They were hugely popular black artists known for rhythm & blues, but crossed over into mainstream contemporary where they became pop royalty for several years.
Yes cute and talented. I believe that she and Florence both won beauty contests. I was lucky to see them perform live when they were fairly new. Got Marilyn's and Billy's autographs. I'm 74 and *still* have a crush on both of these ladies 😍 haha
As a former (very former) teen of the Aquarius generation, this song certainly creates memories. When my grandsons see photos of me at Woodstock 69, my colourful mode of dress now creates something else - laughter. This turns to gasps of disbelief when they notice ol' Gramps was toking pot on those b/w pictures. 😂
...they were certainly not a one-hit-wonder... Between 1967 and 1973 they charted with 20 (!!!) top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, two of which - "Up, Up and Away" (no. 7, 1967) and this one (no. 1, 1969) - won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. I also still remember their "Wedding Bells Blues" - very catchy! As you also commented, they were infectiously positive and joyful, and this song was arguably one of about 1/2 dozen anthems, that over-lighted the whole flower-power era. 🌞🍀💖
Epic tune! Written for the Broadway musical 'Hair' which was one of the few musicals I ever bought the album for as a kid. The 5th Dimension did a bang up job on this and won record of the year in 1970. It was their most popular tune by far. Two other great tunes by them are 'Up, Up & Away' and 'Stoned Soul Picnic'. Three other great tunes you should hear taken from the musical by various acts... 'The Cowsills - Hair' 'Three Dog Night - Easy To Be Hard' 'Oliver - Good Morning Starshine' Cheers.
It's the very last Broadway show that ever had a Top 40 Pop hit -- and it had several -- Aquarius, Easy to be Hard, Hair, Where Do I Go?, Good Morning Starshine. The original Broadway album is a MUST HAVE for any self-respecting 1960's album collection.
The lead singer, Billy Davis Jr and Marilyn McCoo the taller of the ladies and which I've always felt is one the most beautiful of women to grace our world, were married and still are to this day. He is 85 and she is 80. But 5 people that were amazing performers. I knew when I saw that you were reacting to this that you would most likely really like. I was in high school and loved it. As we say in Texas; y'all be safe.
You guys asking if The 5th Dimension were big is like asking if The Doors were big. I was born in 64. I knew them very well as a Kid. The one female is Marilyn McCoo. She is considered one of the greatest female voice of all time!! Other great songs of theirs "One Less Bell To Answer", "Wedding Bell Blues", "Up, up and away", "I Didn't Get To Sleep At All". All big hits! The guy singing solo Let the Sunshine in is Billy Davis Jr. Billy and Marilyn McCoo married in 1969. Wedding Bell Blues song is a fun take on their relationship. In the 70s "Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr." became a powerhouse singing couple. "You Don't Have To Be A Star" was a massive hit! Now a Classic. You guys should watch the movie version of "Hair"(1978).
This song spent six weeks at #1 on the Billboard Top 100 in the spring of 1969. It was written for the musical “Hair” in 1967. Fantastic song writers, very successful!
Classic late 60's anti-war, peace and love song also with the Apollo moon missions going on, space travel. Unique time to grow up. Add Star Trek on TV.
You can thank the incomparable Joe Osborn for that bass line. He played the Fender bass with the same strings for over 20 years and he was always perfect. When asked why he never changed the strings, he replied that he didn’t know he was supposed to.
I was born in 65, so this kind of music was playing when I was a kid, and it seemed like although the people weren't necessarily happier than now - but there was hope that we were going to move in the right direction to be more inclusive more people centered. The technology and booming economy of the 80s distracted us and we lost sight of what was important.
The music of the 60's was not only uplifting feel good music but it was thoughtful, diverse and experimental. It said something. Both lyrically and musically. Listen to today's popular music, rap, hip hop or whatever and it says nothing basically. It's completely naval gazing and celebrity centered. It's not thoughtful, pleasant to listen to nor does it say much at all. To listen to that all day long would be an arduous chore. To have a transistor radio and listen to music during the 60's was a pleasure for the most part. Because you never knew what you were going to get. It's like going into the candy store for your ears.
Phil, I can guarantee that your mother will know this song and know it well. I'm 77 yrs old and your mom is probably not far off the same age. One of the most popular songs of all time.
Yes. I Am Thinking 🤔 That The Nudity Would Not 🚫 Go Over Today With These Modern Day Snowflakes!🌨️🌨️❄️❄️😳🧐😱🤯 Who Are Just About Offended By Anything Under The Sun!🌞😳🧐😱🤯
It was also very controversial because of the story line, and the political messages in the lyrics. To say some of it would be considered totally "politically incorrect" today, is an understatement. I'm just sayin'...........I still have my very old original (1968) soundtrack from the Broadway show. I played it to absolute death, but I don't have the heart to throw it away??
I've seen Hair onstage twice. Once in the 90's - it was a nearby college's Fall musical. The second time was about 10 years ago at a professional theater in a small town. No negative reactions to the nudity whatsoever. But then again, most people who go to see a musical theater production actually understand art, so of course that crowd will actually get it.
Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. launched the original 5th Dimension as lead singers and co-founders of this legendary group."The Age Of Aquarius / Let the Sunshine In", released in 1969, became an iconic song well into the 70s! Marilyn and Billy were married, and later began their own duo career. Marilyn and Billy are a seven-time Grammy Award-winning duo, known as "The First Couple of Pop & Soul." They have been married for 53 years! Thanks for this great reaction and trip down memory lane! ✌💙✌
For some reason astrology was huge in the 60s and 70s. Every local newspaper gave a daily horoscope, and the Age of Aquarius was dawning at the time, promising an era of peace and love. In spite of all the demonstrations and riots, the 60s was a hopeful time, and the youth believed that better times were on the way.
I suspect that the rise of astrology and evangelical churches of various religions were a contrarian response to the apparent explosion of successful rationality, as demonstrated by the space race and the moon landings, as well as the growing tensions of the cold war.
Yeah, the consciousness of society was optimistic despite problems and making a living was much easier with opportunities to advance economically. And we carried an air of respect and friendliness for each other that's missing in this day and age.
