Fun facts: Billy Davis, Jr. and Marilyn McCoo are the only husband and wife team to have a number 1 hit on the Billboard charts as both as members of a group (The 5th Dimension), 5 number 1 hits, and as a duo, "You Don't Have To Be A Star".
Marilyn McCoo was THE VOICE holding that note, AMD she still has it! She and her husband and group member Billy Davis are still performing, still married (about 54 years), still looking good! Please react to their blockbuster hit "You Don't Have to Be a Star." As for the 5th Dimension, my favorite is "Puppet Man." The harmonies are TIGHT!!
Jay & Amber, You'll love their "Last Night I Didn't Get To Sleep At All" and "Wedding Bell Blues"!!! Marilyn McCoo was the star voice of the group. Also "Stoned Soul Picnic"!!! Marilyn and Billy Davis Jr(in group too) are married since 1969, and had a solo hit "You Don't Have To Be A Star".
One of my favorites is One Less Bell To Answer. But they have so many that it is really hard to choose. Like the ones suggested by the subscribers here.
So Jay and Amber. Their harmonies are so beautiful. And I learned this song in choir in grade 6. And later I went on to crew hot air balloons for the Calgary balloon club. And I have flown. It is absolutely spectacular, beautiful, peaceful. There is a strange optical illusion that happens when you takeoff, it is so gentle. It’s not like you are ascending. It’s like the earth just falls away gently. It is for the most part very safe, but like any flying, there is some risk involved. However, it is magical. Absolutely magical. And also, it is a tradition to crack open a bottle of champagne when you land because that was an offering to the farmer whose land you probably set down on. yes, the baskets are wicker. You should try it once. Love your reactions.
Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. dated during their time in 5th Dimension and married. They have been together for more than 50 years. They have another song where she sings lead called “Wedding Bell Blues,” where the main line is, “Come on and marry me, Bill.” It’s a great song. Of course there’s also “One Less Bell to Answer,” which is about a breakup. They were SO popular. I think Up, Up and Away might have been song of the year on some charts.
I looked and couldn’t find they had done any Association. When I was a kid I loved Windy. But now I find Never My Love so dreamy, with that riff holding it all together.
Other songs of their's you should check out are One Less Bell to Answer, Puppet Man, Wedding Bell Blues, I Didn't Get To Sleep At All, and Stoned Soul Picnic.
Won six grammy awards in 1968!!! I remember my father playing this song. Try listening to "One Less Bell to Answer" and "Wedding Bell Blues", you will be in for a treat!!
Probably every high school choir in America sang this song, for years after its release. A good, fun, very corny song, by a great group. "One Less Bell To Answer," by The 5th Dimension, is a glorious heartbreak song, sung by the goddess herself, Marilyn McCoo, who virtually every guy had a crush on, she was so gorgeous and talented.
A couple I knew received a gift certificate for a hot air balloon ride with a champagne brunch afterward. They were not interested and gifted it to me for my birthday. I took a buddy with me and we had a great time. We met the balloonist and his wife early in the morning and helped unfurl the unfilled balloon while they filled with the hot air and it rose up over the carriage underneath. The sensation of riding in the balloon was like gliding gently in a glider. The basket was very sturdy and secure. The balloonist was able to control the various levels that the balloon flew by adjusting the hot air. His wife followed the balloon's journey down below in her car and they were able to communicate via radio. When we landed we enjoyed a lovely picnic with them and it was a very fun and easygoing adventure all around. It was not scary at all.
Wikipedia’s article on this song by composer Jimmy Webb tells us: “A canonical example of sunshine pop, themed around images of hot air ballooning, it cleaned up at the 10th Annual Grammy Awards in 1968, winning for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, Best Performance by a Vocal Group, Best Performance by a Chorus and Best Contemporary Song.”
An old girlfriend of mine took me on a hot air balloon trip for my birthday one year and I highly recommend it. The balloon basically moves along at the same speed as the wind so when you're in the basket, it feels completely still. The scenery is beautiful and cows would follow the balloon and then they all stopped and watched the balloon go. We went over a huge buck in the woods who then ran into the cornfield. It was an amazing experience.
