Skinker DeBaliviere in St. Louis, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The 5th Dimension

Born 1965

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 22, 2019

1. The 5th Dimension Marker

Inscription. St. Louis-born singers Billy Davis, Jr., Lamonte McLemore and Ron Townson joined with Marilyn McCoo and Florence LaRue to create the lush "Champagne Soul" sound of the 5th Dimension. The group's first top ten hits "Up, Up and Away" (1967) and "Stoned Soul Picnic" (1968) were followed in 1969 by the #1 hits "Aquarius" and "Wedding Bell Blues." Between 1967 and 1976 the group recorded over 20 top forty singles, won six Grammy Awards, and produced two network television specials. A musical source of hope, joy and sincerity during tumultuous times, the 5th Dimension were described by Frank Sinatra as "without a doubt the freshest, most musical, most capable group in today's bag."

Erected 2010 by St. Louis Walk of Fame.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the Grammy Award Winners, and the Missouri, St. Louis Walk of Fame series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1969.

Location. 38° 39.313′ N, 90° 17.906′ W. Marker is in St. Louis, Missouri. It is in Skinker DeBaliviere. Marker is on Delmar Boulevard west of Rosedale Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6164 Delmar Boulevard, Saint Louis MO 63112, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least

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8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cedric the Entertainer (a few steps from this marker); Donny Hathaway (a few steps from this marker); Curt Flood (a few steps from this marker); Max Starkloff (a few steps from this marker); Ntozake Shange (a few steps from this marker); Henry Hampton (a few steps from this marker); Elizabeth Keckley (a few steps from this marker); Bob Pettit (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Louis.

More about this marker. Marker was dedicated on March 18, 2010. A ceremony took place, as surviving members Billy Davis, Jr. and Lamonte McLemore (both grew up in St. Louis) were present. Jarrod Townson accepted on behalf of his grandfather Ron Townson, who passed away in 2001. Members Marilyn McCoo (married to Davis) and Florence LaRue were not able to attend.

Regarding The 5th Dimension. Several of the 5th Dimension's most popular songs, including "Stoned Soul Picnic" and "Wedding Bell Blues" (mentioned in the marker) were written and originally recorded by singer-songwriter Laura Nyro.

As of April 2020, the 5th Dimension is still a touring act, with Florence LaRue being the only original member active with the group. Billy Davis, Jr. and Marilyn McCoo would also hit #1 on Billboard

Lamont McLemore image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, March 18, 2010

2. Lamont McLemore

McLemore gives a speech at the induction ceremony

in 1977 with "You Don't Have To Be a Star (To Be In My Show)", also earning a Grammy for that song.

Also see . . . Music video of the 5th Dimension's cover of Laura Nyro's "Wedding Bell Blues". (Submitted on April 29, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)

Additional keywords. Laura Nyro

Jarrod Townson and Billy Davis, Jr. (l to r.) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, March 18, 2010

3. Jarrod Townson and Billy Davis, Jr. (l to r.)

Jarrod Townson (grandson of late 5th Dimension member Ron Townson) and Billy Davis, Jr. with their induction plaques

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 296 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on April 8, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. Photos: 1. submitted on April 29, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2, 3. submitted on April 8, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.