Tag Archives: #MarilynBilly

Happy 56th Wedding Anniversary, Marilyn & Billy! (Featuring a Non-Stop Playlist of 40+ of Their Greatest Performances)

Posted on July 25, 2025 | Leave a comment

July 26th marks a special date in the hearts of fans and friends who feel Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. have been part of our lives from the very beginning—as musical artists of harmony, grace, and soul… as role models of pure class and individual and collective excellence.

Known as “the First Couple of Pop & Soul,” the 7-time Grammy-winning “You Don’t Have to be a Star” duo and former lead singers of legends, The 5th Dimension, have always invited us to “be in their show.”

This year, the best way to celebrate their wedding anniversary is with this newly updated FOREVER 5th DIMENSION curated non-stop playlist—featuring 40+ of Marilyn & Billy’s greatest recordings and performances, from iconic hits to treasured rarities.

Two of the most distinct and recognizable voices of the Rock and Soul era, Marilyn’s sumptuously lush quality and Billy’s textured, soaring timbre meld to sound “as one”—a remarkable musical alchemy Marilyn once discussed with me in one of our many interviews. Billy concurred: “It’s amazing that Marilyn and I can get a family blend when we sing together!”

And yet, perhaps it’s not so surprising, considering their eternal bond of deep friendship and spiritual faith—as soulmates forever. “We’ll be there, the two of us,” as one of their signature tunes declares. And *“those who knew of us”—*devoted fans like you and me—have warmly woven “MarBill” into the tapestry of our lives.

As I personally thank Marilyn & Billy for their trust, mentorship, and unwavering loving kindness, we now invite you to dig into their non-stop playlist. Just hit the player above, aptly starting with “How Do You Keep the Music Playing”—and let these “lovebirds” of dedication to craft fill the air with incomparable beauty and passion.

Love Always,
Robert-Allan Arno

Don’t miss Marilyn & Billy’s intimate evening at Catalina Jazz, Friday & Saturday, Aug. 15 & 16!

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2025, intellectual property, all rights reserved.

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Marilyn, Billy, Toni & Daryl

Posted on May 29, 2025 | Leave a comment

#MarilynBilly‘s 1977 appearance on the Captain & Tennille’s variety show remains a fan favorite classic with Marilyn, Billy and Toni trading powerful vocals on “You’re All I Need to Get By” and Daryl providing soulful keyboard orchestration. It’s on YouTube courtesy of our friend DeniseRose/In Celebration and we’re featuring this moment at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION for #ThrowbackThursday. ENJOY!

Bonus shot! Marilyn presents with the Captain & Tennille at the America Music Awards circa the 80’s, while Marilyn was hosting “Solid Gold”

Forever 5th Dimension by Robert-Allan Arno, copyright 2008-25, intellectual property, all rights reserved, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd.

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Marilyn & Billy in Concert, Outdoors on Aug. 13…Free of Charge!

Posted on July 29, 2024 | Leave a comment

It’s Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. in concert, outdoors, free-to-the-public, on Tuesday, August 13, 8pm at the 101st Season of the Redlands Bowl Performing Arts Summer Music Festival!…

The Redlands Bowl, Redlands, California welcomes the iconic duo behind such hits as “You Don’t Have to be a Star (To be in My Show),” “Your Love” and “Shine on Silver Moon.” The two have received seven Grammy Awards and multiple gold and platinum records, performing at sold-out concerts worldwide, all following their years as part of the iconic group, The 5th Dimension, whose hits include “Up, Up & Away,” “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” “One Less Bell to Answer,” and “Wedding Bell Blues.”   

Get set to celebrate the great Rock and Soul duets of the ’60s, ’70s, and beyond! 

Our Forever 5th Dimension West Coast Fans & Friends, and those flying in, go here for more information:

Upcoming Performances

Concert Photo Courtesy Deniserose Torres, Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-24. All Rights Reserved.

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Happy 55th Wedding Anniversary, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.

