Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension
// lead vocalistFLORENCE LARUE & THE 5TH DIMENSION are a multiple Grammy-winning pop-vocal group from Los Angeles, California. “Up, Up, And Away” (1967), “The Magic Garden” (1967), “Stoned Soul Picnic” (1968), and “The Age Of Aquarius” (1969) were all available from Soul City, “Portrait” (1970), “The 5th Dimension: Greatest Hits” (1970), “The July 5th Album” (1970), “Love’s Lines, Angles And Rhymes” (1971), “Reflections” (1971), and “The 5th Dimension: Live!” (1971) were all available from Bell Records, “Individually & Collectively” (1972), “Greatest Hits On Earth” (1972), “Living Together, Growing Together” (1973), “Soul & Inspiration” (1974), “Earthbound” (1975), “Star Dancing” (1978), “High On Sunshine” (1978), “The Very Best Of 5th Dimension” (1982), “In The House” (1995), “Live! Plus Rare Studio Recordings” (2001), and “Fantasy” (2004) were all available from ABC Records and Motown Records. “The 5th Dimension: Travelling Sunshine Show [DVD]” (1971/2003) is also available from View Video. Florence LaRue is an actress, speaker, original member for over forty-five years, and lead vocalist in The 5th Dimension. For over fifteen years, Florence has been an active member of the Church On The Way in Van Nuys, California, where she enjoys singing in their Gospel choir. Florence LaRue is also in the process of writing a book and recording a solo CD.
Websites: www.thefifthdimension.org and www.florencelarue.com
Photo: Maurice Rinaldi / MauriceRinaldiPhoto.com
Interview:
Music is truly a gift from God. When asked my views on music and spirituality, I had difficulty expressing what I felt, so I conferred with the musical director of my church! I totally agree with what he said: “Music and spirituality reinforce each other, one is a bridge to the other”. Many times when I sing songs to or about the Lord, I involuntarily begin to weep; His spirit touches my soul.
As a child in school, when the teacher played “The William Tell Overture”, and the class began to laugh, recognizing the music as the theme song for “The Lone Ranger” television show, I began to weep, not understanding why! Fortunately, I had a sensitive teacher, and she took me out of the class and explained classical music to me. I am to this day, extremely moved by classical music.
But then you may ask, if music is from God, what’s with Rock or Rap music? First of all, I personally believe rap to be more poetry put to rhythm than “music”! But that’s another subject! I believe that because God gives us choices, we decide how we are going to use the music He has blessed us with. Like any other of His gifts, we 73 can use them to heal or to kill! It has been scientifically proven that classical music can be used in healing, and some rock music can excite people to violence!
When I first entered the music business, I was merely seeking fame and fortune. As I am maturing, spiritually and emotionally, I realize my responsibility and influence as an artist, and I desire to do all that I do to glorify the Lord. I don’t necessarily have to sing Gospel or “spiritual” music to do this. I believe that by bringing joy and hope to people through my secular music, God’s light will shine and they will see my spirituality! “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” [Matthew 5:16, KJV].
Several years ago I was considering going into the Gospel music field, because I so enjoyed singing about the Lord. But God spoke to my spirit and very clearly told me to stay in the secular arena and sing and “minister in song” to those who did not know Him and wouldn’t attend a Gospel concert. Since then, I have been able to witness and bring people to the Lord without “preaching” to them. One man even received the Lord after a concert!
“I believe that by bringing joy and hope to people through my secular music, God’s light will shine and they will see my spirituality!”
– Florence LaRue, lead vocalist in The 5th Dimension
