Celebrating our 18th Year! A TRIBUTE TO THE MULTI-GRAMMY WINNING LEGENDARY STARS of THE ORIGINAL 5TH DIMENSION, Curated by Biographer, Robert-Allan Arno ~~ History & Current Events, Exclusive Quotes & Interviews, Rare Photo Collection! Recommended by McCoo/Davis, LaRue & McLemore!
Happy Birthday to the incomparable Billy Davis, Jr. One of our finest 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.”
As early as THE MAGIC GARDEN album, Billy was a devoted interpreter of the lyric, curious and insistent in knowing composer JimmyWebb’s vision. In turn, Jimmy has cited Billy as one of his all-time favorite vocalists—a testament to the deep creative connection they share.
Billy can get down with grit as heard on “Feelin’ Alright” and “I’ve Got a Feeling,” reveal the sly groove of the St. Louis Blues, or offer up the tender sweetness of “Misty Roses” and “Summer’s Daughter.” With deep Gospel roots, Billy has also drawn inspiration from the cool crooning of legends like Nat “King” Cole, whose influence on his phrasing and lyricism he’s openly shared.
His beloved wife and musical partner, Marilyn McCoo, once confided that it was Billy who helped shape the cadence of her own signature song, “One Less Bell to Answer.” And 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 in their catalog.
Truly, every Billy solo on those classic 5th albums is an event—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.”
Or, later in his career, his deeply felt Gospel rendering of “The Love of God,” produced by the legendary Rev. James Cleveland, stands as a powerful inspirational statement from a man whose faith is foundational.
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 tall as an anthem of unconditional love, just as Billy’s improvised Spiritual flair lit up the quintet’s generation-defining “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.”
“What comes from the heart goes to the heart,” Billy says—and our hearts are indeed full when we think of this ever-optimistic gentleman. As a respected Pastor and a musical role model to many, Billy is a beacon of joy, faith, and artistry.
On a personal note, the many interviews we’ve conducted with Billy and Marilyn for FOREVER 5th DIMENSION—or equally meaningful, having them on the line for rich fellowship—are always a dream. To have a hero as both mentor and friend is one of God’s greatest gifts.
And today, as we unite “all the world over,” we celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Billy Davis, Jr.
With admiration, gratitude, and love, –Robert-Allan Arno Biographer, The Original 5th Dimension
🎶 Enjoy our curated FOREVER 5th DIMENSION playlist here, endorsed by #MarilynBilly—we call it“Billy’s Greatest Solos.” The 30+ tunes unwind like the ticking of a fabulous clock, just hit the button for continuous play:
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2025, intellectual property, all rights reserved.
The unifying, harmonic, and unique “Champagne Soul” essence of The 5th Dimension is timeless. This blog, entering its 18th year this summer, celebrates the group and its original stars’ trailblazing achievements and ongoing positive influence. More recently, the Oscar-winning musical documentary “Summer of Soul,” produced by Questlove, underscored The 5th Dimension’s relevance and joyful acceptance at the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969, during the chart-topping height of their medley of peace and hope for a generation, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.”
Questlove’s newest documentary, “Sly Lives (aka The Burden of Black Genius),” about Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone, alludes to The 5th Dimension (via the above photo flashed onscreen) as a family-friendly quintet that Sly was advised to emulate early in his group’s career, to which he firmly declined. This does not, in any way, disparage The 5th Dimension. As the song “Everyday People” says, “different strokes for different folks.” Plus, the hit commercial sounds of both groups intersected in a tangible and metaphorical harmonious wash. In fact, The 5th Dimension performed “I Want to Take You Higher” in their live act as an audience participation crowd-pleaser, and later, Marilyn & Billy (McCoo & Davis) opened their live shows with “Everyday People.” Maurice White even told 5th mega producer Bones Howe that “Stoned Soul Picnic” quote, did it for him and inspired him to form Earth, Wind & Fire. However, let’s not digress too far, as today’s entry of FOREVER 5th DIMENSION focuses on the following “quintet” of major achievements amid the group’s long history of milestones.
