his deeper thoughts. His co-author, Robert-Allan Arno, was the right person for this book. He knows LaMonte well. We found it to be a totally entertaining and informative read."

Johnny Mathis: "When a tall, handsome young man came to my house many years ago to photograph me for Elegant magazine, I had no idea that his other job as a singer would propel him and his fellow members of The 5th Dimension to world fame. I am so proud of LaMonte."

Nancy Sinatra: "The 5th Dimension had it all--great voices, engaging personalities, and oh-so-easy on the eyes."

Harry Elston of The Friends of Distinction: "Even as his best friend, I learned things about LaMonte that I didn't know; I was also laughing my a**s off! Well-written by Robert-Allan Arno...you won't be able to put this book down!"

(In Memory of) Mary Wilson, The Supremes: "I loved it...lots of laughs."