Posted on July 25, 2024 | Leave a comment

Dateline July 26, 2024: Happy 55th wedding anniversary to more than the 7-time Grammy winning “First Couple of Pop & Soul”…they are our longtime musical angels, role models of not only artistic excellence but for exemplifying a faith & friendship-based union…for so many of us, a couple who has brightened, informed, and enhanced our lives for decades. They are part of our extended family. Individually, two of the most distinctive voices of the Rock n’ Soul era, and collectively, simply adorable. Here’s to you, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., FOREVER 5th DIMENSION wishes you a lovely anniversary celebration…with much more magic to come! We send many Blessings with lots of Love,

—Robert-Allan Arno & Worldwide Fans

Over 30 Songs! Enjoy this Forever 5th Dimension playlist, “Marilyn & Billy’s Greatest Moments” with lots of hits, fan favorites, and rarities…over 30 specially curated recordings and television appearances throughout their vast careers. Hit the video here, for non-stop MarBill!:

And thank you Marilyn & Billy, for your gracious feedback on our curated compilation, as follows:

Dear Robert:

We just finished watching your beautifully produced tribute to our 55th anniversary!  What a special way for you to show your love, understanding and appreciation of our work and our lives together!!  The performances you chose and the order in which you presented them was genius.  The way you wove our years together with the group and the performances since then captured the essence of who we are and what has mattered in our lives.  We laughed and we cried as we enjoyed so many wonderful memories. Some videos you chose we didn’t remember at first, but it was wonderful to see them again!  

Thank you, Robert, for your love, your ongoing support and commitment to our work and our lives!

Love,

Billy & Marilyn

 Flashback! Here’s a Forever 5th Dimension “MarBill” anniversary treat from a few years ago, when we asked special fans what their favorite Marilyn & Billy top 5 recordings are…such interesting responses, see if you agree: https://forever5thdimension.com/2017/07/26/happy-48th-anniversary-a-salute-to-marilyn-mccoo-billy-davis-jr-s-greatest-duet-hits/

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, a production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., copyright 2008-2024, intellectual property, all rights reserved

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Greatest Hits Mystery Solved!

Posted on April 27, 2024 | Leave a comment
Greatest Hits album?! A Mystery Solved! (Photo: The Forever 5th Dimension Collection)

Years ago, on the Sally Jesse Raphael talk show (before it became a forum of sensationalism) the guest was none other than Marilyn McCoo fresh off her (first) multi-year run hosting “Solid Gold.” It was a warm and inspirational interview, with Sally’s admiration for Marilyn on full heartwarming, respectful view. Moreover, Billy totally surprised his wife by joining the panel. With happy tears, Marilyn cutely shared, “I was mad at him because he didn’t answer the phone when I called earlier…now I know why!”

What was curious about this appearance was the montage of albums, press photos, and assorted memorabilia that was shown before the commercial break which included none other than an album cover titled “Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.’s Greatest Hits.” “How did I miss this compilation!” I thought? Management, when asked, had never heard of it, either. The mystery prevailed all these years and somehow popped into my mind recently. Upon internet search, I finally found the answer! It’s a foreign release from the Philippines, an area that is a big supporter of Marilyn & Billy’s and The 5th Dimension’s music, in fact, tunes not necessarily hits in America like “Saving All My Love for You,” and “Somebody Warm Like Me” charted there, as Marilyn & Billy shared with FOREVER 5th DIMENSION a few years ago, right after the duo appeared in concert at Manila’s famed Araneta Center arena.

Issued in 1980, here is the side A & B set list of “Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.’s Greatest Hits”…see if you agree with the choices. Personally, I’m happy to see “Never Gonna Let You Go” (should have been a single!), and “Easy Way Out” which WBLS in New York City, the nation’s top R & B station played as their choice pick at the time of Marilyn & Billy’s first duet album release, “I Hope We Get to Love in Time” which soon after garnered the mega hit and Grammy winner, “You Don’t Have to be a Star.” Interestingly, the follow-up, top 10 charting single to “Star,” “Your Love” is not included on the album set. However, Billy’s solo, “Stay with Me” is a great counter to Marilyn’s precursor version of Whitney Houston’s “Saving All My Love.” Culled from McCoo & Davis’s 3 duet albums of the ‘70’s, the hits package comprises singles including “My Reason to Be” and “Shine on Silver Moon,” cross-cultural fan favorites, and more than a few surprises. And yes, for collectors, it’s nearly impossible to find! 

—Robert-Allan Arno, copyright 2024, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION

A1The Two Of Us
A2I’m Saving All My Love For You
A3My Reason To Be Is You
A4I Thought It Took A Little Time (But Today I Fell In Love)
A5Easy Way Out
A6In My Lifetime
B1You Don’t Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show)
B2I Hope We Get To Love In Time
B3Stay With Me
B4My Love For You (We’ll Always Be The Same)
B5Shine On Silver Moon
B6Never Gonna Let You Go

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Happy 54th, Dear Marilyn & Billy — Featuring 30+ of Their Best Performances!