They took two important songs from the Broadway stage show, "Hair", and made it into a gigantic hit - made it their own. "Hair" addressed many issues of the 60s - including racism - and, Vietnam. They made it into a movie starring Treat Williams. It is one of my favorites, definitely worth a watch if you want a snapshot of that era.
Those of who were around back then must balance in memory the good feelings of peace and love messaging of the era with reflecting on the other side of it--the war in Vietnam and resultant protests, cities burning due to the same frustrations we experience today, political and social assassinations, and civil rights being in its infancy. Still, through it all we had some of the best music in the history popular music.
VANCOUVER 1969. We were so happy and optimistic about a better world. Awesome song. Great reaction. Thank you. Now please look at ratatata.... Because it also themes about breaking down walls and barriers between cultures. Love with a giant disco ball. Optimism still reigns. Baby metal and electric callboy. My new age of aquarius. PEACE 🙏💕
Great comment. UBC 71 and things were awesome and so optimistic. And lol.... Baby metal with electric cakjbit is definitely the latest theme. Especially by the disco ball at the end. Keep rockin
The chorography is mostly overlooked here, e.g. Marilyn's graceful dance transitions, first to form the trio and second breaking into Let The Sun Shine In. A professional model with that voice and those moves ! Crushed on her since forever. Pray she and Billy continue to stay strong in both their faith and marriage.
Many thanks for reacting to The 5th Dimension The Age of Aquarius, with bright 60's designs. I highly recommend The Jackson 5, for more groove from the 70's and very talented and young brother's I Want You Back and Who's Loving You. Great live performances. Thanks from Australia. Deidre 😊🇦🇺
"In youth and beauty, wisdom is but rare!" ""Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art." "Age is an issue of mind over matter, if you don't mind, it doesn't matter." "You can only be young once. But you can always be immature."
That medley won at the Grammys big that year! That group was one of the real hit making machines of the late '60's! By the way, I think the group is still touring!
Another amazing up song from the 60's is "Good Morning Starshine". These songs are from my childhood. Sometimes when I look around me and see all of the anger, violence, cynicsm, I long for those simpler days.
Yes! Beautiful song. The 5th dimension also did "My beautiful balloon." 1960s tune chords and harmony. There is a reason the Beatles were and still are the best, they wrote half the 60s!
Sam and Phil, it's lovely to see intelligent young people like you discovering and appreciating music from previous musical eras. Artists from the 1960's and 1970's actually knew how to sing and harmonize. They did not have the benefit of digital manipulation or "enhancement" to produce gorgeous sounds. That's real talent.
It was all about peace and love back then. How things have changed. They say everything comes back around, I hope that's true. Great reaction, as usual
During the finale number of ‘Let the Sunshine In’, at some performances of the musical “Hair”, the audience was invited to come up on stage and dance and sing with the cast.
Phil, we 60 somethings saw all the great cool bands/artists live!! For instance, I've seen live: Frank Sinatra Chuck Berry Bob Dylan Paul McCartney Ringo Starr The Rolling Stones The Who Beach Boys/Brian Wilson John Fogarty (CCR) Simon & Garfunkel Joan Baez Pink Floyd Yes ELP Genesis King Crimson Robert Plant/Jimmy Page (Zep) Steely Dan Chicago Burton Cummings/Randy Bachman (Guess Who/BTO) Neil Young Crosby Stills Nash Young Elton John Billy Joel The Four Tops/ The Temptations Jethro Tull Kansas Electric Light Orchestra Alan Parsons Project Fleetwood Mac The Eagles Santana Bruce Springsteen & E Street Tom Petty &Heartbreakers David Byrne (Talking Heads) U2 REM Rush And many many more
At my age, I'm singing about the Age of Dementia. When the food is thawing for the last three days My underwear is inside out And I'm a terror on the highways I shake my fist and yell at clouds This is the dawning...
another tidbit; the 5th Dimension were playing in New York at the Americana Hotel and while out on a shopping trip Billy Davis Jr., the guy you called the lead singer, lost his wallet. It turns out he’d left it in a taxi and the next passenger in the cab found it and returned the wallet to Davis. As a sign of his gratitude he invited the honest guy and his wife to that evening’s performance at the hotel. The gentleman in question happened to be a producer of Hair and in return invited the band to watch it on Broadway. They were blown away by the opening number ‘Aquarius’ and resolved there and then to record it....
This song was The Fifth Dimension's biggest hit song ever!!! The song stayed at the #1 spot for 6 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 during the spring of 1969. The beautiful lady with the awesome voice singing lead is Marilyn McCoo. The guy with the other awesome voice is Marilyn McCoo's husband, Billy Davis, Jr. The song is no doubt a definite banger!!!
Between 1967 and 1973 they charted with 20 Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, two of which - "Up, Up and Away" (no. 7, 1967) and the 1969 number one "Medley: Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)" - won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. Other big hits include "Stoned Soul Picnic" (no. 3), "Wedding Bell Blues" (no. 1), "One Less Bell to Answer" (no. 2), a cover of "Never My Love" (pop no. 12/Easy Listening no. 1), "(Last Night) I Didn't Get to Sleep at All" (no. 8), and "If I Could Reach You" (pop no. 10/Easy Listening no. 1). Three of their records reached the top ten of Billboard's Rhythm & Blues/Soul chart. Five of their 19 top 20 hits on the Easy Listening chart reached number one. One of my favorite songs from their catalog is "Love's Lines, Angles and Rhymes."
5th Dimension's harmonies were so awesome it's easy to overlook their stage presence. They sounded good and (to that 1960s young audience) looked good too.
This medley of two songs from the 1967 musical "Hair" was released in 1969 when I was 9. So yes, I'm 64 years young. 😁 Other great songs by them are "Up, Up, and Away" (which someone else called My beautiful balloon), "Wedding Bell Blues", "One Less Bell To Answer", and "I Didn't Get To Sleep At All".
*Just FYI: The Fifth Dimension had some great popular songs including:* "Up, Up and Away" "Stone Soul Picnic" "Love Lines, Angles and Rhymes" "I Didn't Get To Sleep At All" "Marry Me Bill" "Never My Love" "One Less Bell to Answer" "Go Where You Wanna Go" "Wedding Bell Blues" "California Soul"
That great bass line in the second song was provided by the great Joe Osborne....he was a member of the Wrecking Crew, which was a loose collective of American session musicians based in Los Angeles whose services were employed for a great number of studio recordings in the 1960s and 1970s, including hundreds of top 40 hits......Hal Blaine was a session drummer in the Crew and was thought to be among the most recorded studio drummers in the music industry, claiming over 35,000 sessions and 6,000 singles. His drumming is featured on 150 US top 10 hits, 40 of which went to number one.