This came out in 1967 when I was turning 3 years old. I don’t remember that. However, I do remember it was still being played on the radio when I was 5 through 8 or 9 even. And I do remember those days. This was a great song that really belonged to the generation before me…..aka the “hippies”. But the very young me liked it a lot. Born in late 1964, I consider the 80s as “my music” the most of all, but the 60s, 70s, and 90s were all great to me too…..after the 80s. 😁
In addition to Stoned Soul Picnic, the Fifth Dimension had other hits with Laura Nyro songs, including Sweet Blindness and Save the Country. They also did a nice cover of Go Where You Wanna Go by the Mamas and the Papas. All are highly recommended!
" You Font Have To Be A Star" "One Less Bell To Answer" ."Wedding Bell Blues". Just some more of their great tunes. Love their sound. Thanks for another great selection of the great oldies; songs of my youth.
In 1967 I was 6 years old and I remember every moment of those times. Of course I wanted to be older than I was and hang out with my oldest sister Rashieda and her friends. God Rest her Soul! Magic was in the air, The 5th Dimension was playing on the radio and my Mom's stereo! Someone said in comments, Jay and Amber, that you would have loved the 60's, I agree! You guys are 2 old souls, and a pair of Hippies born in another time! Keep doing what are you are doing guys, you're making the world a better place!
Can definitely recommend a hot air balloon ride . Because they get taken with the wind,they’re perfectly calm when you’re in the basket - no turbulence . I remember floating quite low over some golfers - we were so quiet they didn’t even notice us . Magical
Marilyn McCoo is one of the greatest singers ever actually still performing and sounds great.This is their first.song I believe in 67. Many very good songs. Sweet blindness is one of my favorites also covered by Liza Minelli. Great harmonies kudos to them all!
When I was 5 in 1969, my mom ordered Columbia House records (an old album/tape purchase club) and her first order of albums arrived and she immediately played the first album in the box- the 5th Dimension Age Of Aquarius- on the big wood stereo. I loved it so much I took her album and it became mine. By 6 years old, I had all their albums up until that year, including Up, Up & Away. I still have all those albums!
In the 60's and 70's there were only 3 networks to watch, they had many variety shows and the 5th dimension was on most of them, I loved them❤ Peace ✌️ Gary
Another song I admire written by Laura Nyro is Save the Country. We sure could use that song now. "Come on, people, come on, children Come on down to the glory river. Gonna wash you up, and wash you down, Gonna lay the devil down, gonna lay that devil down. I got fury in my soul, fury's gonna take me to the glory goal In my mind I can't study war no more. Save the people, save the children, save the country now"
The Fifth Dimension was just a fantastic group. When I was working in Top 40 radio, I *so* wanted to hire the Fifth Dimension to sing our station jingles. They have several other songs, and some here have already received recommendations. But the ones I recommend are "California Soul" and "Stoned Soul Picnic." "Up Up and Away" was their debut hit (1967) and really put them on everyone's radar. Oh, and "Afternoon Dellight" was by Starland Vocal Band.
When I was in grade school, everytime we went school shopping for new school clothes, this song would play on the radio all of the time; this and "Downtown."
The band who did "Afternoon Delight" was the The Starland Vocal Band. Great record. I really enjoy watching/hearing your reactions, and it's a pleasant treat. Thanks!
One of the best groups with harmonies. I love the wide stereo stage of music back in that era and how you got different vocals and instruments from each the left and right channels, superb.
My mom got me their last album with the original lineup, Earthbound, in 1975 when I was 7. I saw Marilyn McCoo perform and host often on variety shows and Solid Gold. Such beautiful voices🙂
They were wonderful in person, too! Some groups are best listened to on record but others, are great or even better live. Saw them at the old Musical Tent in Warwick Rhode Island. So, yes, in an extravagant tent, open sides, in the round. And still energizing, perfect!
Afternoon Delight was sung by the starland vocal band to answer the question asked at the end love this song its just warm sunshine feelings that make you feel good listening to it
I had the joy of seeing them twice in concert. They were so personable and fun to watch let alone listen to, and their music was exactly what you heard on the recordings without post-production tricks. A great memory I shall have forever.