*Grammy History: The official Grammy Awards website states, “The 5th Dimension had two big Grammy nights in 1968 and 1970, scooping up six awards between the two. With those six wins, they became the first group or duo to win twice for Record of the Year: “Up, Up and Away” in 1968, and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)” in 1970.” According to LaMonte McLemore, what they fail to mention is that The 5th Dimension was the first African American group to do so.
*Television First: Similarly, Marilyn and Billy were the first African American married couple to have their own network TV variety series, The Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. Show in the summer of ’77.
*As Ambassadors: The 5th Dimension traveled behind ‘The Iron Curtain’ in April of 1973 as US Cultural Ambassadors, performing concerts for audiences in Turkey, Romania, Czechoslovakia, and Poland. In TV variety show host Ed Sullivan’s newspaper column of the time, FlorenceLaRue is quoted: “The young people rushed the stages…they wanted to touch Black people who they had never seen before.” Later in other interviews, she added, “We were their connection to freedom.” Two points by Ms. LaRue when placed together, that are profoundly meaningful. Returning home, The 5th Dimension were the first entertainers to be featured on TV’s politically oriented “Issues and Answers.”
*On Broadway: The 5th Dimension appeared on Broadway at the Uris Theatre from Nov 27, 1974, and played through Dec 8, 1974. in a musical extravaganza that presented their hits and fresh tunes spotlighting a new musical attitude in a two-part act, complete with comedic skits and poetry selections. Later, other musical artists like Diana Ross and Lena Horne adopted this Broadway concept. My impressionable high school self was present at one of the 2 week-long shows, taking copious notes. Never would I think they’d appear in what would be known as a blog some 50 years later but now seems the right time to give our readers a glimpse into this theatrical spectacular. The show began with a choreographed party skit of “Harlem,” the group’s latest single from the newly released “Soul and Inspiration” album. Marilyn, in long pearls and a feather boa, and Florence’s fluid modern dance moves, made the song a living canvas, not to mention the guys getting down, too, for the tableau that included the support of Jo Jo’s DanceFactory. Solos included Ron’s “One Hell of a Woman,” (yet according to critics, his operatic virtuosity shone other nights with his rendering from “Pagliacci”), Marilyn’s “Loneliness” while intimately sitting centerstage on a stool for this ballad penned by Paul Williams, and Florence’s powerful yet wistful “My Love” by Paul McCartney. In the political commentary medley of “I Just Want to Celebrate/Ball of Confusion” amid strobe lighting and smoke, the complete version of “The Flesh Failures” from HAIR was also included with the familiar “let the sunshine” part delivered differently than usual, as a melancholy battle cry. A scorching “Fire” ensued with lyrics that included, “When you were a baby, your mama told you not to play with fire,” a song recorded by Osibisa, a British-Ghanaian-Caribbean Afro rock band. This was followed by a touching “Tomorrow Belongs to the Children,” from The 5th Dimension’s “Individually and Collectively” album.
After intermission with the Dance Factory, “Celebrate Life” (a reggae-tinged hit made popular by Johnny Nash) had Marilyn, Florence, Billy, LaMonte and Ron coming down the aisles from the back of the theater, and later, “What is Hip?” by Tower of Power had Billy effortlessly shaking the rafters. Cleverly, this was the first time the audience was asked to shout-out their favorite 5th song requests. Besides “Up, Up and Away,” “One Less Bell,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” Music Director, John Myles was ready with The 5th to treat us to such older gems as “Paper Cup,” “Carpet Man,” “Sweet Blindness,” and “Never My Love.”