My sister was born in May and she got to do fun, outdoor type things (amusement parks, etc). My birthday was in Feb and because it was cold my parents would just take me to a movie. BUT THEN, I heard this song, ,and this little Aquarius felt that this song was written just for me, and its one of my favorites, now that I'm in my 50's.
This is 1967 Summer of Love, the Musical Hair which was huge. The younger generation that started embracing Dylan, Beatles, Byrds, then Jefferson Airplane, The Mamas and Papas (the 5th Dimension was in essence the African American version of the Mamas and Papas), Grateful Dead etc were the COUNTERCULTURE, and with the long hair, the clothes, the more open shex, and yes, the drugs, it was a drastic change from the Big Band and crooners of the 40s and 50s and even from the Rock n Roll of Elvis,Chuck Berry, Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly. The world went from black and white to Technicolor circa 65-66.
This song pairing just blew me away when I was a little kid. The older girls mostly would be out there Dancing in the Moonlight Barefoot to Age of Aquarius and then when it came to an end it was the end of side A of the 45 RPM single, and I would jump up and run over to the tiny little record player they had on an extension cord, and flip it over as fast as I could and put them back down so it would go straight into let the sunshine in. And then we would all just go nuts dancing.
This song is from the musical, Hair. There was a period of time from the mid 60's to the mid 70's when astrology was a very popular subject and so many people were fascinated with sun signs, horoscopes, astrology, etc. So often people would ask others what their horoscope is. People would wear their horoscope on their coffee mugs and T-shirts. The song, 'Age of Aquarius / Let the sunshine in' fit right in with the times.
This song was the theme song for the late sixties and the mindset for the time. It was used in much of the antiwar sentiment of the time and had a lot to do with the social process of the time. Santa
I'm so glad that you guys addressed the influence of music on our overall society and culture. My brother and I have this conversation all the time (he's in his late 50s, I'm in my 60s). We both believe that the music of today does not carry the same messaging, feeling, and social impact of past music. We miss that in today's music.
Man I remember when this was released, it gave me a warm feelings and the song is timeless. It was a new kinda sound that at least partially summed up the flower power era. BTW the music back then did not revolve around entertainer cuteness to be in a band. It was talent and cohesiveness of the groups that made them successful, as well as great song writing. Thank God they didn't just have to have the looks like they have to today and many great talents are on the back-burner and never even get into bands. Yeah the music was awesome back in the 60'/70's.
The age of Aquarius is now.😍 So they were ahead of There time... singing about this. As an Aquarian myself,I have always been interested in these things . As a world we are moving towards the 5 th dimension ,and this means to Connect more with our hearts and make our desicions from There . A world of peace and joy. 😍 But the road to There ,is hard,working through all of our baggage ,and letting go ,because we can’t take it with us , to be able to ” let the Sun Shine in.” Let the Sun shine in through the cracks.
I'm old enough to remember this one playing on our groovy new HiFis!~ The album containing _Aquarius, Wedding Bell Blues, Workin' on a Groovy Thing_ was HUGE and a staple in everyone's house.
This medley was like a closing Anthem for the 1960's, in 1969. Andonce again, to understand that, you had to be there. But theold phrase goes, if you remember being there, you weren't there. "I don't remember the 1960's, but I have been told I had a good time..." the ladies sing and the men coming in behind them is called some form of counterpoint melody singing, very common. You probaby don't here that much today. the 5th Dimension was probaby the best pure vocals [non playing instruments, just a vocal group]. ] There was in the 1960's, followed by the Mamas and Papas. We did this the next year in junior high choir, dancing in the ailes and all, had the whole audience singing with this. I was on guitar onstage. Dressed like Hippies, "what a gas" that was to experience that.
We are in the age of Aquarius right now it happened a couple years ago so hopefully people are Awakening and peace and love will rule the planet eventually.
in 1969, Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In was the top song in the year-end Hot 100 survey on practically every radio station. It was NOT their first hit, and a good number of their previous ones were also Number 1 songs. Stoned Soul Picnic, Sweet Blindness, and Up, Up and Away are all worth listening to. A lesser known one was something that helped me learn the words to the Declaration of Independence. 55 years later, I can STILL recite that passage.
Great reaction. As a young, black girl when this came out, I was more drawn to Let the Sunshine In, because of the soulful, gospel nature of the song, but I watched them on Ed Sullivan and they were amazing. As an adult, I appreciate those harmonies. Awesome.
Just want to let you know that I was 19 years old when I heard this song and it was so beautiful and moving of my soul and continues to this day and I’m glad that you have listened to it
Love this group had some great hits. So much more to explore. Two members Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis who were married also had a successful solo career. First!!
After listening to your whole after-discussion, I appreciate your recognition of the happy and loving atmosphere that the song, and the 60's, exude. Yes, the mood that a song brings matters. When a generation grows up on happy positive harmonious songs (and movies), that mood influences them. When a generation grows up on negative swearing word-porridge drowned out by generated push-beats (and movies, games), that mood influences them. The mental food people in a society take in, feeds them mentally, forms their brains. In which society do we want to live? It is true, the 60's was a great time, for us who were into the counterculture. It was positive, and optimistic. People longing for real connections, for freedom from too tight societal rules. People longing for nature, for not going along with the encroaching of wealth and materialism. To live your life as you pleased, in ways that were sometimes both old and new, like communes. That amalgam of desires combined and hit a peak around 1969. From then it was noticeable that the counterculture split in various (and fluidly overlapping) directions: The ecological concerned. The new-age spiritual and ritual inclined. The ones that followed their hedonistic urges. The ones who found society as it was good enough. All four of these directions are still recognisable today. Ecological concern is now a concern for the whole of mankind, as it should have been back then already. The new-agers spread to yoga and the Indian ashrams, evolving into spheres like the Bagwan 'trend', into the fitness yoga, and alternative, old and new religions and beliefs. The hedonism seekers got their fill of sex and drugs (no rock&roll required), and the ones who could not control themselves can nowadays be seen in a junk condition, or have already passed away. And the ones who lived lives that more or less resembled that of their parents, the father-mother-children in a house, with work. This direction has prevailed the most, even with all technical and social charges around it. During the 70's mainstream people started getting affected, through fashion and changing cultural norms. News-anchors started getting side-burns, a regular person would have flaring pants. Colours and designs of clothes, furniture and other daily objects. And ofcourse the more open attitudes in general, sometimes in simple but profound changes like sitting on the grass in the park.