Glad to see you got back to the FIfth Dimension. Please keep it coming with this group, especially One Less Bell to Answer, Wedding Bell Blues, and others.
Jay and Amber, we sang this song in grade 6 choir. Along with many of their other songs. Later in my life, I started crewing for hot air balloons in the Calgary balloon club. And I have flown. It is absolutely magical. It is so gentle and peaceful, there is a strange optical illusion that happens when you lift off, and that is that you are not ascending, but the earth is falling slowly away. Maybe try it once? It is, well, there is no better word for it than magical. Love your reactions as always.
Great song written by Jimmy Webb. It was released in May of 1967. Also, they are not singing in harmony, but monophonically (either in unison or the same tone at a different octave). The song was also used as a promotional for TWA. It fits quite well together with its theme of flight.
This is one of favorite songs of all time!!! This song actually won both the Record and Song of the Year Grammy, as well as the Pop Vocal Performance. A total of 6 overall Grammys back in 1968.
You really need to check out more of theirs. One Less Bell To Answer is a must, also Wedding Bell Blues, and If I Could Reach You. All three are featuring the lead vocal of Marilyn McCoo Davis, who married the male lead singer Billy Davis Jr.
Hi guys, I loved your reaction so very much, I was born in 1956 and grew up listening to all of these type of songs and those of the 40`s and 50`s as my Mom would sing all day long and music and singing was a constant part of our lives. You connect so well with those times it seems like you were there with us old timers... I wish I could send you back there for a while but you probably wouldn`t want to come back to the present. You should take a listen to Patty Page singing Old Cape Cod... it`s short but sweet and gives a great feeling of New England. Peace and brother love to you and all.
There are many Fifth Dimension songs worth reacting. Their harmonies are phenomenal. They covered Never my Love, originally released by The Association. It is a pearl. Last Night I Didn't Get to Sleep at All, Wedding Bell Blues, and many more. They are all gems.
For close harmonies, check out Manhattan Transfer. "Operator" is probably their best known but also "Java Jive," "Birdland" and "The Boy From New York City."
Yay! You’re finally reacting to a favorite song of my late parents. This group was one of their favorites, and their songs were played in our house all the time. The female singers were gorgeous; their names are Marilyn McCoo and Florence Larue. Marilyn McCoo was the female lead singer and it was her voice that was holding the notes for a long time. And at 9 years old, I had me a big crush on Marilyn McCoo that lasts to this day (I’m 65 now). The musical backing was dominated by members of The Wrecking Crew, including trumpeter Tony Terran. According to the AFM contract sheet, the following musicians laid down the initial instrumental track on February 22, 1967: Hal Blaine (drums) Larry Knechtel (keyboards) Gayle Levant (harp) Joe Osborn (bass) Johnny Rivers (guitar) Tommy Tedesco (guitar) Jimmy Webb (piano) Two other session players featuring prominently in the final mix were Al Casey (acoustic guitar) and Bud Shank (piccolo). A canonical example of sunshine pop, themed around images of hot air ballooning, it cleaned up at the 10th Annual Grammy Awards in 1968, winning for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, Best Performance by a Vocal Group, Best Performance by a Chorus and Best Contemporary Song. In 2003, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame
When I was young this was on the radio constantly! They had many hit songs! It's cool that Billy Davis Jr. and Marilyn McCoo who are the stars of the group are still a couple all these years later! Great talents!
I also wanted to mention that it brings back beautiful memories of my mother…whom I’ve recently lost….who used to listen to on vinyl at home and 8 tracks in the car….wow…now I’m dating myself. You guys bring pleasure and a spark to my day,every day when I watch you guys. Peace,love and respect!!! Will in Japan.
