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!
Countdown to Halloween: “Mac (LaMonte) the Visionary” predicts a “treat” of upcoming new surprises from FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, the globally acclaimed blog trusted by the stars of The Original 5th Dimension, now in our 18th year!
Fun Notes: Tunes like “The Riverwitch” (Billy solo), and “Magic in My Life” (Florence solo with lyrics like “make me feel superstitious”), surely fit the mood of October 31st! Then there’s Marilyn‘s favorite solo, “Love’s Lines, Angles and Rhymes” which also has that mystical vibe. The author of the latter, Dorothea Joyce told FOREVER 5th DIMENSION exclusively, “There was no one better to interpret the song’s mystery of love, stream of consciousness feeling than Marilyn!” —Robert-Allan Arno
And we begin November with this prestigious event!
@thesherylleeralph and @thedivafoundation are proud to honor the legendary duo Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. at the 35th Annual DIVAS Simply Singing! 🌟
From The 5th Dimension to their timeless love story, Marilyn and Billy have spent decades using their voices to uplift, inspire, and unite generations through music. Their harmony — both onstage and in life — continues to remind us what it means to shine with purpose. ✨
Join us as we honor this dynamic duo with the Legacy of Love Humanitarian Award presented by @aarp for their extraordinary legacy of artistry, love, and philanthropy. 🥂✨
🎶 Saturday, November 1, 2025 📍 Taglyan Complex | Los Angeles 🎟️ divas35.eventbrite.com
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2025, intellectual property, all rights reserved.
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.
June 26: It surely makes sense that Black Music Month encompasses the birthday of one of America’s greatest Soul singers, Mr. Billy Davis, Jr., and more than that, a personal role model, friend, pastoral mentor, and a true gentleman. Join FOREVER 5th DIMENSION at the link below*, for our updated for ’24 in-depth tribute to Billy with quotes from the stars and a song playlist that features new additions—now OVER 30 of his greatest curated solos, from all “decades & dimensions” of his career, and approved by McCoo & Davis, themselves…
Friends & Fans, join the star-studded “Billy Celebration” and hit the player for “non-stop Sir Davis” at this link as we say, “Happy Birthday Blessings, Billy…with our admiration, love and deep appreciation,”
Or for your convenience, just stay here and hit the video player for non-stop Billy!
Just in! We’re sharing this very special sentiment from Marilyn & Billy’s management, as expressed by Jason Winters: “Billy, wishing you the best birthday ever. You are the essence of God’s greatness. You walk in His Grace and Power. Your heart, wisdom, love and artistry are supreme. The Original 5th Dimension and the duo of Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr, could never have happened without the miracle of you.”❤️
Forever 5th Dimension by Arno a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-24, intellectual property, all rights reserved
September 30 is a memorable day for the millions of fans of Marilyn McCoo because her birthday–and 2023’s milestone one at that–brings a time of reflection on her artistry and exemplary persona. The 7-time Grammy award winner whose roots are with the legendary quintet, The 5th Dimension along with hubby of over 50 years & duet partner, Billy Davis, Jr. is known for her elegance, grace, way with a torch song, and a smooth, soulfully healing multi-octave voice that is simply as astonishingly beautiful as the woman herself.
30 Performances–FOREVER 5th DIMENSION presents The Best of Marilyn!
In honor of her milestone birthday, 2023, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION is pleased to share our 30 curated performances (reviewed by Marilyn & Billy, themselves!)–Marilyn’s hit Solos with The 5th, her “Solid Gold” tunes, live TV segments, inspirational, Broadway and movie theme moments– yes, a real “deep dive” into the musical magic that is La McCoo including a unique twist on some of the classics. (*See Song List below!) And special thanks to the many YouTube fans who have saved such special performances for us to savor!
Press the button to start the “Marilyn Listening Party,” here:
Today, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. known as “The First Couple of Pop n’ Soul,” perform in concert across the country, to sold-out crowds and rave reviews. Their recent resurgence with a critically acclaimed CD, “Blackbird: Lennon–McCartney Icons” and being part of the Oscar-winning docu-film SUMMER OF SOUL has brought a renewed spotlight on their eternal talents.
We complete our special tribute to Marilyn featuring the following quotes given exclusively to FOREVER 5th DIMENSION by renowned musical colleagues including legendary songwriters whose work Marilyn has interpreted. And personally, may I add my heartfelt appreciation to Marilyn. Over many years if not decades of knowing and working with her, Billy and the original members of The 5th Dimension, she has been an encouraging force, a mentor, an arbiter of good taste, fairness and loyalty–as an artist myself, I am wishing a cherished friend abundant blessings on her milestone birthday, with love. –Robert-Allan Arno, 2023
Exclusive Quotes–Tributes to Marilyn
Jimmy Webb: “Marilyn…when we first started working on ‘Up-Up and Away’ with the 5th Dimension, I had laid eyes on one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. When I get the opportunity to sing with Marilyn and Billy today, I always make sure to up my vocal game!”
Richard Addrisi (“Never My Love”): “If I could take any voice and bottle it, it would surely be Marilyn McCoo’s…her voice is love!”
Neil Sedaka (“Working on a Groovy Thing,” “Puppet Man,”): Marilyn is what is noted as ‘the singer’s singer.’ I am a true fan, anytime I’ve gotten to sing with her, like duetting on ‘The Hungry Years’ on SOLID GOLD, is a total joy.”
Dorothea Joyce (“Love’s Lines, Angles & Rhymes”): She’s in the stratosphere with Barbra Streisand and Lena Horne. Marilyn possesses superior vocal chops and interpretive skills, no one else could have done ‘Love’s Lines’ justice.”
Randy McNeil (“If I Could Reach You”): “An unmatchable vocal performance, with a voice so mellow it could melt our hearts yet possessing an electrifying energy. God’s gift to her has been her gift to us.”
Bones Howe (Grammy-winning Producer, The 5th Dimension): “Marilyn has that quality…it’s plaintive with a subtle cry in her voice, it’s very feminine, and it’s all her own. I think she (and Billy, too) should be singing forever…even with just a piano!”
LaMonte McLemore, founding member The 5th Dimension: “We go way back to our days with the Hi-Fi’s and have fun nicknames for one another to this day, mine is ‘Herm,’ hers is…I’ll let her tell you! Marilyn stands for class, she is a voice of reason, and always beautiful.”
Billy Davis, Jr., husband: “Marilyn always mentions that she learns for me. Well, I like listening to her voice, I learn from her, too. Among many things, I love the way she pronounces her words!”
*SONG LIST:
Open Your Window
Who’s Crying Now (live)
I’m On Your Side (Theme from “Chapter Two”)
(Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All (live)
Love’s Line’s Angles & Rhymes
Overjoyed (live)
If Only for One Night (live)
Saving All My Love for You
Bill (from SHOWBOAT) (live)
Wedding Bell Blues (live)
Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye
One Less Bell to Answer
Never My Love (2008 version)
If I Could Reach You (live)
When Did I Lose Your Love
The Long & Winding Road
Why Should I Care (live)
I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues (live)
Any Day Now (live)
Chase the Clouds Away (live with Chuck Mangione)
A Song for You/At this Moment (live)
Heart Stop Beating in Time
This Girl’s in Love with You
The Me Nobody Knows
Out Here on My Own (live)
I Dreamed a Dream (live)
O Holy Night
Sweet Little Jesus Boy (live)
My Tribute (To God be the Glory) (live)
Blackbird
Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., intellectual property, all rights reserved, copyright 2008-2023; Photo Credits: Arno 5th Legacy McCoo/Davis Collection, Deniserose Torres, LaMonte McLemore
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