One of these ladies is Marilyn McCoo and one of my favorite singers from this era along with Karen Carpenter and Barbara Streisand. I hope you listen to her big hits someday. I suggest "One Less Bell To Answer."
The instrumental track was set to tape at Wally Heider's Studio 3 in Hollywood by the Wrecking Crew members including Hal Blaine on drums, Joe Osborn on bass, Larry Knechtel on keyboards, Tommy Tedesco and Dennis Budimir on guitars and Tony Terran on trumpet. It also featured strings, winds, and brass instrumentations. However, the vocals were recorded separately in Las Vegas, where the 5th Dimension was performing at the time, using only two microphones for the five singers. Davis' solo during "Let the Sunshine In" was improvised during the session; songwriter Jimmy Webb, who happened into the studio during the recording, remarked to Howe, "My God, that's a number one record." WIKI
My Hi School choir , and myself performed Aquarius in our concerts around Ontario Canada and Michigan USA back in the early 1970’s. Great times and memories for me
Hi guys, been enjoying your reactions so far since discovering you. Just wanted to drop some info for you on Marilyn Mccoo and Billy Davis jr. two of the original members of this group, who also married became a couple and went on their own as a duo and had a number of hits in the 70's. You Don't Have to be a Star, and Silly Love Songs among others which would be cool for you to react to...Thanks! Peace and Love!
This was one of four top ten Billboard hits from "Hair" which was huge in 1969. The original cast recording was a huge bestseller and set the tone for all of the rock musicals that followed it. The Fifth Dimension had many hits and were very hot when this was #1, but you should hear (and see) Marilyn McCoo from the group sing One Less Bell.
I always say from growing up in the 60s and 70s we were so lucky to be surrounded by so much great music. There was the current music (Beatles, Stones, Zeppelin) plus you would hear and see on variety shows big band music, music of the 40s and 50s. These shows would cover all genres of music in their shows and sometimes they would team up and try to sing each other's style. This helped everyone appreciate all music even though you would have your personal preference. I think it did help with mental health because you were exposed during that turbulent time to some happier and joyful music.
I agree,the 60s/70s were such great times and hearing this again really does take me back to my youth ( born in 52),life was so different then as compared to today,we lived in good times now it's all P.C.
Another great song from the musical "Hair" is the title song HAIR by the Cowsills. It reflects the late 60's and how most every young person was growing out their curly locks!!
From the Broadway musical "Hair". There were several songs recorded by other artists from this play that sold millions; "Easy to be Hard" Three Dog Night "Hair" The Cowsills, to name a few.
I believe “Aquarius” was the opening song for the musical “Hair” and “Let the Sun Shine” was the closing song.
That creates the context. Hair was "The" hippie rock opera. The whole opera has great music and lyrics.
@@markhodge7....it certainly does have fantastic music!
You are correct! 😊
not forgetting the theme song in the middle!! 'hair' was a big hit for the cowsills! worth checking out!!
YUP!
'How popular they were?' This was THE #1 song of 1969 not to mention they had a bunch of other good ones.
They were hugely popular black artists known for rhythm & blues, but crossed over into mainstream contemporary where they became pop royalty for several years.
Great group! Danced to this song often
And then 2 of them got married (Marilyn McCoo & Billly Davis) and produced numerous 1970s classics
They had such great harmonies. The 60s-70s was a golden age of music
This is the moment when you realize that your grandparents were cooler than you will ever hope to be.
Anybody who listens to this song even once will forever have hippie blood pumping in their veins. And that's a beautiful and groovy thing baby. #Peace
Marilyn was so cute and still a beautiful woman. Marilyn and Billy are still performing
And still married to each other!
Yes she was and still is beautiful
@@myrnafields2075over 50 years now 🎉
And Florence has been the driving force behind the legacy group of the 5th Dimension.
Yes cute and talented. I believe that she and Florence both won beauty contests. I was lucky to see them perform live when they were fairly new. Got Marilyn's and Billy's autographs. I'm 74 and *still* have a crush on both of these ladies 😍 haha
As a former (very former) teen of the Aquarius generation, this song certainly creates memories. When my grandsons see photos of me at Woodstock 69, my colourful mode of dress now creates something else - laughter. This turns to gasps of disbelief when they notice ol' Gramps was toking pot on those b/w pictures. 😂
The 5th Dimension, Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis, Florence Larue, Ronald Townsend, and Lamont McLemore. And this song was from the play/movie Hair.
...they were certainly not a one-hit-wonder... Between 1967 and 1973 they charted with 20 (!!!) top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, two of which - "Up, Up and Away" (no. 7, 1967) and this one (no. 1, 1969) - won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. I also still remember their "Wedding Bells Blues" - very catchy!
As you also commented, they were infectiously positive and joyful, and this song was arguably one of about 1/2 dozen anthems, that over-lighted the whole flower-power era.
🌞🍀💖
Thanks for that, I didn't realise they did Up Up and Away....must listen to it again.
@@mythgreatbritain5634 Jimmy Webb wrote Up, Up and Away and won a Grammy for the song.
Five of their songs were written by HOF singer-songwriter Laura Nyro, who also had songs that were hits by BS&T and Barbra Streisand, among others.
Yep - remember them well.. also "One less Bell to answer"...
Epic tune! Written for the Broadway musical 'Hair' which was one of the few musicals I ever bought the album for as a kid. The 5th Dimension did a bang up job on this and won record of the year in 1970. It was their most popular tune by far. Two other great tunes by them are 'Up, Up & Away' and 'Stoned Soul Picnic'.
Three other great tunes you should hear taken from the musical by various acts...