Before the funky finale of “Dancin’ Machine” made popular by The Jackson 5, comedy segments where Billy was mistaken for Sammy Davis, Jr., and Florence spoofed Diana Ross brought laughs. But the moment of revelation was what Playbill noted as the Black Poetry segment featuring the works of Langston Hughes, Jaci Early, Sandra Sharper, and Paul LawrenceDunbar. Marilyn coming forward to deliver Nikki Giovanni’s “Revolutionary Dreams” was a stand-out. We recently lost this beloved nationally renowned poet of Civil Rights, and as a tribute, we respectfully share Ms. Giovanni’s poem:
Revolutionary Dreams
i used to dream militant
dreams of taking
over america to show
these white folks how it should be
done
i used to dream radical dreams
of blowing everyone away with my perceptive powers
of correct analysis
i even used to think i’d be the one
to stop the riot and negotiate the peace
then i awoke and dug
that if i dreamed natural
dreams of being a natural
woman doing what a woman
does when she’s natural
i would have a revolution
Source | Giovanni, Nikki. “Revolutionary Dreams” (1970) in The Women and the Men. New York City: William Morrow, 1975.
Footnote: While The 5th Dimension was co-hosting The Mike Douglas Show, Ms. Giovanni was on the panel. Very quietly, Marilyn mentioned, “We performed your poem during our show,” to which Nikki humbly nodded with an appreciative smile.
Speaking of Broadway, The 5th Dimension (Florence, LaMonte, Ron with Joyce Wright and Michael Procter) were the first singing group to take a Broadway show, Fats Waller’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’” on the road, in the ‘80’s. Marilyn starred on Broadway in the 1990’s revival of “Showboat,” in the leading role of Julie.
*Reunion & A Star: The Original 5th Dimension’s successful reunion tour (described extensively in LaMonte McLemore’s memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension”) began in Atlantic City, New Year’s Eve of 1990 to sell-out crowds and toured for a few years. On August 9, 1991, after a memorable appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show, The Original 5th Dimension received their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Today, while Florence leads the current 5th Dimension in-concert to sold-out crowds, Marilyn & Billy perform as a well-respected duo. McCoo & Davis’s recent critically acclaimed CD, “Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons” was a musical call for Civil and Human Rights. Pastor Billy’s ministry along with wife, Marilyn named Soldiers for the Second Coming brings praise and worship to their west coast congregation and can be seen on YouTube and internet TV. Last year, Marilyn & Billy and Florence attended and gave speeches at LaMonte’s “Black is Beautiful” event in Las Vegas, celebrating his accomplishments and coffee table book of the same title, reflecting his legacy photographic work for JET magazine’s “Beauty of the Week.” In separate interviews, Florence and Billy agree, “The 5th Dimension…we’ll always be a family.”
UPCOMING EXCLUSIVE! In March, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION brings an exclusive interview with the producer John Florez, featuring never-before-shared commentary AND an alternative take tune from the vaults…a true “Soul & Inspiration” experience we look forward to!
Special thanks to Marilyn & Billy, Florence, LaMonte, and their respective representation for their eternal soul & inspiration, kindness, mentorship and abiding friendship. In Loving Memory of Ron “Sweets” Townson
Consider! To the amazing global fans & our thousands of visitors, as the Executive Director, I ask you to please consider a tax-deductible donation to the America to Africa Higher Education Foundation, where LaMonte is on the Board at: www.AmericatoAfricaHigherEducationFoundation.com
–Robert-Allan Arno
Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, and “The 5th Dimension Milestones,” a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2025, intellectual property, all rights reserved.
June 29: On this date in 1969, The 5th Dimension appeared onstage with a song list that included “Doncha Hear Me Callin’ to Ya,” and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” at the now legendary Harlem Cultural Festival. Their performance along with other greats was filmed over the course of the festival’s multi-days and is part of the recent hit Oscar-winning documentary “Summer of Soul,” produced by Questlove. Marilyn McCoo (pictured) and BillyDavis, Jr. also appear, giving current commentary. As #BlackMusicMonth24 comes to a close, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION honors this important date in 5th Dimension History.
