The 5th Dimension--Comprised of Billy Davis, Jr., Marilyn McCoo, Lamonte McLemore, Ron Townson,  and Florence LaRue did not simply fill the airwaves with leading edge music and stylistic live performances, they were socially important to the turbulent and questioning 1960's decade torn apart by war and racial strife.
Many a Sunday night the 5th Dimension was brought into American living rooms on The Ed Sullivan variety show.

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The group also hit a chord in another important element of the decade, namely the whole peace, and love psychedelic movement.
Starting with the release of the 1968 LP "Stoned Soul Picnic," The 5th Dimension hit their zenith in 1969 with "The Age of Aquarius," which basically urged everyone to get along, share, live in peace and harmony and the world would be a better place. 

        

 
As we all know, the experiment did not exactly go as envisioned and tie-dye gave away to black-tie, but for one brief moment the idea was compelling!

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In May 1999 I had the good fortune to take in a performance by original 5th Dimension members Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr.  The two looked great, and I felt in awe to be in the company of two performers who have played such a huge role in music, and indeed to some extent social history.
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Billy, Me, and Marilyn after the concert.  They were very kind and gracious about mingling with their fans. Program from Marilyn and Billy's "It Takes Two" tour.  I saw them May 2, 1999 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Baltimore, Maryland. What a handsome couple they make.  Marilyn and Billy celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in July 1999.  Congratulations!
 
Ron Townson, founding member of the 5th Dimension, passed away in 2001.  Read about it here.
To relive some of the greatest 5th Dimension tunes ever made, I suggest a double CD set called "The 5th Dimension: The Definitive Collection," 1997, Arista, 7822-18961-2 (available at www.Amazon.com and select stores).  Also, be sure and support individual group members by purchasing solo work by the likes of Billy Davis, Jr. and Marilyn McCoo.  Plus, make a point to go see them if they perform in your town.


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