'The Cowsills - Hair'
'Three Dog Night - Easy To Be Hard'
'Oliver - Good Morning Starshine'
Cheers.
i liked the film & it was a little strange but the ending was tragic!!
It's the very last Broadway show that ever had a Top 40 Pop hit -- and it had several -- Aquarius, Easy to be Hard, Hair, Where Do I Go?, Good Morning Starshine. The original Broadway album is a MUST HAVE for any self-respecting 1960's album collection.
The lead singer, Billy Davis Jr and Marilyn McCoo the taller of the ladies and which I've always felt is one the most beautiful of women to grace our world, were married and still are to this day. He is 85 and she is 80.
But 5 people that were amazing performers.
I knew when I saw that you were reacting to this that you would most likely really like. I was in high school and loved it.
As we say in Texas; y'all be safe.
You guys asking if The 5th Dimension were big is like asking if The Doors were big. I was born in 64. I knew them very well as a Kid. The one female is Marilyn McCoo. She is considered one of the greatest female voice of all time!! Other great songs of theirs "One Less Bell To Answer", "Wedding Bell Blues", "Up, up and away", "I Didn't Get To Sleep At All". All big hits! The guy singing solo Let the Sunshine in is Billy Davis Jr. Billy and Marilyn McCoo married in 1969. Wedding Bell Blues song is a fun take on their relationship. In the 70s "Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr." became a powerhouse singing couple. "You Don't Have To Be A Star" was a massive hit! Now a Classic. You guys should watch the movie version of "Hair"(1978).
There were two women in this group, not one.
@@katttaylor5976 Yes indeed. But Marilyn was the standout. Just listen to One Last Bell.
This song spent six weeks at #1 on the Billboard Top 100 in the spring of 1969. It was written for the musical “Hair” in 1967. Fantastic song writers, very successful!
I was in Navy boot camp when this song was popular, always makes me think that of that time.Any company 171 out there?
I was 9 or nearly 9 (May birthday) when this song was a hit and this song was everywhere.
one less bell to answer. another great hit by them
The Wreaking Crew's
Joe Osborn killing it on bass.
Classic late 60's anti-war, peace and love song also with the Apollo moon missions going on, space travel. Unique time to grow up. Add Star Trek on TV.
The bass line on Let The Sun Shine In is the textbook definition of "groovy".
You can thank the incomparable Joe Osborn for that bass line. He played the Fender bass with the same strings for over 20 years and he was always perfect. When asked why he never changed the strings, he replied that he didn’t know he was supposed to.
Killer bass chops!!! Joe must have taken the strings rule from Jamerson!!!! Love it!!!!
I was born in 65, so this kind of music was playing when I was a kid, and it seemed like although the people weren't necessarily happier than now - but there was hope that we were going to move in the right direction to be more inclusive more people centered. The technology and booming economy of the 80s distracted us and we lost sight of what was important.
"we lost sight of what was important
EXACTLY!
The music of the 60's was not only uplifting feel good music but it was thoughtful, diverse and experimental. It said something. Both lyrically and musically. Listen to today's popular music, rap, hip hop or whatever and it says nothing basically. It's completely naval gazing and celebrity centered. It's not thoughtful, pleasant to listen to nor does it say much at all. To listen to that all day long would be an arduous chore. To have a transistor radio and listen to music during the 60's was a pleasure for the most part. Because you never knew what you were going to get. It's like going into the candy store for your ears.
💯
Phil, I can guarantee that your mother will know this song and know it well. I'm 77 yrs old and your mom is probably not far off the same age. One of the most popular songs of all time.
She sure did!
These songs are from the Musical Hair, first performed in 1967 - caused a lot of controversy at the time because of the nudity on stage.
Yes. I Am Thinking 🤔 That The Nudity Would Not 🚫 Go Over Today With These Modern Day Snowflakes!🌨️🌨️❄️❄️😳🧐😱🤯
Who Are Just About Offended By Anything Under The Sun!🌞😳🧐😱🤯
It was also very controversial because of the story line, and the political messages in the lyrics. To say some of it would be considered totally "politically incorrect" today, is an understatement. I'm just sayin'...........I still have my very old original (1968) soundtrack from the Broadway show. I played it to absolute death, but I don't have the heart to throw it away??
@@johnhenryclark911 Didn't go over very well in 1967 either.
@@johnhenryclark911Isn't really an "offended snowflake" issue, more of an issue of basic public decency.
I've seen Hair onstage twice. Once in the 90's - it was a nearby college's Fall musical. The second time was about 10 years ago at a professional theater in a small town. No negative reactions to the nudity whatsoever. But then again, most people who go to see a musical theater production actually understand art, so of course that crowd will actually get it.
Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. launched the original 5th Dimension as lead singers and co-founders of this legendary group."The Age Of Aquarius / Let the Sunshine In", released in 1969, became an iconic song well into the 70s! Marilyn and Billy were married, and later began their own duo career. Marilyn and Billy are a seven-time Grammy Award-winning duo, known as "The First Couple of Pop & Soul." They have been married for 53 years! Thanks for this great reaction and trip down memory lane! ✌💙✌
That’s not a shot at my age, I worked hard to make it to this age so I take it as a compliment.
For some reason astrology was huge in the 60s and 70s. Every local newspaper gave a daily horoscope, and the Age of Aquarius was dawning at the time, promising an era of peace and love. In spite of all the demonstrations and riots, the 60s was a hopeful time, and the youth believed that better times were on the way.
Famous pick up line..."What's your sign, baby?" lol
I suspect that the rise of astrology and evangelical churches of various religions were a contrarian response to the apparent explosion of successful rationality, as demonstrated by the space race and the moon landings, as well as the growing tensions of the cold war.
Yeah, the consciousness of society was optimistic despite problems and making a living was much easier with opportunities to advance economically. And we carried an air of respect and friendliness for each other that's missing in this day and age.
They were popular enough to get a TV special in 1971 and regularly appeared on every musical entertainment show during those years.
Most certainly a late 60s sound that epitomized the hippy groove. Magic
They took two important songs from the Broadway stage show, "Hair", and made it into a gigantic hit - made it their own. "Hair" addressed many issues of the 60s - including racism - and, Vietnam. They made it into a movie starring Treat Williams. It is one of my favorites, definitely worth a watch if you want a snapshot of that era.