–Robert-Allan Arno
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2024, intellectual property, all rights reserved. Photos: Arno 5th Legacy Collection
(Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a Production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-23, Intellectual Property, all rights reserved. Photos: Arno Legacy Collection)
“Up-Up and Away” Album Recording Session: l to r, Florence, Ron, Marilyn, Billy, LaMonte, Bones Howe and Jimmy Webb
3/18/23: We’re wishing a #Happy90thBirthday to The Original 5th Dimension’s “Man with the Golden Ears,” Mr. Bones Howe. LaMonte McLemore shares, “Here’s to our Grammy-winning mega-producer! As The 5th’s founder, I’d always tell Bones these words: ‘Keep doin’ what you’re doin’!’ He’d always call me ‘Mac’ and I always knew he was humbly appreciative about my seal of approval, ‘visionary to visionary!’” Florence LaRue notes, “Bones would bring us tunes, really clever ones we’d never consider. We were thinking more Motown, he was bringing us Pop-Soul that would eventually make history.” Marilyn McCoo comments emotionally, “When I went back to the studio to hear what Bones did with the Independence Medley from our PORTRAIT album: ‘The Declaration,’ ‘A Change is Gonna Come,” and ‘People Gotta be Free’…I was astounded!” Marilyn and Billy (Davis, Jr.) told FOREVER 5th DIMENSION with a cute chuckle, “Bones always told us to keep it simple in our solos….keep it simple!” Bones himself concurred, “They were such powerhouses, reigning it in made for spectacular recorded performances–Billy was like a horse-power engine under the hood, Marilyn’s plaintive quality was tear-jerking.” When you’d see “Production & Sound by Bones Howe” on one of The 5th Dimension’s latest albums, you’d get a thrill and a chill—yes, you could expect some unique, “patent leather perfect” Champagne Soul!
It was Bones’ genius that put together “Aquarius” with “Let the Sunshine In” from Broadway’s HAIR…it became a Platinum mash-up for the generations and has found new popularity as portrayed by The 5th Dimension, circa ’69 in the Oscar-nominated docu-film “Summer of Soul.” All the stars of The Original 5th Dimension, and myself as the group’s biographer and someone mentored by Bones, concur that he was ever the most assuring and mellow gentleman whose creative finesse helped to unite diverse people, the world over. Please join us in wishing “Mr. Bones” special blessings on the occasion of his milestone 90th birthday. ~~Robert-Allan Arno, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION
The 5th Dimension & Bones, with his Grammy for “Aquarius/Sunshine”…The 5th received 2 for the medley, too!
Bonus Fact as told to FOREVER 5th DIMENSION: Do you know some of Bones’ personal favorites by The 5th Dimension? “Summer’s Daughter” and “The Worst that Could Happen” from the MAGIC GARDEN album, “Sweet Blindness,” “Workin’ on a Groovy Thing,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Puppet Man,” “Never My Love,” “Open Your Window”
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-23, intellectual property, all rights reserved.)
3/12: On this day in 1970, The 5th Dimension‘s “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” is named Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards. It’s actually one of two for The 5th’s medley plus one for producer, our dear friend, Bones Howe. LaMonte McLemore notes, “We’re the only African American vocal group to have won Record of the Year 2 years in a row (the other for ‘Up-Up and Away.’)” #MarilynBilly (McCoo & Davis) share the medley’s magical story of “the lost wallet” in today’s Oscar-nominated film “Summer of Soul.” In his hit memoir, FROM HOBO FLATS TO THE 5TH DIMENSION, Mac touchingly adds: “I’m heartened to hear from Vietnam Vets to this day, that the medley made them feel closer to home when they would hear it on Armed Forces Radio.” A “mash-up” by way of Broadway’s HAIR, Florence LaRue underscores in concert and interviews, “‘Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In’ truly stands for The 5th Dimension’s message of uplifting harmony and peace, something so relevant in 2022.”