Thanks for getting back to this great group. Here's some more suggestions for the 5th Dimension Stone Doul Picnic (1968) Wedding Bell Blues (Live On The Woody Allen Special 1969) One Less Bell To Answer (1970) Last Night (I Couldn't Get To Sleep At All (1972) Thanks again Jay and Amber
Amazingly, after 50 years, I remember every note, word and nuance. All the songs you play have allowed memories of my youth…AND remembering all the words to every song…harmonies too. I was a singer in high school so always sang along! THANK YOU,
Marilyn McCoo once said Up, Up and Away was her favorite song to sing. I grew up with my mom playing the 5th Dimension album all the time. I love "Sweet Blindness", my favorite is "Go Where You Wanna Go", "Stoned Soul Picnic" is pretty groovy, "Save the Country", "Last Night I Didn't Get to Sleep At All", are just a few. No hot air balloon for me either!! 😅
Jay and Amber, can’t thank you enough for listening to one of my seminal pop music experiences when I was just a small kid. I loved this song, which made me dream about soaring high. And Amber, to answer your question, I have twice been in a hot air balloon, which to use your astute observation simply floats, so you don’t feel movement. As a fellow adrenaline junkie, I have also gone skydiving twice. Now that you have a greater appreciation for the Fifth Dimension, which has so much wonderful music in their catalog, I hope you’ll listen to One Less Bell To Answer and Wedding Bell Blues, both huge hits for the group.
My late mother was the adventurous soul. Back in the mid 80's, she rode in a hot air balloon for roughly 20 minutes. It rose to about 50 feet in the air and soon the pilot adjusted the valves to bring it back down. I was so proud of her for being so fearless. Miss her so much with being Mother's Day tomorrow.
Just one of the best bands ever! Enjoy! Alright now. Typical parental tales! Enjoy it while you can. Go Up Up and Away! Happy recharging, you two! Those drums! Great reaction. Thanks.
There is so much significance here. This was their first hit; they made it big with this in 1967. If I am correct, I think they won a Grammy for this. There are many tie-ins here; first we have the stellar compositions of Jimmy Webb, the voices of the Fifth Dimension and the instruments of the Wrecking Crew. Jimmy Webb composed music also for Glen Campbell who is a Wrecking Crew alumni and a member of The Beach Boys band. Later on, both Linda Ronstadt and Glen would record Jimmy Webb’s “Adios” which includes Brian Wilson as a backing vocalist. The Fifth Dimension was top notch. Marilyn McCoo has a beautiful and reassuring voice. Their rendition of “Never My Love” sounds as though it came from Heaven. “If I Could Reach You” can bring one to tears and “Last Night I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All is sooooo good. There are many masterpieces from them. I wouldn’t even know where to begin.
I was in second grade when this song came out. My friends and I used to skip and run around singing it. It's just pure happiness. ~~ And yeah, Amber, I'm not standing in a picnic basket 1,000 feet off the ground blowing in the breeze!
Jay, it's so beautiful the way you close your eyes when you listen to the music. I can tell that you're trying to shut out all visual distractions so you can focus completely on what you're hearing. It's such an authentic reaction, and that's exactly what I'm here for. Thank you.
My entire family loved this vocal group. I was very young when this was a hit, and with this and Aquarius, I thought they were from outer space. Wedding Bell Blues is my favorite.
From an era when it was OK to make songs that just made people feel happy.
How sad that that's not the case anymore.
Every era has that kind of music but I do feel like it would’ve been easier to just enjoy music without feeling bad about it. Social media ruins it.
I agree
Agreed.
Amen...
Fun facts:
Billy Davis, Jr. and Marilyn McCoo are the only husband and wife team to have a number 1 hit on the Billboard charts as both as members of a group (The 5th Dimension), 5 number 1 hits, and as a duo, "You Don't Have To Be A Star".
They did You Don't Have To Be A Star
They had 2 #1's on Billboard Pop Singles charts. Maybe you are including the Adult Contemporary charts?🤔
Marilyn McCoo was THE VOICE holding that note, AMD she still has it! She and her husband and group member Billy Davis are still performing, still married (about 54 years), still looking good! Please react to their blockbuster hit "You Don't Have to Be a Star." As for the 5th Dimension, my favorite is "Puppet Man." The harmonies are TIGHT!!
@@NeptuneLady1957 You're favorite is "Puppet Man" and my favorite is "Carpet Man".🙂
And they have been married for 55 years!
