FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION

Years ago, on the Sally Jesse Raphael talk show (before it became a forum of sensationalism) the guest was none other than Marilyn McCoo fresh off her (first) multi-year run hosting “Solid Gold.” It was a warm and inspirational interview, with Sally’s admiration for Marilyn on full heartwarming, respectful view. Moreover, Billy totally surprised his wife by joining the panel. With happy tears, Marilyn cutely shared, “I was mad at him because he didn’t answer the phone when I called earlier…now I know why!”

What was curious about this appearance was the montage of albums, press photos, and assorted memorabilia that was shown before the commercial break which included none other than an album cover titled “Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.’s Greatest Hits.” “How did I miss this compilation!” I thought? Management, when asked, had never heard of it, either. The mystery prevailed all these years and somehow popped into my mind recently. Upon internet search, I finally found the answer! It’s a foreign release from the Philippines, an area that is a big supporter of Marilyn & Billy’s and The 5^th Dimension’s music, in fact, tunes not necessarily hits in America like “Saving All My Love for You,” and “Somebody Warm Like Me” charted there, as Marilyn & Billy shared with FOREVER 5^th DIMENSION a few years ago, right after the duo appeared in concert at Manila’s famed Araneta Center arena.

Issued in 1980, here is the side A & B set list of “Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.’s Greatest Hits”…see if you agree with the choices. Personally, I’m happy to see “Never Gonna Let You Go” (should have been a single!), and “Easy Way Out” which WBLS in New York City, the nation’s top R & B station played as their choice pick at the time of Marilyn & Billy’s first duet album release, “I Hope We Get to Love in Time” which soon after garnered the mega hit and Grammy winner, “You Don’t Have to be a Star.” Interestingly, the follow-up, top 10 charting single to “Star,” “Your Love” is not included on the album set. However, Billy’s solo, “Stay with Me” is a great counter to Marilyn’s precursor version of Whitney Houston’s “Saving All My Love.” Culled from McCoo & Davis’s 3 duet albums of the ‘70’s, the hits package comprises singles including “My Reason to Be” and “Shine on Silver Moon,” cross-cultural fan favorites, and more than a few surprises. And yes, for collectors, it’s nearly impossible to find! 

—Robert-Allan Arno, copyright 2024, FOREVER 5^th DIMENSION