~~Robert-Allan Arno, Forever 5th Dimension…thank you fans, friends & stars for our 15th year!
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-22, intellectual property, all rights reserved)
3/18: Happy Birthday to the man with the “golden ears,” Mr. Bones Howe, the Grammy-winning mega-producer of The Original 5th Dimension. I’d always tell Bones, “Keep doin’ what you’re doin’!” and he’d always smile humbly in appreciation of his “Mac.” When you’d see “Production & Sound by Bones Howe” on our albums, you could expect some patent leather perfect Champagne Soul! It was Bones’ genius that put together “Aquarius” with “Let the Sunshine In,” making it a Platinum mash-up for the generations. Did you know one of his favorite album cuts is “Summer’s Daughter” off our “Magic Garden” album? Bones was always the kindest, most assuring, and mellow gentleman whose musical vision helped to unite diverse people. Please join us in wishing him special blessings on his special day. We Love ya, Mr. B! ~~LaMonte McLemore with Robert-Allan Arno for Team Mac
(Photo Collage: Top–“Up-Up & Away” recording session, l to r: Florence, Ron, Marilyn, Billy, LaMonte, Bones, Jimmy Webb); “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” single sleeve–Production & Sound by Bones Howe; The Original 5th Dimension; LaMonte at home amid gold/platinum records; Bottom–Bones Howe)
(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2021, Intellectual Property, All Rights Reserved)
#HolidayCool Many thanks to our good friends at the #1 oldies internet station, Rewound Radio. Their year-end Top 77 hits of all time for 2020 is in, and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” and “One Less Bell to Answer” by The 5th Dimension all made the Top 77 with “Aquarius/Sunshine” at #19! With special appreciation to program director Allan Sniffen, and YOU, the wonderful fans who voted for their fave all-time Rock n’ Soul hits! You can listen to Rewound and enjoy the Top 77 all this week through New Year’s day at: www.rewoundradio.com
Happy Birthday Billy Davis, Jr. — His Greatest Solos!
Dateline June 26: Billy Davis, Jr. is truly an American treasure. The multi-Grammy winning soul stylist, with roots as lead singer of The Original 5th Dimension, along with his beautiful wife of soon-to-be 51 years, Marilyn McCoo, has an instantly recognizable voice like no other. Fellow-5th mate Florence LaRue declares, “No one sounds like Billy…he can break your heart!” And his best comrade, 5th-founder LaMonte McLemore punctuates his own memoir (“From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension’) acknowledging, “Billy’s lead on ‘A Change is Gonna Come’ says it all.” Mac adds, “Not to mention his ‘havin’ church’ on our biggest hit ‘Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.'” Yes, the man who implored the world to “Sing along with The 5th Dimension” invited us to share in his own harmonic journey….that of an incomparable legacy artist, a stellar showman, and an inspiring faith-based figure.
Marilyn reminds, “Billy always says, ‘What comes from the heart, goes to the heart.'” Heralded by the likes of Jimmy Webb (“Up-Up and Away”), Eddie Levert (The O’Jays) and Maurice White (Earth, Wind & Fire), Billy humbly sums up his talents best of all, “That’s not me…it’s God working through me!”
May 4, 2020: FOREVER 5th DIMENSION is so pleased to unveil something extra-fresh off the press! Enjoy an all-new “spotlight interview” with LaMonte McLemore for BACKBEAT R & B Magazine! LaMonte talks with Belinda Barnes about his trailblazing vision, his favorite tunes by The 5th Dimension, and his life’s greatest inspirations and achievements. Learn all about what “Mac” is up to today and read a heartfelt message he has for you, his special fans. As LaMonte’s biographer & press rep, I was so happy to “orchestrate” this lovely feature, thanks Belinda & BACKBEAT! –Robert-Allan Arno
Dig into “Up-Up and Away with LaMonte McLemore” here, at this link:
You can listen to Rewound and enjoy the Top 77 all this week through New Year’s day at: 
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
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