As a 10 year old kid in '69, this was an awesome song! Great memories of my childhood!
Never tire of this song. Feeling down? Play this song and dance. Too young when it came out but i heard it on the radio
Absolutely a killer bass line on Let The Sun Shine In.
played by the great Joe Osborn of the Wrecking Crew (backing band on this and many 5th Dimension records)
Those of who were around back then must balance in memory the good feelings of peace and love messaging of the era with reflecting on the other side of it--the war in Vietnam and resultant protests, cities burning due to the same frustrations we experience today, political and social assassinations, and civil rights being in its infancy. Still, through it all we had some of the best music in the history popular music.
VANCOUVER 1969. We were so happy and optimistic about a better world. Awesome song. Great reaction. Thank you. Now please look at ratatata.... Because it also themes about breaking down walls and barriers between cultures. Love with a giant disco ball. Optimism still reigns. Baby metal and electric callboy. My new age of aquarius. PEACE 🙏💕
Great comment. UBC 71 and things were awesome and so optimistic. And lol.... Baby metal with electric cakjbit is definitely the latest theme. Especially by the disco ball at the end. Keep rockin
You can't listen to that song without smiling. Love, unfortunately, wasn't all you needed, by heaven it was a feelgood time.
The chorography is mostly overlooked here, e.g. Marilyn's graceful dance transitions, first to form the trio and second breaking into Let The Sun Shine In. A professional model with that voice and those moves ! Crushed on her since forever. Pray she and Billy continue to stay strong in both their faith and marriage.
I was in love with Marilyn McCoo being 15 and a hippie in training when this song came out =)
Many thanks for reacting to The 5th Dimension The Age of Aquarius, with bright 60's designs.
I highly recommend The Jackson 5, for more groove from the 70's and very talented and young brother's I Want You Back and
Who's Loving You. Great live performances. Thanks from Australia. Deidre 😊🇦🇺
A song with a similar vibe from that era is Crystal Blue Persuasion by Tommy James & The Shondells.
"In youth and beauty, wisdom is but rare!" ""Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art." "Age is an issue of mind over matter, if you don't mind, it doesn't matter." "You can only be young once. But you can always be immature."
If you're lucky, you spend a much larger percentage of your life being old than you do being young.
I’m 60 so I’d say this song and California Dreaming are the quintessential 60’s sound
Some of the best harmonies you will ever hear.
That medley won at the Grammys big that year! That group was one of the real hit making machines of the late '60's! By the way, I think the group is still touring!
One Less Bell to Answer by Marilyn McCoo. She is in this group.
Another amazing up song from the 60's is "Good Morning Starshine". These songs are from my childhood. Sometimes when I look around me and see all of the anger, violence, cynicsm, I long for those simpler days.
Yes!
Beautiful song. The 5th dimension also did "My beautiful balloon."
1960s tune chords and harmony. There is a reason the Beatles were and still are the best, they wrote half the 60s!
It's called 'Up, up and Away' actually, great tune.
@@rmacdougallaliasdogviticus Yes that's the one! Good call.
Sam and Phil, it's lovely to see intelligent young people like you discovering and appreciating music from previous musical eras. Artists from the 1960's and 1970's actually knew how to sing and harmonize. They did not have the benefit of digital manipulation or "enhancement" to produce gorgeous sounds. That's real talent.
It was all about peace and love back then. How things have changed. They say everything comes back around, I hope that's true. Great reaction, as usual
During the finale number of ‘Let the Sunshine In’, at some performances of the musical “Hair”, the audience was invited to come up on stage and dance and sing with the cast.
Can we just talk about that bass playing on Let The Sun Shine
Loved this group !! SO talented !!
Your right yesterdays music was so good and so much fun to listen to, unlike today.
Phil, we 60 somethings saw all the great cool bands/artists live!! For instance, I've seen live:
Frank Sinatra
Chuck Berry
Bob Dylan
Paul McCartney
Ringo Starr
The Rolling Stones
The Who
Beach Boys/Brian Wilson
John Fogarty (CCR)
Simon & Garfunkel
Joan Baez
Pink Floyd
Yes
ELP
Genesis
King Crimson
Robert Plant/Jimmy Page (Zep)
Steely Dan
Chicago
Burton Cummings/Randy Bachman (Guess Who/BTO)
Neil Young
Crosby Stills Nash Young
Elton John
Billy Joel
The Four Tops/
The Temptations
Jethro Tull
Kansas
Electric Light Orchestra
Alan Parsons Project
Fleetwood Mac
The Eagles
Santana
Bruce Springsteen & E Street
Tom Petty &Heartbreakers
David Byrne (Talking Heads)
U2
REM
Rush
And many many more
Times were better. I miss those days.
You guys are making me feel my age , 70 ! My first concert was this group as a teen ! They were Famous Famous !
If I ever open a pet store I’m going to call it “The Age of Aquariums”.
Somebody beat you to it!
It’s the Age of Asparagus…
At my age, I'm singing about the Age of Dementia.
When the food is thawing for the last three days
My underwear is inside out
And I'm a terror on the highways
I shake my fist and yell at clouds
This is the dawning...
Listen to Kip Adotta’s song Wet Dreams. Your line might very well be in it. Funny play on words song--all fish
another tidbit; the 5th Dimension were playing in New York at the Americana Hotel and while out on a shopping trip Billy Davis Jr., the guy you called the lead singer, lost his wallet. It turns out he’d left it in a taxi and the next passenger in the cab found it and returned the wallet to Davis. As a sign of his gratitude he invited the honest guy and his wife to that evening’s performance at the hotel. The gentleman in question happened to be a producer of Hair and in return invited the band to watch it on Broadway. They were blown away by the opening number ‘Aquarius’ and resolved there and then to record it....
This song was The Fifth Dimension's biggest hit song ever!!! The song stayed at the #1 spot for 6 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 during the spring of 1969. The beautiful lady with the awesome voice singing lead is Marilyn McCoo. The guy with the other awesome voice is Marilyn McCoo's husband, Billy Davis, Jr. The song is no doubt a definite banger!!!
