Dateline June 26: Happy Birthday to the incomparable Billy Davis, Jr. One of the world’s greatest Soul singers, with a voice that is instantly recognizable, Billy’s gift lies in his ability to turn a ballad into “the movies of his mind.” Then he can turn on a dime and put the funky groove or the Gospel-tinged improvisation into our most memorable tunes.
As early as THE MAGIC GARDEN album, Billy was an astutely sensitive interpreter of the lyrics, curious but insistent in knowing composer Jimmy Webb’s vision. Conversely, Jimmy has cited Billy as one of his all-time favorite vocalists—a testament to the deep mutual respect they share. Maurice White, too, of Earth, Wind and Fire singled out Billy as an influence, as well as The 5th Dimension as a whole.
Billy, as producer Bones Howe says, is like a major “horsepower engine under the hood” when it comes to delivering “Feelin’ Alright” and “I’ve Got a Feeling,” too. You’ll hear the sly Blues undertones of his native St. Louis in his superlative covers of “Help” and “When a Man Loves a Woman,” the latter his wife of over 50 years, Marilyn McCoo told me she convinced him to record for their MANY FACES OF LOVE project. Fellow Original 5th-mate Florence LaRue has a personal favorite of Billy’s—one of tender sweetness, “Misty Roses” while one of producer Bones’s favorites in that department is “Summer’s Daughter.” Billy in interviews with both Michael Feinstein and here at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION has stated he’s drawn stylish inspiration from the cool crooning of legends like Nat “King” Cole.
“It’s non-stop Billy…at the player below!”
More from his beloved wife and musical partner, Marilyn, who confided that it was Billy who helped shape the authentic cadence of her own signature song, “One Less Bell to Answer.” And founding 5th member, the late LaMonte McLemore has an eternal favorite—Yes, when Billy poured his soul into Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” on The 5th Dimension’s PORTRAIT album, it became a watershed moment of their entire recorded catalog.
Truly, every Billy solo on those classic 5th albums is not only a precious gem but is “event listening”—whether it’s “The Worst that Could Happen,” “Requiem: 820 Latham,” “Let It Be Me,” “The Singer,” “Leave a Little Room,” or “Speaking with My Heart.” And Billy himself has shared a chuckle with FOREVER 5th over quirky tunes like “Rosecrans Boulevard,” and “Diggin’ for a Livin’.”
Later in his career, his rendering of “The Love of God,” from his Gospel album (produced by the legendary Rev. James Cleveland), is a powerful testimony of ultimate faith from a man who today, is also a pastor. According to Billy, “Those songs are God working through me.”
Let’s not forget his seven Grammy Awards—earned both with The 5th Dimension and in duet with Marilyn. The twosome’s hit “You Don’t Have to Be a Star” stands with danceable grace as an anthem of unconditional love, just as Billy’s improvised “take it to church” contribution to the quintet’s generation-defining “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” ushered the mashup of “harmony and understanding” to the mountaintop of six straight weeks at Number 1.
“What comes from the heart goes to the heart,” Billy proclaims about the art of delivering a tune—and our hearts are indeed full when we think of his gentle, intuitive, consistently sunny demeanor…Billy Davis, Jr. is certainly a role model to millions.
On a personal note, the many interviews we’ve conducted with Billy and Marilyn for FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, or equally meaningful, having them call me to share rich fellowship, are ever a dream for me. To have a hero as both influential mentor and wise friend is one of God’s greatest gifts.
So, fans, friends and family, let’s unite “all the world over,” as we celebrate the extraordinary life and musical legacy of Billy Davis, Jr., and savor this special FOREVER 5th DIMENSION curated playlist of over 30 of his most memorable solo performances (just hit the non-stop player below! *)
With our respect, gratitude, and love,
Robert-Allan Arno with Worldwide Fans
Biographer, The Original 5th Dimension
*Press “play” for non-stop Billy, over 30 of his greatest solos:
FOREVER 5th DIMENSION by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2026, intellectual property, all rights reserved. Re-printing without permission is prohibited.
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
You must be logged in to post a comment.