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 Jimmy Webb’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.
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
You must be logged in to post a comment.