Between 1967 and 1973 they charted with 20 Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, two of which - "Up, Up and Away" (no. 7, 1967) and the 1969 number one "Medley: Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)" - won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. Other big hits include "Stoned Soul Picnic" (no. 3), "Wedding Bell Blues" (no. 1), "One Less Bell to Answer" (no. 2), a cover of "Never My Love" (pop no. 12/Easy Listening no. 1), "(Last Night) I Didn't Get to Sleep at All" (no. 8), and "If I Could Reach You" (pop no. 10/Easy Listening no. 1). Three of their records reached the top ten of Billboard's Rhythm & Blues/Soul chart. Five of their 19 top 20 hits on the Easy Listening chart reached number one.
One of my favorite songs from their catalog is "Love's Lines, Angles and Rhymes."
I'm a child of the 60s and I am so happy that I grew up doing this music era to me that produced legendary longevity music I know all their songs❤
'The music of the day will reflect the society of the day' fits very well into your outro thoughts. We've lost our way.
The last half of the 20th century was better than the first half of the 21st century.
by a WIIIIIIIDE margin ✌💖☮
5th Dimension's harmonies were so awesome it's easy to overlook their stage presence. They sounded good and (to that 1960s young audience) looked good too.
This medley of two songs from the 1967 musical "Hair" was released in 1969 when I was 9. So yes, I'm 64 years young. 😁 Other great songs by them are "Up, Up, and Away" (which someone else called My beautiful balloon), "Wedding Bell Blues", "One Less Bell To Answer", and "I Didn't Get To Sleep At All".
*Just FYI: The Fifth Dimension had some great popular songs including:*
"Up, Up and Away"
"Stone Soul Picnic"
"Love Lines, Angles and Rhymes"
"I Didn't Get To Sleep At All"
"Marry Me Bill"
"Never My Love"
"One Less Bell to Answer"
"Go Where You Wanna Go"
"Wedding Bell Blues"
"California Soul"
It was the heart of the psychedelic era.
That great bass line in the second song was provided by the great Joe Osborne....he was a member of the Wrecking Crew, which was a loose collective of American session musicians based in Los Angeles whose services were employed for a great number of studio recordings in the 1960s and 1970s, including hundreds of top 40 hits......Hal Blaine was a session drummer in the Crew and was thought to be among the most recorded studio drummers in the music industry, claiming over 35,000 sessions and 6,000 singles. His drumming is featured on 150 US top 10 hits, 40 of which went to number one.
My sister was born in May and she got to do fun, outdoor type things (amusement parks, etc). My birthday was in Feb and because it was cold my parents would just take me to a movie. BUT THEN, I heard this song, ,and this little Aquarius felt that this song was written just for me, and its one of my favorites, now that I'm in my 50's.
Marilyn Mc Coo is one if the legendary voices of all time. please listen to more.
This is 1967 Summer of Love, the Musical Hair which was huge. The younger generation that started embracing Dylan, Beatles, Byrds, then Jefferson Airplane, The Mamas and Papas (the 5th Dimension was in essence the African American version of the Mamas and Papas), Grateful Dead etc were the COUNTERCULTURE, and with the long hair, the clothes, the more open shex, and yes, the drugs, it was a drastic change from the Big Band and crooners of the 40s and 50s and even from the Rock n Roll of Elvis,Chuck Berry, Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly. The world went from black and white to Technicolor circa 65-66.
This song pairing just blew me away when I was a little kid. The older girls mostly would be out there Dancing in the Moonlight Barefoot to Age of Aquarius and then when it came to an end it was the end of side A of the 45 RPM single, and I would jump up and run over to the tiny little record player they had on an extension cord, and flip it over as fast as I could and put them back down so it would go straight into let the sunshine in. And then we would all just go nuts dancing.
This song is from the musical, Hair. There was a period of time from the mid 60's to the mid 70's when astrology was a very popular subject and so many people were fascinated with sun signs, horoscopes, astrology, etc. So often people would ask others what their horoscope is. People would wear their horoscope on their coffee mugs and T-shirts. The song, 'Age of Aquarius / Let the sunshine in' fit right in with the times.
These were the years I grew up in and music was so hopeful and very harmonious it was a great time to grow up
great song love the harmonies back when people thought they could change the world
Marilyn McCoo(the one in the yellow and purple) was the host of the "Solid Gold" music countdown show in the early 1980s and she was still a stunner.
They were indeed very special times when this song was recorded!...still a very relevent message for any age...Thank you guys for this...💖💖
This song was the theme song for the late sixties and the mindset for the time. It was used in much of the antiwar sentiment of the time and had a lot to do with the social process of the time.
Santa
I'm so glad that you guys addressed the influence of music on our overall society and culture. My brother and I have this conversation all the time (he's in his late 50s, I'm in my 60s). We both believe that the music of today does not carry the same messaging, feeling, and social impact of past music. We miss that in today's music.
Man I remember when this was released, it gave me a warm feelings and the song is timeless. It was a new kinda sound that at least partially summed up the flower power era. BTW the music back then did not revolve around entertainer cuteness to be in a band. It was talent and cohesiveness of the groups that made them successful, as well as great song writing. Thank God they didn't just have to have the looks like they have to today and many great talents are on the back-burner and never even get into bands. Yeah the music was awesome back in the 60'/70's.
Check out the rest of their legendary music and songs❤🎶
The age of Aquarius is now.😍
So they were ahead of There time... singing about this.
As an Aquarian myself,I have always been interested in these things .
As a world we are moving towards the 5 th dimension ,and this means to Connect more with our hearts and make our desicions from There . A world of peace and joy. 😍 But the road to There ,is hard,working through all of our baggage ,and letting go ,because we can’t take it with us , to be able to ” let the Sun Shine in.” Let the Sun shine in through the cracks.
Two of the members who were married Billy and maryln macoo had a hit you don't have to be a star in the late 70s really good tune too
I'm old enough to remember this one playing on our groovy new HiFis!~ The album containing _Aquarius, Wedding Bell Blues, Workin' on a Groovy Thing_ was HUGE and a staple in everyone's house.
