Biography
Intelligent, beautiful, and talented are words that are frequently used when describing glamorous Florence LaRue, the remaining original member of The 5th Dimension. Over the course of a phenomenal career that has produced 14 Gold records, 6 Platinum records, 6 GRAMMY Awards, and numerous other awards, Ms LaRue continues to surprise her fans with her talent, stamina and endless energy.
Whether on stage performing, lecturing, or serving as a celebrity judge for beauty pageants, such as Miss Universe, Ms LaRue juggles her roles as speaker, vocalist, actress, mother, playwright and humanitarian with the same electric perfection that she devotes to ballads such as “One Less Bell” which bears the signature 5th Dimension sound. “I give my best to whatever I am involved with,” she explains.
Ms.LaRue has performed all over the world as a member of the 5th Dimension, including a state department sponsored tour of then communist Europe and a tour of England with Frank Sinatra. She also starred in the stage play, “Ain’t Misbehavin’” with the group as a national tour of the U.S., and, as a solo artist, she starred in the musicals “Mo Magic” and “More Magic” in Canada. Her schedule with The 5th Dimension has also included several White House performances and performances in prestigious rooms in Las Vegas. Their family oriented show also allows them to perform at Disney World and for other family oriented groups and organizations.
While Ms LaRue continues to tour throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia with The 5th Dimension, performances on national television shows, including PBS specials, offer high visibility for her and the group, introducing them to a new generation of music lovers for whom, just like longtime fans, it is love at first sound. Clifton J. Noble Jr., writer for The Republican newspaper in Springfield Missouri had this to say: “Clearly the years have not slowed her down or robbed her voice of any of it’s passion or impressive range from gravelly belts below the staff to floating head tones.” Xernona Clayton, executive producer of the prestigious Trumpet Awards, states: “When Florence LaRue sings, she displays a myriad of moods and feelings ~~~She mesmerizes, excites, enthuses and inspires them. She has a compelling voice and enchanting expression.”
Although she plans to continue with The 5th Dimension, Ms LaRue is excited about the new direction her career has taken as a solo artist. She also plans to add several titles behind her name: After writing the lyrics to the beautiful ballad, “Say,” recorded by The 5th Dimension, Florence was inspired to continue her song writing. She is recently completing her book, “Let Your Light Shine” on mental, physical and spiritual beauty, and she is also excited about her one woman show, which she wrote, titled “Just As I Am.” Among the rave reviews is this quote from Dr. Mary Sias, President of Kentucky State University where Ms LaRue presented her show: “While the music was uplifting and exciting and delivered with an amazing energy, it was the story interwoven between the songs that was spellbinding.”
When her schedule allows, Ms LaRue is involved in charity work, which includes working with the Ann Douglas Center on skid row in downtown Los Angeles. Many of her community service projects are done without publicity or fanfare.
Ms LaRue is also becoming a sought after speaker. She has a Bachelor’s degree in education, and is especially well received by students from kindergarten to college level. An advocate for education and good health (she is an avid participant in marathons) these are two of her popular topics on which she speaks.
For many years, Ms. LaRue has been an active member of The Church On The Way, in Van Nuys, California, where she especially enjoys singing in the choir, serving with the homeless ministry and missionary work. Florence LaRue is clearly a star who shines for God. She is grateful to Him for the opportunity to speak and minister in the secular and spiritual worlds through her music, writing, speaking and acting, and for blessing her with success. She looks forward to what He has planned for her future.
“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