Florence LaRue (born February 4, 1942)[1] is an American singer and actress, best known as an original member of the 5th Dimension.
Florence LaRue | |
|---|---|
 Florence LaRue | |
| Background information | |
| Born | February 4, 1942 |
| Genres | Pop music |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, actress |
| Years active | 1966–present |
| Labels | Soul City, Imperial, Bell Records, Arista, ABC Records, Motown |
Early life
editShe received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from California State University.[2]
Work with the 5th Dimension
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In 1966, LaRue was approached by Lamonte McLemore and Marilyn McCoo to join their recently formed group the 5th Dimension. LaRue nearly always sang female lead on one song per album, with McCoo taking the lead on one song as well; otherwise she sang the alto voice parts along with McCoo's soprano, being featured prominently on Stoned Soul Picnic, or shared the lead with McCoo on songs including "Blowing Away", "Puppet Man", "Save the Country", and "Sweet Blindness". After McCoo's departure, LaRue was lead singer on hit songs including "Love Hangover" (1976). As a member of the 5th Dimension, LaRue received six Grammy Awards, including Grammy Award for Record of the Year for "Up, Up and Away" (1968) and "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" (1969).[3]
Acting and theater career
editLaRue appeared in the CBS movie of the week Happy with Dom DeLuise. She also performed in the national tour of Broadway's Tony Award winning musical Ain't Misbehavin, and starred in the Toronto and Calgary productions of Mo' Magic.
LaRue co-hosted the Arthritis Telethon with Jane Wyman, judged two segments of Puttin' on the Hits, appeared as a celebrity guest on Star Search, and has been a special guest on numerous television shows, including several appearances on The Dale Evans Show, The Today Show, The Carol Lawrence Show, and numerous other Christian and secular programs.[4]
Singing career
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In April 2014, the group toured as "Florence LaRue & The Fifth Dimension" led by LaRue with Willie Williams, Leonard Tucker, Patrice Morris, and Floyd Smith.[5]
In June 2016, LaRue and the group performed in The Villages, Florida, just days after the Orlando nightclub shooting. LaRue shared her thoughts on the events saying, "We will not be terrorized. We know what’s happening in the world, but this is a song about good health, love, peace and happiness. We still believe in those things today," she stated before performing one of the band's hit singles, "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In".[6]
References
edit- ^ Rose, Mike (February 4, 2023). "Today's famous birthdays list for February 4, 2023 includes celebrities Alice Cooper, Natalie Imbruglia". Cleveland.com. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
- ^ Charleston, Rita (October 12, 2012). "Florence LaRue still soars with the Fifth Dimension". The Times Herald. Archived from the original on February 6, 2016.
- ^ Brooks, Brandon I. (June 25, 2009). "The Center of The 5th Dimension". Los Angeles Sentinel.
- ^ "Florence LaRue Biography". Florence LaRue. Archived from the original on October 14, 2014. Retrieved May 24, 2014.
- ^ "Official Website of The 5th Dimension featuring Florence LaRue". The 5th Dimension. Retrieved May 24, 2014.
- ^ "5th Dimension's Florence LaRue charms sold-out crowds at Savannah Center". Villages-News.com. June 22, 2016. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
External links
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- Florence LaRue at AllMusic
- Florence LaRue discography at Discogs
- Florence LaRue at IMDb