This medley was like a closing Anthem for the 1960's, in 1969. Andonce again, to understand that, you had to be there. But theold phrase goes, if you remember being there, you weren't there. "I don't remember the 1960's, but I have been told I had a good time..." the ladies sing and the men coming in behind them is called some form of counterpoint melody singing, very common. You probaby don't here that much today. the 5th Dimension was probaby the best pure vocals [non playing instruments, just a vocal group]. ] There was in the 1960's, followed by the Mamas and Papas. We did this the next year in junior high choir, dancing in the ailes and all, had the whole audience singing with this. I was on guitar onstage. Dressed like Hippies, "what a gas" that was to experience that.
The woman with the longer hair is Marilyn McCoo. Her voice is so beautiful and strong. She sings lead on a good many of their songs.
"Up Up and Away" is another
harmonic #1 hit of theirs 🎈
We are in the age of Aquarius right now it happened a couple years ago so hopefully people are Awakening and peace and love will rule the planet eventually.
in 1969, Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In was the top song in the year-end Hot 100 survey on practically every radio station. It was NOT their first hit, and a good number of their previous ones were also Number 1 songs. Stoned Soul Picnic, Sweet Blindness, and Up, Up and Away are all worth listening to. A lesser known one was something that helped me learn the words to the Declaration of Independence. 55 years later, I can STILL recite that passage.
Great reaction. As a young, black girl when this came out, I was more drawn to Let the Sunshine In, because of the soulful, gospel nature of the song, but I watched them on Ed Sullivan and they were amazing. As an adult, I appreciate those harmonies. Awesome.
Just want to let you know that I was 19 years old when I heard this song and it was so beautiful and moving of my soul and continues to this day and I’m glad that you have listened to it
Love this group had some great hits. So much more to explore.
Two members Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis who were married also had a successful solo career.
First!!
After listening to your whole after-discussion, I appreciate your recognition of the happy and loving atmosphere that the song, and the 60's, exude.
Yes, the mood that a song brings matters.
When a generation grows up on happy positive harmonious songs (and movies), that mood influences them.
When a generation grows up on negative swearing word-porridge drowned out by generated push-beats (and movies, games), that mood influences them.
The mental food people in a society take in, feeds them mentally, forms their brains. In which society do we want to live?
It is true, the 60's was a great time, for us who were into the counterculture. It was positive, and optimistic. People longing for real connections, for freedom from too tight societal rules. People longing for nature, for not going along with the encroaching of wealth and materialism. To live your life as you pleased, in ways that were sometimes both old and new, like communes.
That amalgam of desires combined and hit a peak around 1969. From then it was noticeable that the counterculture split in various (and fluidly overlapping) directions:
The ecological concerned. The new-age spiritual and ritual inclined. The ones that followed their hedonistic urges. The ones who found society as it was good enough.
All four of these directions are still recognisable today.
Ecological concern is now a concern for the whole of mankind, as it should have been back then already.
The new-agers spread to yoga and the Indian ashrams, evolving into spheres like the Bagwan 'trend', into the fitness yoga, and alternative, old and new religions and beliefs.
The hedonism seekers got their fill of sex and drugs (no rock&roll required), and the ones who could not control themselves can nowadays be seen in a junk condition, or have already passed away.
And the ones who lived lives that more or less resembled that of their parents, the father-mother-children in a house, with work. This direction has prevailed the most, even with all technical and social charges around it.
During the 70's mainstream people started getting affected, through fashion and changing cultural norms. News-anchors started getting side-burns, a regular person would have flaring pants. Colours and designs of clothes, furniture and other daily objects. And ofcourse the more open attitudes in general, sometimes in simple but profound changes like sitting on the grass in the park.
Never saw this performance but I’ve always loved this song, especially Marilyn McCoo’s beautiful vocals. Love the outfits!
One of these ladies is Marilyn McCoo and one of my favorite singers from this era along with Karen Carpenter and Barbara Streisand. I hope you listen to her big hits someday. I suggest "One Less Bell To Answer."
The instrumental track was set to tape at Wally Heider's Studio 3 in Hollywood by the Wrecking Crew members including Hal Blaine on drums, Joe Osborn on bass, Larry Knechtel on keyboards, Tommy Tedesco and Dennis Budimir on guitars and Tony Terran on trumpet. It also featured strings, winds, and brass instrumentations. However, the vocals were recorded separately in Las Vegas, where the 5th Dimension was performing at the time, using only two microphones for the five singers. Davis' solo during "Let the Sunshine In" was improvised during the session; songwriter Jimmy Webb, who happened into the studio during the recording, remarked to Howe, "My God, that's a number one record." WIKI
My Hi School choir , and myself performed Aquarius in our concerts around Ontario Canada and Michigan USA back in the early 1970’s. Great times and memories for me
Hi guys, been enjoying your reactions so far since discovering you. Just wanted to drop some info for you on Marilyn Mccoo and Billy Davis jr. two of the original members of this group, who also married became a couple and went on their own as a duo and had a number of hits in the 70's. You Don't Have to be a Star, and Silly Love Songs among others which would be cool for you to react to...Thanks! Peace and Love!
This was one of four top ten Billboard hits from "Hair" which was huge in 1969. The original cast recording was a huge bestseller and set the tone for all of the rock musicals that followed it. The Fifth Dimension had many hits and were very hot when this was #1, but you should hear (and see) Marilyn McCoo from the group sing One Less Bell.
55 yrs ago!... Dont say that!!.. Man im gettin old.. Remember this one like it was yesterday... lol....
I always say from growing up in the 60s and 70s we were so lucky to be surrounded by so much great music. There was the current music (Beatles, Stones, Zeppelin) plus you would hear and see on variety shows big band music, music of the 40s and 50s. These shows would cover all genres of music in their shows and sometimes they would team up and try to sing each other's style. This helped everyone appreciate all music even though you would have your personal preference. I think it did help with mental health because you were exposed during that turbulent time to some happier and joyful music.
I agree,the 60s/70s were such great times and hearing this again really does take me back to my youth ( born in 52),life was so different then as compared to today,we lived in good times now it's all P.C.
Another great song from the musical "Hair" is the title song HAIR by the Cowsills. It reflects the late 60's and how most every young person was growing out their curly locks!!
Bass player's having a blast during the "Let the Sunshine" part. :)
From the Broadway musical "Hair". There were several songs recorded by other artists from this play that sold millions; "Easy to be Hard" Three Dog Night "Hair" The Cowsills, to name a few.