“Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. are an American duo known for their contributions to pop, soul, and R&B music.
They have enjoyed tremendous success as recording artists, performers, and authors. They have received 7 Grammy Awards and earned 15 gold and 3 platinum records, and enjoyed starring roles on television and stage. They have performed to sold-out concerts around the world. Currently, they are celebrating 40 years in the entertainment business with a musical tribute to the hits and productions that have made up their multi-faceted careers.
The husband and wife team celebrated 38 years of marriage in 2007. In 2004, they wrote a book titled Up, Up and Away…How We Found Love, Faith, and Lasting Marriage in the Entertainment World. It shares their secrets to a happy and committed relationship in Hollywood, offering practical marriage advice and spiritual encouragement.
As lead vocalists of The 5th Dimension, they recorded classics like “Up, Up & Away,” “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “One Less Bell to Answer,” and “Stoned Soul Picnic.” After a decade with The 5th Dimension, Billy and Marilyn established themselves as a duo. They had immediate success with the single “You Don’t Have to Be a Star (To Be in My Show),” which was a #1 hit and earned them a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.
Their success led to the CBS-TV prime-time summer series The Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. Show in 1977. They headlined in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, and Atlantic City, played to sold-out crowds, and won the prestigious Grand Prize at the international Tokyo Music Festival. They also performed at important events, including for Pope John Paul II and U.S. presidential inaugurations.
In the early 90s, they reunited with the original members of The 5th Dimension for a special tour, and the group received a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame in 1991. Marilyn fulfilled a lifelong ambition by starring in the Broadway revival of the musical Show Boat.”