Jay & Amber, You'll love their "Last Night I Didn't Get To Sleep At All" and "Wedding Bell Blues"!!! Marilyn McCoo was the star voice of the group. Also "Stoned Soul Picnic"!!! Marilyn and Billy Davis Jr(in group too) are married since 1969, and had a solo hit "You Don't Have To Be A Star".
Also Loves, LInes, Angles and Rhymes and If I Could Reach You are both excellent as are One Less Bell to Answer.
❤Wedding Bell Blues!
One of my favorites is One Less Bell To Answer. But they have so many that it is really hard to choose. Like the ones suggested by the subscribers here.
Didn’t they break off and form Peaches and Herbs?
So Jay and Amber. Their harmonies are so beautiful. And I learned this song in choir in grade 6. And later I went on to crew hot air balloons for the Calgary balloon club. And I have flown. It is absolutely spectacular, beautiful, peaceful. There is a strange optical illusion that happens when you takeoff, it is so gentle. It’s not like you are ascending. It’s like the earth just falls away gently. It is for the most part very safe, but like any flying, there is some risk involved. However, it is magical. Absolutely magical. And also, it is a tradition to crack open a bottle of champagne when you land because that was an offering to the farmer whose land you probably set down on. yes, the baskets are wicker. You should try it once. Love your reactions.
I always thought this song sounded like fresh air, a cool breeze and a blue sky on a sunny day. It was ALWAYS on the radio when I was a kid...
One of my earliest radio memories! Songs from the 5th Dimension, the Carpenters, and Three Dog Night filled early FM in my childhood.
yeah as the kids say these days this song is a vibe always a good feeling listening to it
Yes!!! 😁
Described so perfectly! 🪂🌝⛱️
Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. dated during their time in 5th Dimension and married. They have been together for more than 50 years. They have another song where she sings lead called “Wedding Bell Blues,” where the main line is, “Come on and marry me, Bill.” It’s a great song. Of course there’s also “One Less Bell to Answer,” which is about a breakup. They were SO popular. I think Up, Up and Away might have been song of the year on some charts.
Another group with great harmonies you're overdue to get back to: The Association
Windy
I looked and couldn’t find they had done any Association. When I was a kid I loved Windy. But now I find Never My Love so dreamy, with that riff holding it all together.
Other songs of their's you should check out are One Less Bell to Answer, Puppet Man, Wedding Bell Blues, I Didn't Get To Sleep At All, and Stoned Soul Picnic.
Laura Nyro = MVP
Don't forget California Soul....
Let’s not forget The Wrecking Crew, the session legends who backed musicians of all genres.
With the AMAZING GUITAR PICKING by TOMMY TEDESCO!
Won six grammy awards in 1968!!! I remember my father playing this song. Try listening to "One Less Bell to Answer" and "Wedding Bell Blues", you will be in for a treat!!
You should check out Wedding Bell Blues, but a live version when Marilyn is sing to Billy, you can see why they have been together so long.
One of my favorite songs!
One of my favorites also
Probably every high school choir in America sang this song, for years after its release. A good, fun, very corny song, by a great group.
"One Less Bell To Answer," by The 5th Dimension, is a glorious heartbreak song, sung by the goddess herself, Marilyn McCoo, who virtually every guy had a crush on, she was so gorgeous and talented.
We sang fifth dimension songs in Canada too. Love them.
The boys in our hs chorus would belt out "can of peas" instead of canopy.
"Last Night I Didn't Get to Sleep at All" is a must hear!
Marilyn McCoo's voice is silken majesty! 🥰
One less bell to answer is a classic.
A couple I knew received a gift certificate for a hot air balloon ride with a champagne brunch afterward. They were not interested and gifted it to me for my birthday. I took a buddy with me and we had a great time. We met the balloonist and his wife early in the morning and helped unfurl the unfilled balloon while they filled with the hot air and it rose up over the carriage underneath. The sensation of riding in the balloon was like gliding gently in a glider. The basket was very sturdy and secure. The balloonist was able to control the various levels that the balloon flew by adjusting the hot air. His wife followed the balloon's journey down below in her car and they were able to communicate via radio. When we landed we enjoyed a lovely picnic with them and it was a very fun and easygoing adventure all around. It was not scary at all.
Sounds like Jay can score some romantic points!
