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
From LaMonte McLemore’s FB page: Dateline Aug 15 — Happy Birthday to our dear friend, our historic colleague, the poetically profound musical genius that made us soar “Up-Up and Away”…Mr. Jimmy Webb. And who can forget “The Magic Garden” album…or “Earthbound,” two of Jimmy’s masterpieces for us? Here we are, The Original 5th Dimension with Jimmy at the Grammys where “Up-Up and Away” was a multi-winner.
Happy New Year from FOREVER 5th DIMENSION!
Dear Robert, Fans & Friends:
Visit Florence LaRue’s lovely updated website at: 
Mac’s hit memoir “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” co-written by Robert-Allan Arno, 2nd edition, is available on Amazon at: 
So put on some hazelnut-flavored coffee, put up a pot of spicy herbal tea, grab some delectable cookies, too…and let’s get cozy with our very gracious, favorite couple, who’ll make YOU “a star in their show”…
Our friend Loretta Sorensen has a couple of thoughtful inquires of each of you: “If you were not in the entertainment business, what other career would you see yourself in? She continues with: “What was your favorite song growing up?”
In this regard, Duane Edwards submitted a reflection: “Does a second commercial for Jello exist? I either dreamed it or saw it once on afternoon TV during the soaps. It went something like this: hands are seen carrying a tray with bowls of Jello into a recording studio to a receptive group. The members of The 5th Dimension are then seen enjoying the treat while listening to their Jello jingle!”
Summer ’17 Highlight! In late July, the vibrant Florence LaRue joined Jimmy Webb onstage at his acoustic concert, Levitt Pavilion Pasadena. The two celebrated the 50th anniversary of UP-UP AND AWAY, performing a delightfully rousing version of the multi-Grammy award winner penned by Webb, a signature hit for The 5th Dimension. Ms. LaRue also celebrates 5 decades with the quintet, today she leads the current 5th Dimension to sold-out shows, globally. Special note: Two fan-favorite “Florence solos”: THIS IS YOUR LIFE and MAGIC IN MY LIFE from the “Portrait” and “Earthbound” albums, respectively were written (and the latter produced) by Webb. –Robert-Allan Arno
The star-studded extravaganza at the “venue of venues,” Carnegie Hall, heralded the tunesmith extraordinaire, composer of such classics as “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “MacArthur Park” and of course, the multi-Grammy winning “Up-Up and Away.” At Forever 5th Dimension, we bring you exclusive coverage with that one-on-one, “MarBill touch”…
You want some “Forever 5th” tid-bits? Let’s shoot to the after-party at the trendy City Winery where Jimmy sighed about every original 5th-D member’s all-time fave album as we chatted: “Ah, ‘The Magic Garden,’ there was nothing like it…it was our very own ‘Sgt. Pepper.'” Billy confided to me about his Carnegie Hall rendition of TWTCH which received a well-deserved standing O, “I wanted to do the song for the fans and especially for Jimmy a bit more slowed down, to draw attention to his words…as it should be.” Marilyn shared while we exchanged vocal preservation tips, “Billy avoided sweets the week before, so his delivery would be extra-crystal clear.” Then we all bit into the celebratory luscious brownie triangles at the post-show soiree!
Back to the stage, performances by other legends including Judy Collins, Art Garfunkel, BJ Thomas, Johnny Rivers, Dwight Yoakam, Catherine Zeta-Jones, surprise guest Michael Feinstein, Amy Grant and Graham Nash (both in duet with Jimmy), Broadway’s Liz Callaway, stunning newcomer currently touring with Stevie Wonder–Shelea and more, displayed the versatility of genre inherent in Webb’s unparalleled songwriting style. The tribute, hosted by Jimmy’s old friend, actor Michael Douglas–with proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Foundation with regard to Jimmy’s friend and colleague Glen Campbell–also helped to usher in Webb’s new memoir, “The Cake and the Rain.” Ashley Campbell, Glen’s daughter made a touchingly memorable musical appearance while Toby Keith made a mighty one with his interpretation of “MacArthur Park.” We’re pleased to bring you the show’s complete song list, here:
FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION 
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