Marilyn & Billy’s “Solid Gold Christmas”–the East Coast leg of their tour at the South Orange Performing Arts Center in New Jersey–was jam-packed with all the greatest hits and fan favorites…an intermission…and then ANOTHER complete show with stage cheerfully decked out as a “winter wonderland.” The ravishing Miss McCoo (in three gown changes this concert!) and dapper Mr. Davis performed every style of holiday fare from deeply personal faith-reflecting Inspirational/Gospel, to jaunty Blues, from Jazzy “Jingle Bells,” to Pop confections, Torchy “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” to four-part harmony (think “Christmastime is Here” sans Charlie Brown, but very “Champagne Soul.”) It was truly Christmas done the “MarBill” way, garnering at least a half-dozen heartfelt standing ovations. And what made it an absolute holiday dream come true? Our 45 years-married, youthful-looking stars are in better voice than ever, if possible to imagine topping those trademark creamy rich McCoo/tonally-textured Davis cords accompanied by each of their emotionally powerful interpretations. Now, this is the type of show that should be taped for perennial seasonal broadcast! Special kudos to Music Director Darrell Alston.
I leave you with a select song list–this time I sat back and savored it all, no notes! I told this to Marilyn and Billy afterward and we had tears in our eyes in our hand-holding fellowship. I think we thought, “What a blessing to have shared such magic for decades and to be able to look forward to continued bright horizons in the new year!”
—Robert-Allan Arno
Select Song List: SOLID GOLD CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Part 1
Up-Up and Away…You Don’t Have to Be a Star…Stoned Soul Picnic (complete with fringed vests!)…Wedding Bell Blues…
One Less Bell to Answer…When a Man Loves a Woman…
How Sweet It Is…Steppin’ Out…You are so Beautiful…
Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In
Part 2
All I Want for Christmas Is You (MarBill do Mariah!)
The Christmas Song (Marilyn solo)
Jingle Bells (a la their Jazzy recording)
Hark the Herald Angels Sing (from Marilyn’s White Christmas CD)
Winter Wonderland (w/ audience participation)
Away in a Manger (Billy)…Silent Night (Marilyn)
Christmastime is Here (in 4 part harmony)
Christmas Baby, Please Come Home (MarBill do Darlene Love!)
Go Tell It on the Mountain (Billy solo)
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas…Little Drummer Boy (the band)
Please Come Home for Christmas (Bells Will Be Ringing) (Billy’s St. Louis Blues!)
O Holy Night (Marilyn’s tour-de-force)
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
That sounds like it was a wonderful concert! I would have loved to have been there, and it would have been fun to see those fringed vests. Surrey on down. Thanks for posting this.
My pleasure, hopefully MarBill will make “Solid Gold Christmas” an annual tour, and will get to your area; always a thrill to promote their stellar appearances!