I've taken several hot air balloon rides, too - always a great time!
The class of Marilyn McCoo shines through here, awesome song.
Wikipedia’s article on this song by composer Jimmy Webb tells us:
“A canonical example of sunshine pop, themed around images of hot air ballooning, it cleaned up at the 10th Annual Grammy Awards in 1968, winning for
Record of the Year,
Song of the Year,
Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals,
Best Performance by a Vocal Group,
Best Performance by a Chorus and
Best Contemporary Song.”
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Up,_Up_and_Away_(song)
Thanks. I was trying to remember if this song was composed by Burt Bacharach or Jimmy Webb.
Yes, it was a huge song!
Jimmy Webb wrote some really great songs.
The 5th Dimension Is The Best 💯
The high notes they hit in this song is phenomenal! I’m a soprano but never got close! So jealous. 😊😊
An old girlfriend of mine took me on a hot air balloon trip for my birthday one year and I highly recommend it. The balloon basically moves along at the same speed as the wind so when you're in the basket, it feels completely still. The scenery is beautiful and cows would follow the balloon and then they all stopped and watched the balloon go. We went over a huge buck in the woods who then ran into the cornfield. It was an amazing experience.
I feel so fortunate to have grown up during that era. The amount of natural talent of so many people is amazing.
You should see if you can get, Billy Davis, Jr. and Marilyn McCoo on for an interview. Very nice couple.
You should discover the magic of "The Association", beautiful!
Yes!
“Cherish”
“Never My Love”
“Windy”
Yes, "Windy" reminds me of summer and it was the song we played in our marching band doing parades in '67.
We played it in band too, just at games.
This is a group Bill Maher detests wholly. This is because he is as romantic as a diseased cactus.
1960s classic. Very popular back in the day. Thank you for reacting to it.
This came out in 1967 when I was turning 3 years old. I don’t remember that. However, I do remember it was still being played on the radio when I was 5 through 8 or 9 even. And I do remember those days. This was a great song that really belonged to the generation before me…..aka the “hippies”. But the very young me liked it a lot. Born in late 1964, I consider the 80s as “my music” the most of all, but the 60s, 70s, and 90s were all great to me too…..after the 80s. 😁
My childhood. First song I can remember singing.
I can't really tell why, but it puts me back into the child watching sesame street and the world was just a beautiful place.
Lol. Mine was Wedding Bell Blues. 5 years old while jumping on my older sister’s bed.😂
In addition to Stoned Soul Picnic, the Fifth Dimension had other hits with Laura Nyro songs, including Sweet Blindness and Save the Country. They also did a nice cover of Go Where You Wanna Go by the Mamas and the Papas. All are highly recommended!
‘Never My Love’ is an incredible song! Vocal best by Marilyn McCoo!! 🥰
Check out their Wedding Bell Blues.
A must!❤
real musicians, real singers, real emotions real good.
" You Font Have To Be A Star" "One Less Bell To Answer" ."Wedding Bell Blues". Just some more of their great tunes. Love their sound. Thanks for another great selection of the great oldies; songs of my youth.
Saw them in 1973 and their vocals live are every bit as good as the recordings.
In 1967 I was 6 years old and I remember every moment of those times. Of course I wanted to be older than I was and hang out with my oldest sister Rashieda and her friends. God Rest her Soul! Magic was in the air, The 5th Dimension was playing on the radio and my Mom's stereo! Someone said in comments, Jay and Amber, that you would have loved the 60's, I agree! You guys are 2 old souls, and a pair of Hippies born in another time! Keep doing what are you are doing guys, you're making the world a better place!
Can definitely recommend a hot air balloon ride . Because they get taken with the wind,they’re perfectly calm when you’re in the basket - no turbulence .
I remember floating quite low over some golfers - we were so quiet they didn’t even notice us . Magical
It was peaceful, the landing was a little tense for me
This song is a beautiful slice of 60s pop. Glad you enjoyed.
The songwriter, Jimmy Webb, was from Oklahoma
The 5th Dimension were nothing but class. Thank you -- this song is one of my all-time favorites.
More sweetness and light. Music where the only message is "let's all feel good together".
