Monthly Archives: July 2025

Happy 56th Wedding Anniversary, Marilyn & Billy! (Featuring a Non-Stop Playlist of 40+ of Their Greatest Performances)

July 26th marks a special date in the hearts of fans and friends who feel Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. have been part of our lives from the very beginning—as musical artists of harmony, grace, and soul… as role models of pure class and individual and collective excellence.

Known as “the First Couple of Pop & Soul,” the 7-time Grammy-winning “You Don’t Have to be a Star” duo and former lead singers of legends, The 5th Dimension, have always invited us to “be in their show.”

This year, the best way to celebrate their wedding anniversary is with this newly updated FOREVER 5th DIMENSION curated non-stop playlist—featuring 40+ of Marilyn & Billy’s greatest recordings and performances, from iconic hits to treasured rarities.

Two of the most distinct and recognizable voices of the Rock and Soul era, Marilyn’s sumptuously lush quality and Billy’s textured, soaring timbre meld to sound “as one”—a remarkable musical alchemy Marilyn once discussed with me in one of our many interviews. Billy concurred: “It’s amazing that Marilyn and I can get a family blend when we sing together!”

And yet, perhaps it’s not so surprising, considering their eternal bond of deep friendship and spiritual faith—as soulmates forever. “We’ll be there, the two of us,” as one of their signature tunes declares. And *“those who knew of us”—*devoted fans like you and me—have warmly woven “MarBill” into the tapestry of our lives.

As I personally thank Marilyn & Billy for their trust, mentorship, and unwavering loving kindness, we now invite you to dig into their non-stop playlist. Just hit the player above, aptly starting with “How Do You Keep the Music Playing”—and let these “lovebirds” of dedication to craft fill the air with incomparable beauty and passion.

Love Always,
Robert-Allan Arno

Don’t miss Marilyn & Billy’s intimate evening at Catalina Jazz, Friday & Saturday, Aug. 15 & 16!

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2025, intellectual property, all rights reserved.

Memories of Chuck Mangione

Chuck Mangione, the celebrated fluegelhorn-playing jazz musician, has passed away at the age of 84. His music, particularly the iconic track “Feels So Good,” resonated with audiences worldwide, earning him two Grammy Awards and a lasting legacy in jazz. In celebration of his artistry, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION features 2 memorable clips of Chuck with Marilyn McCoo, as they seamlessly duet together, instrumentalist with songstress, first to the heavenly “Chase the Clouds Away” (a personal “Solid Gold” favorite performance of Marilyn’s), and then with Ms. McCoo’s signature, “One Less Bell to Answer.” Their charming rapport, not only musically but as professionals and friends who respected and delighted in each other’s gifts, is something to behold, as we remember the timeless musical joy of Chuck Mangione. —Robert-Allan Arno

Bonus! Enjoy Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr.‘s interpretation of Chuck Mangione’s “Land of Make Believe” from the duo’s summer variety series, a FOREVER 5th DIMENSION video production.

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2025, intellectual property, all rights reserved.

Reflections of Connie Francis, and Songwriter, Alan Bergman

This past week, the music world lost the legendary pop songstress Connie Francis, whose early ’60s hits captured her versatility–one of dynamic prowess, playfulness, and adeptness in interpreting both beloved Italian and Jewish tunes. Connie scored hits co-written by Neil Sedaka, including the bubbly “Stupid Cupid” and the anthemic “Where the Boys Are.” Nearly a decade later, The 5th Dimension found chart success with Sedaka songs, too—“Workin’ on a Groovy Thing” and “Puppet Man.” Our prayers are with Connie’s family, whom she always considered to be her legions of global fans.

We also mourn the passing of Alan Bergman, who—alongside his late wife Marilyn—gave us timeless standards such as “The Way We Were” (with Marvin Hamlisch) and “How Do You Keep the Music Playing” (with Michel Legrand). We remember the prolific magic of the Bergmans, as Marilyn McCoo movingly delivers the former, and Marilyn & Billy (Davis, Jr.) duet on the latter from their album The Many Faces of Love. –Robert-Allan Arno

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., intellectual property, all rights reserved, copyright 2008-2025

We Hold These Truths…

The 5th Dimension‘s recording of “The Declaration” reverberates on many levels–to special fans and the group members, themselves–all these years later. The put-to-music version of the preamble to The Declaration of Independence was brought to producer Bones Howe from the play, “Bread, Beans and Things” by the members of the quintet. It was Howe who had the panoramic view to make it part of “The Independence Medley” (combined with “A Change is Gonna Come,” and “People Gotta be Free”) that began side 2 of the statement-making PORTRAIT album.

Simply stated for this 4th of July weekend in 2025, please watch The 5th Dimension’s emotional performance of “The Declaration” with “People Gotta be Free”–a historic one. May it bring a moment of reflection, remembrance, and the feeling of convicted joy in taking action–in our unique ways–in making today’s world a better place. —Robert-Allan Arno

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2025, intellectual property, all rights reserved.