Florence LaRue ~ The Epitome of Aging Gracefully
Glamorous Florence LaRue, 74, the original member of the legendary 5th Dimension is intelligent, beautiful, and talented. Miss LaRue juggles her roles as mother, grandmother, speaker, actress, vocalist, humanitarian, and six-time Grammy winner with the same electric perfection that she devotes to leading The 5th Dimension and maintaining its’ trademark. The treasured line up of songs you may remember include ‘Aquarius’, ‘One Less Bell to Answer’, ‘Stone Soul Picnic’, and many more.
Ms. LaRue strongly believes that celebrity comes with responsibility and works hard as a concerned citizen, stating “I give my best to whatever I am involved with”. On the personal side, while God and family are Ms. LaRue’s first priorities, her interest include cooking, music of various styles (especially gospel, classical and jazz), reading (particularly inspirational books and biographies of show business personalities), charity work, and her escalating speaking and acting careers.
Recognized as an expert on beauty, Ms. LaRue turns her many experiences into delightful stories that are uplifting and inspiring. She mesmerizing audiences at schools, churches, community and corporate events with primary topics of “Success, Beauty, and Relationship”. The American Society of Jewelry Executives named LaRue one of the ten most beautiful women in the world, standing next to Sophia Loren and Halle Berry. Although, she firmly believes that beauty comes from within. “What I see when I look in the mirror is someone who tries to look her best and stay healthy mentally, physically, and spiritually. I aim to make positive and significant deposits in other people’s lives while pursuing my God directed destiny.”
Performing in the national tour of Broadway’s Tony Award winning musical, “Ain’t Misbehavin” and then staring in the Calgary, Canada production of “Mo Magic” have all worked toward fulfilling Florence’s dream of working in theatre. “It’s exciting. I moved to California to pursue a career in big screen movies, and these experiences bring me one step closer”.
In the past, Ms. LaRue has co-hosted the Arthritis Telethon with Jayne Wyman, judged two segments of “Puttin’ on the Hits”, appeared as a celebrity guest on “Star Search”, led the nationwide audience of “Hour Magazine” to fitness with a televised aerobic lesson, 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. She considered it a great blessing to have been a member of the Billy Graham Crusade choir in November 2004.
Florence graduated from California State College and received her Bachelor’s degree in education during her first year as a member of The 5th Dimension. She served on a mission with a medical / evangelism team to the Gambia, West Africa, Ms. LaRue gained such compassion for the people that she plans to continue mission work in Africa and other countries including the United States. In 1986, Florence LaRue was named Woman of the Year by the City of Hope, and received their prestigious Spirit of Life Award, which resulted in a research fellowship being established in her name for extensive study and treatment of gynecological cancer. She also founded and served on the educational committee of The Mid-City Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles, and was on the board of the Christian Entertainers’ Fellowship. Florence’s volunteer work also includes working with the Special Olympics. Among her most recent award in her “Omni Youth Music & Actor Award” for outstanding support and contribution to the entertainment industry, benefiting the Arts in after school programs.
Although many of her community service projects are performed without publicity or fanfare, it was Florence who initially embraced the cause of abused children as a charitable effort of The 5th Dimension. ”Anything involving children has always been of special concern to me.” To her, education and spiritual guidance are two entities that will ultimately heal and reunite suffering children and the emotionally conflicted parents who abuse them. Florence has also been an active member of the Celebrity Action Council, which ministers to women at the Ann Douglas Center on Skid Row in Los Angeles, California.
Florence LaRue received The President’s Call to Service Award from the White House in 2014 ‘in recognition and appreciation for her commitment to strengthening our Nation and for making a difference through volunteer service.
LaRue is concerned with keeping healthy at every age. She believe that it is important for one to care for one’s mental, physical and spiritual health, and is writing a book and the subject. Preparing to reach her goal of completing a full marathons. She completed three half marathons in one year to receive the California Dreaming metal. She has also participated in several 5k and 10k races to benefit a variety of causes.
LaRue plans to continue touring with The 5th Dimension, and is also excited about the new direction her career has taken as a solo artist. She has added two new titles behind her name, songwriter and author. After writing lyrics to the beautiful ballad, ”Say”, recorded by the 5th Dimension, Florence is inspires to continue song writing. She is also in the process of completing a book soon be published. Let YOUR Light Shine. The Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Dimension of Beauty. Florence also performs a one woman show, “Just as I Am”, which has received rave reviews. The show includes spellbinding stories interwoven between the memorable songs.
Miss LaRue has performed for the prestigious Trumpet Award activities several times, including the prayer breakfast, the pre show, and the formal dinner. She also traveled with the delegation to the Bahamas, where she performed. To quote Ms. Xernona Clayton, the highest African American woman ever at CNN, author, creator and executive producer of the Trumpet Awards, When Florence LaRue sings she displays a myriad of moods and feelings for her audience. She mesmerizes, excites, enthuses and inspires them. She has a compelling voice and enchanting expression.
For many years, she has been an active member of The Church on the Way in Van Nuys, California. Where she especially enjoys singing in the choir and working with the homeless ministry. Florence is clearly a star who shines for God. She is grateful to Him for the opportunity to speak and minister in the world through her music, writing, and acting, and for blessing her with success. She looks forward to what He has planned for her future.