❤️
Marilyn McCoo is one of the greatest singers ever actually still performing and sounds great.This is their first.song I believe in 67. Many very good songs. Sweet blindness is one of my favorites also covered by Liza Minelli. Great harmonies kudos to them all!
When I was 5 in 1969, my mom ordered Columbia House records (an old album/tape purchase club) and her first order of albums arrived and she immediately played the first album in the box- the 5th Dimension Age Of Aquarius- on the big wood stereo. I loved it so much I took her album and it became mine. By 6 years old, I had all their albums up until that year, including Up, Up & Away. I still have all those albums!
This was the sound of A M radio back in the day. Wedding Bell Blues next 👍
Starland Vocal Band is the group you were trying to remember
czcams.com/video/9Gzj-ATZ-Dw/video.htmlsi=AvX1i10G_Tu0WaOz
In the 60's and 70's there were only 3 networks to watch, they had many variety shows and the 5th dimension was on most of them, I loved them❤ Peace ✌️ Gary
A song from my childhood. Brings back so many good memories.
“Wedding bell blues “ is such an amazing song. Marilyn and Billy are married to this day and they are still fabulous. Please check it out you two.
“Love’s Lines, Angles, & Rhymes” is a psychedelic banger! 💯🔥🤙🏽😎
Agree. It is a live recording, If I'm not mistaken.
Another song I admire written by Laura Nyro is Save the Country. We sure could use that song now. "Come on, people, come on, children
Come on down to the glory river.
Gonna wash you up, and wash you down,
Gonna lay the devil down, gonna lay that devil down.
I got fury in my soul, fury's gonna take me to the glory goal
In my mind I can't study war no more.
Save the people, save the children, save the country now"
You've actually done "Wedding Bell Blues" from the writer of the song, Laura Nyro. However, the Fifth Dimension version was a huge hit.
The Fifth Dimension was just a fantastic group. When I was working in Top 40 radio, I *so* wanted to hire the Fifth Dimension to sing our station jingles. They have several other songs, and some here have already received recommendations. But the ones I recommend are "California Soul" and "Stoned Soul Picnic." "Up Up and Away" was their debut hit (1967) and really put them on everyone's radar. Oh, and "Afternoon Dellight" was by Starland Vocal Band.
If you dig the 5th Dimension, you need to check out Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66!
"Wedding Bell Blues" is one of my favorite songs by the 5th Dimension
Top 40 magic from summer 1967. Amazing harmonies, with the Wrecking Crew creating the groove.
Back in the day, you couldn't turn on a radio that wasn't placing this song...Enjoy your channel...Rock ON!!!
When I was in grade school, everytime we went school shopping for new school clothes, this song would play on the radio all of the time; this and "Downtown."
Also by them, Wedding Bell Blues, Puppet Man, Stine Soul Picnic, Last Night I Couldn't Sleep At All, they were always on the charts!!! ❤❤❤❤❤
Stoned Soul Picnic🔥
Starland Vocal Band did Afternoon Delight.
The band who did "Afternoon Delight" was the The Starland Vocal Band. Great record. I really enjoy watching/hearing your reactions, and it's a pleasant treat. Thanks!
One of the best groups with harmonies. I love the wide stereo stage of music back in that era and how you got different vocals and instruments from each the left and right channels, superb.
My mom got me their last album with the original lineup, Earthbound, in 1975 when I was 7. I saw Marilyn McCoo perform and host often on variety shows and Solid Gold. Such beautiful voices🙂
They were wonderful in person, too!
Some groups are best listened to on record but others, are great or even better live.
Saw them at the old Musical Tent in Warwick Rhode Island.
So, yes, in an extravagant tent, open sides, in the round.
And still energizing, perfect!
Afternoon Delight was sung by the starland vocal band to answer the question asked at the end
love this song its just warm sunshine feelings that make you feel good listening to it
My sister and Marilyn were friends. Marilyn is as beautiful as her voice.
I had the joy of seeing them twice in concert. They were so personable and fun to watch let alone listen to, and their music was exactly what you heard on the recordings without post-production tricks. A great memory I shall have forever.
Beautiful Marilyn McCoo.
