"Salty Tears" by The 5th Dimension (Alt. Version) featuring Miss Florence LaRue

"I recall Florence LaRue being diligent about her performance in the studio as was each member of The 5th Dimension. With 'Salty Tears' I encouraged her to relax and go with the flow of the song...her interpretation was a powerhouse," reflects The 5th's mega producer Bones Howe. The song was recorded for the proverbial SOUL & INSPIRATION project circa '74, an album couched in a type of recording "history mystery" that's been systematically getting solved over the past few years. In essence, the familiar Howe who was at the hub of all of the Grammy, Gold and Platinum winning 5th's output up until that time, was not present on half the cuts on the release of S & I that hit the shelves due to changes at Bell Records. Many of his tunes were scrapped (as The 5th introduced new producers like John Florez to the mix) and remained in the vaults for decades. Hi, I'm Robert-Allan Arno and as biographer of The original 5th Dimension, I was so pleased to be part of getting them released in recent years on both THE ULTIMATE 5th compilation and the SOUL & INSPIRATION (expanded) re-issue including delights like "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye," "As Long As There's An Apple Tree," and "Love Story." And yes, there are a few more stowed away! In the case of "Salty Tears," The 5th eventually decided to produce the tune themselves with a revision of LaRue's lead that would appear on the album. But here, for this special YouTube, we present the original never-before-released vocal...it's an extended version, too and very much as Miss LaRue would emote the showstopper in 5th concerts of the day to standing ovations.

I know I've said it before and it bears repeating, Florence LaRue is a breathtaking force of nature--a whirlwind of all things vulnerable, energetic, downright sassy, sensitive and strong. In 2010, the "delightful Diva" continues to mesmerize, leading The current 5th Dimension in concerts to sold-out crowds around the world. The ever youthful Florence recently told me, "Robert, I've been doing this over 45 years, and I'm more excited than ever about our shows. Our new bass alone is a great addition!" referring to the "ultra-bass" tones of the winning Floyd Smith. Along with Willie Williams, Leonard Tucker and Patrice Morris, LaRue hosts today's 5th in a dazzling concert event that's more than just the shining classic hits and signature 5th harmonies. With lots of new surprises, it's a show that's pure class with nouveau "hip-titude!" Florence also presents her self-penned one-woman show, "Just As I Am: One Woman's Search for Love" across the country to rave reviews. "I loved the creative process in putting this together with 15 songs!" Florence says in a thoughtfully enthusiastic style that is her timeless trademark as is her earthy yet ethereal singing style evidenced by this FOREVER 5th DIMENSION exclusive rendition of "Salty Tears."

Robert-Allan Arno
Biographer, The original 5th Dimension
(copyright 2010)

For their concert schedule and much more visit Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension at: http://www.florencelarue.com and http://www.thefifthdimension.org

And join me at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION. We're experiencing our 2nd Anniversary of the globally-acclaimed Blog-Magazine...an ongoing tribute to the stars of The original 5th Dimension, yesterday, today, forever at:
http://www.myspace.com/thesoulofvoice

Special thanks with love & blessings to Florence, Bones, Marilyn & Billy, Lamonte & Mieko and the Townson Family. Much appreciation to all the great global 5th fans who enjoy these rarities and keep interest in them alive!

The SOUL & INSPIRATION re-issue CD (expanded edition) is available at:
http://www.ccmusic.com/item.cfm?itemid=CCM07832

FOREVER 5th DIMENSION is a copyrighted production of The Soul of the Voice, Ltd., 2010. Photos contained in the Blog-Magazine and videos are from the Arno-5th Dimension-McCoo-Davis Legacy Collection and The LaMonte McLemore Gallery Exhibit Collection, All Rights Reserved, not to be re-printed.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Florence LaRue
• The 5th Dimension
• Salty Tears
• SOUL & INSPIRATION
• Marilyn McCoo
• Billy Davis Jr.
• Bones Howe
• This is Your Life
• The Girls' Song
• FlorenceLaRueGordon
• The Soul of the Voice
• Robert-Allan Arno
• FOREVER FIFTH
• Alternative Cut
• Un-vaulted

[Bobbipens]

Oh My Gosh. Robert and Bones - Thank you for letting us fans FINALLY hearing these rarities! I really like this version! Florence you shine here! Keep those things flying out of the vaults and into the light of day where they belong. And make recordings available to FANS please...downloads, CD collections, whatever. Thank you all!

[robbybobbyoh]

@Bobbipens We are def "working on some groovy unvaulted things"...stay tuned!

[ahg703]

Wow! Love the country-tinged piano on this version and Florence's vocal does seem to have a more raw emotional quality than on the LP. The photos also serve to remind of her uncanny resemblance to "Miss Ross."

[robbybobbyoh]

@ahg703 Interesting observations. I think of Florence as "uniquely LaRue," one of the Pop n' Soul era's true treasures, better than ever today!

[mdoug3]

This version truly displays Florence’s vocal talents. I feel this version is much nicer than the LP version. I wonder why this version was not selected for the LP's release. I agree that Larue is a true musical treasure. I continue to support t he group whenever they are a stone's throw distance from the Detroit area. Much thanks for these “vault valuables”.

[RTA6226]

VERY nice! Thanks for doing this Robert.  This song and the "Soul & Inspiration" lp really bring back memories.

[keithcop]

One Florence's very best.

[JCARATELLI]

I love this song!!! I always thought this song should have been airplayed on the radio. I love the words and Florence really blows it away!!! I played the song 5 times already or maybe 20 times alright who is counting!!! LOL!!!! P.S. Here They Come "Salty Tears"

Love You Florence!!!

[joerockusa]

Awesome!...Although I fell in love with Marilyn, I adore Florence. She is still as cute as she was all those years ago...and she still puts on a great show...bravo Florence!

Thanks for sharing this Rob.:)