Posted on July 25, 2023 | Leave a comment

7/26/23: Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., the 7-time Grammy winning original lead singers of legends, The 5th Dimension…the “You Don’t Have to be a Star” duo dubbed the First Couple of Pop & Soul, celebrate their 54 years of marriage on July 26, 2023. The ever-beautiful Marilyn, the debonair Billy, stand for artistic joy as they continue to tour, appearing on concert stages and in cabaret venues to their greatest reviews, record new music, and brighten our TV & social media screens. More so, they represent the spiritual sweetness of a union that stands the test of time. Yes, they always put their elemental friendship and trust in God first, in all they do.

Forever 5th Dimension honors “MarBill” with this newly curated playlist spotlighting 30+ of their greatest duet hits featuring recordings from all decades of their career, beloved live performances on TV & worldwide stage, rarities, and our own Forever 5th Dimension videos (produced over the past 15 years). Personally, I send my love and appreciation to my dearest of friends, colleagues, and role models…they are true angels to myself and millions of fans, the world over. #Happy54, our “MarBill,” —Robert-Allan Arno

Press the YouTube player below to savor 30 (plus!)* of the Best of Marilyn & Billy…a thrilling musical journey, just stay here at Forever 5th for uninterrupted listening:

*Playlist Contents: Just Like Starting Over, Your Love (Johnny Carson Tonight Show), I Believe in You & Me (Live), How Do You Keep the Music Playing (Live), Soul & Inspiration (Unvaulted-Forever 5th Dimension), The Two of Us (Toyko Music Festival), I Hope We Get to Love in Time (McCoo/Davis TV show-Forever 5th Dimension), I’m So Glad I Found You (Forever 5th Dimension), Bye Bye Baby, What Does It Take (To Win Your Love), Together Let’s Find Love (Live), You are So Beautiful (Live, Philippines), The Greatest Love of All (CMN telethon), Land of Make Believe (McCoo/Davis TV show-Forever 5th Dimension), Sad Eyes with My Reason to Be is You (Live), I Thought It Took a Little Time (Sha Na Na show), Shine on Silver Moon (Soul Train), Perfect Dancer (Skatetown soundtrack), Jingle Bells (with Mel Torme), Every Night, If I Ain’t Got You…California Soul (Marlyn/Billy Live CD), You’re All I Need to Get By (with Captain & Tennille), Easy Way Out, Bobbie’s Blues (Who Do You Think Of?), Praise Ye the Lord (Forever 5th Dimension), Keep the Lovelight Burning, You Make Me Feel Brand New (Forever 5th Dimension), And I Love Her, You Don’t Have to Be a Star (To Be in My Show), Bonus: Guess the Lyrics (Today Show), Epilogue: Silent Night (The Waltons soundtrack)

Special thanks to the special fans for their YouTube collections utilized as part of our Marilyn & Billy Top 30

With appreciation to Kathy Ireland/KIWW, Jason Winters and Steve Rosenblum

Forever 5th Dimension by Arno, copyright 2008-2023, a Production of The Soul of The Voice, Ltd., Intellectual Property, all rights reserved; Photos: The Arno 5th Legacy/McCoo/Davis Collection, courtesy Deniserose Torres, Artwork: “50 Years of Love” commissioned by Robert for #MarilynBilly’s 50th by Nigerian artist Ephraim David Udoka

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Valentine’s Music & Message from #MarilynBilly

Posted on February 14, 2022 | Leave a comment


#ValentinesDay What a lovely time so many special fans and friends like LaMonte & Mieko McLemore had with the 1st Couple of Pop n’ Soul, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. this weekend in Vegas! Today, we bring you their new Valentine’s video*, “Silly Love Songs.” With a poignant message, Marilyn & Billy express, “We lift our voices in honor of those whose voices have been silenced. When people become iconic in death, we fail to appreciate the great loss of happy, loving moments. Their joy and laughter are forgotten. This music is for the ‘Silly Love Songs’ our ‘blackbirds’ of every color will never be able to sing.”
~~Robert-Allan Arno, Forever 5th Dimension

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