*A 75th Birthday Celebration acknowledging legendary recording artist, Ms. Florence LaRue original founding member of the iconic “Fifth Dimension,” was recently held in Los Angeles.
The invitation only event turned into a “Lovefest” and tribute to Ms. LaRue. Gibson Public Relations was the Presenter (GPR), along with a host of family, friends and special celebrity guests who gathered to honor the 6 time Grammy Award Winner.
Ms. LaRue has recorded and performed with The 5th Dimension from their beginning in 1967. They garnered hits such as Age of Aquarius, Wedding Bell Blues, Stone Soul Picnic and Up Up And Away, which soared to number one setting them firmly on the map in pop music. They toured the states and Europe and continue to thrill crowds worldwide. Other 5th Dimension original members include Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr., the late Ron Townson and Lamont McLemore (a renown photographer & music legend who was not present for the party).
Among the guests were, the talented and legendary musical genius H.B. Barnum, Marilyn McCoo Davis and Billy Davis, Jr. (5TH Dimension alums) and Freda Payne of The Supremes. Emmy Award Winner Obba Babatunde (The Bold and the Beautiful, Dreamgirls, Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, UPN’s Half N Half) was the host of this special birthday celebration.
Florence LaRue, who still tours around the world with The 5 TH Dimension, received acknowledgements from the City of Los Angeles and a beautiful award, while guests dined on Florence’s favorite soul food.
“We wanted to honor Ms. LaRue for over 50 years of great entertainment, and for being a legendary artist who supports young people in the arts, and works to support the homeless”, stated former Councilwoman of Los Angeles’ 9th District, The Honorable Jan Perry.
Celebrity guest host, Actor Obba Babatunde, left the 100 party guest breathless as he performed a duet with Songstress, Freda Payne with their rendition of the Nat King Cole classic, and “When I Fall in Love.” Billy Davis, Jr.’s delivery of “A Change is Gonna Come” had guests in tears and his wife, Marilyn McCoo-Davis followed up with a beautiful Broadway Hit show tune.
Ms. LaRue gave her guests a song from her soul as she sang “With All My Heart” and then led the group in “That’s What Friends Are For.”
H.B. Barnum and Obba Babatunde left everyone speechless as H.B. played several tunes, while Obba tap danced, sang and rendered impersonations from Humphrey Bogart to Luther Vandross, leaving the birthday lady Florence LaRue overjoyed with tears of happiness, as the guests chanted “Florence LaRue we love you.”
“You just had to be in the room,” stated Pastor Greg and Candida Mobley Phillips, whose lovely upper Bel Air home played venue for the party.
For press inquiries for Florence LaRue, Gibson Public Relations, or Sponsorship of GPR’s upcoming events, please contact: Gail Gibson, GPR (Gibson Public Relations) at (323) 799-6266 or Email: [email protected]
