Tag Archives: Earth Wind & Fire

Celebrating Billy’s Birthday ’18!

Posted on June 26, 2018 | Leave a comment
Today June 26, we honor Billy Davis, Jr.’s special day. Our 7-time Grammy winning Gentleman of Soul has been regarded as a major “influencer” to such beloved luminaries as Maurice White and Gerald Levert of Earth, Wind & Fire and The O’Jays, respectively. Tunesmith Jimmy Webb considers Billy to be one of our all-time greatest singers…and of course, so does his lovely wife of soon-to-be 49 years, Marilyn McCoo. And you, the special fans all have your favorite “Billy solos” and vocal moments!  Go on over, today to the Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. (Official) Fan page on Facebook…then mention a few of your faves as you wish Billy a “Happy Birthday”…AND be eligible to win an autographed copy of Marilyn & Billy’s LIVE double-CD. (See rules at the thread!)
Billy Birthday Collage TWO
And @mccoodavis on Twitter (official), a page I’m so pleased to curate for our duo, we’ve been featuring a pre-birthday week Tweet-a-day with quotes from Marilyn & Billy and links to some very special “Billy solos”…we’re going to review them for you right now at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION, for your “Billy listening party!”  Enjoy, as I personally wish to recognize a role model whose impeccable interpretations and gentle spirit reflect a state of Godliness that brings revelation and peace with each year I have the pleasure of knowing Sir Billy Davis, Jr.  –Robert-Allan Arno
This past week, Marilyn & Billy Tweeted:

#BillyBDay Marilyn: We’re beginning our week-long celebration leading to Billy’s birthday by bringing you my husband’s special solos–my faves, his, & yours! For #TuesdayGroove the question is…are U “Feelin’ Alright?”
Listen here: youtu.be/x_O-hj-SbEw

#BillyBirthdayCountdown Marilyn: “When we were planning tunes for THE MANY FACES OF LOVE project, I thought the classic ‘When a Man Loves a Woman’ would be ideal for Billy’s voice and style!” Billy: “And I’m so glad my wife suggested it!” Enjoy it here: https://t.co/K601FgNesF

#BillyBDayCountdown #ThrowbackThurs People tell us this particular song from the #IndividuallyandCollectively album has resonated for them over the years. Its title alone brings words to live by: “Leave a Little Room.”
Listen here: youtu.be/KDp2B_ac5Y8

#FashionFriday #BillyBdayCountdown We feature this mashup of “The Worst that Could Happen”/”Wedding Bell Blues” because quite simply, these Webb/Nyro gems never go out of style! Marilyn: “Billy’s interpretation of @realjimmywebb’s lyric is so powerful!” https://t.co/tlXEnB57N7

Photo of 5th Dimension

#SundaySunshine #BillyBdayCountdown Sing along with us as we “Let the Sunshine In” on this 1st Sunday of #Summer18! Listen here: youtu.be/afoIYhgJbI4

#BillyBdayCountdown Singing #SamCooke‘s “A Change is Gonna Come” over the years has been a blessing. When people comment on how my performance has moved them, I say: “That’s not me…it’s God working through me.” –Billy
Watch a special presentation here: https://t.co/PoRiOQHWjT

Summer Bonus! Enjoy this sweet-soul delight (one of producer Bones Howe’s personal faves!) from “The Magic Garden…”she’s a flower child,” #Summer’s Daughter: https://youtu.be/fA9ldtBG5FU

Lastly, Billy’s motto is “What comes from the heart…goes to the heart.” From the “Earthbound” album, here’s “Speaking with My Heart”: https://youtu.be/jABmrdv4Zoc

Billy Center

(Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, copyright 08-18, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., all rights reserved)

 

 

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Remembering Maurice White

Posted on February 5, 2016 | 1 comment

maurice white two

FOREVER 5th DIMENSION expresses prayerful sympathies on the loss of Maurice White, founder of legends Earth, Wind & Fire. In his memoir, FROM HOBO FLATS TO THE 5th DIMENSION, LaMonte McLemore noted how all the up & coming artists, from The Temptations, to The 5th Dimension, to Earth, Wind & Fire, would pool their monies and their dreams, staying at “Hobo Flats” as a supportive launch pad to their mutual successes. Moreover, in my liner notes to The Ultimate 5th Dimension CD, producer Bones Howe shared this about the hit, “Stoned Soul Picnic”: “Maurice White confessed to me that when he heard ‘Stoned Soul,’ it quote, did it for him! It inspired him to form Earth, Wind & Fire!”

Maurice White, his unparalleled vision and artistry are eternal.

–Robert-Allan Arno

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