Glad to see you got back to the FIfth Dimension. Please keep it coming with this group, especially One Less Bell to Answer, Wedding Bell Blues, and others.
My parents played them in the house all the time, very talented!
Jay and Amber, we sang this song in grade 6 choir. Along with many of their other songs. Later in my life, I started crewing for hot air balloons in the Calgary balloon club. And I have flown. It is absolutely magical. It is so gentle and peaceful, there is a strange optical illusion that happens when you lift off, and that is that you are not ascending, but the earth is falling slowly away. Maybe try it once? It is, well, there is no better word for it than magical. Love your reactions as always.
Great song written by Jimmy Webb. It was released in May of 1967. Also, they are not singing in harmony, but monophonically (either in unison or the same tone at a different octave). The song was also used as a promotional for TWA. It fits quite well together with its theme of flight.
This song was huge. It was everywhere and is still used today. Thanks for the video! ☮💙🎶
I grew up hearing my father sing this song.
Jimmy Webb composed a lots of songs and made a lots of starꜱ！😊
I was waiting for someone to post about Jimmy Webb: "By the Time I Get to Phoenix", "MacArthur Park", "Wichita Lineman", "Galveston"
This is one of favorite songs of all time!!! This song actually won both the Record and Song of the Year Grammy, as well as the Pop Vocal Performance. A total of 6 overall Grammys back in 1968.
You really need to check out more of theirs. One Less Bell To Answer is a must, also Wedding Bell Blues, and If I Could Reach You. All three are featuring the lead vocal of Marilyn McCoo Davis, who married the male lead singer Billy Davis Jr.
So many great songs, but "One Less Bell To Answer" is a must! Thanks for another great reaction! ✌💙✌
Hi guys, I loved your reaction so very much, I was born in 1956 and grew up listening to all of these type of songs and those of the 40`s and 50`s as my Mom would sing all day long and music and singing was a constant part of our lives. You connect so well with those times it seems like you were there with us old timers... I wish I could send you back there for a while but you probably wouldn`t want to come back to the present. You should take a listen to Patty Page singing Old Cape Cod... it`s short but sweet and gives a great feeling of New England. Peace and brother love to you and all.
..."Class of 76"...At one time it was used in an airline commercial...
There are many Fifth Dimension songs worth reacting. Their harmonies are phenomenal. They covered Never my Love, originally released by The Association. It is a pearl. Last Night I Didn't Get to Sleep at All, Wedding Bell Blues, and many more. They are all gems.
One of very few artists to win the Grammy for Record of the Year TWICE!!
One les bell to answer and wedding bell blues are 2 more songs by them that are a must hear
For close harmonies, check out Manhattan Transfer. "Operator" is probably their best known but also "Java Jive," "Birdland" and "The Boy From New York City."
Yay! You’re finally reacting to a favorite song of my late parents. This group was one of their favorites, and their songs were played in our house all the time. The female singers were gorgeous; their names are Marilyn McCoo and Florence Larue. Marilyn McCoo was the female lead singer and it was her voice that was holding the notes for a long time. And at 9 years old, I had me a big crush on Marilyn McCoo that lasts to this day (I’m 65 now).
The musical backing was dominated by members of The Wrecking Crew, including trumpeter Tony Terran.
According to the AFM contract sheet, the following musicians laid down the initial instrumental track on February 22, 1967:
Hal Blaine (drums)
Larry Knechtel (keyboards)
Gayle Levant (harp)
Joe Osborn (bass)
Johnny Rivers (guitar)
Tommy Tedesco (guitar)
Jimmy Webb (piano)
Two other session players featuring prominently in the final mix were Al Casey (acoustic guitar) and Bud Shank (piccolo).
A canonical example of sunshine pop, themed around images of hot air ballooning, it cleaned up at the 10th Annual Grammy Awards in 1968, winning for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, Best Performance by a Vocal Group, Best Performance by a Chorus and Best Contemporary Song. In 2003, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame
Two members have a 70s hit "You Don't Have To Be A Star" it's a really great song!
Listen to their song "one less bell to answer." It's beautiful!
Awesome band and love this song❤
When I was young this was on the radio constantly! They had many hit songs! It's cool that Billy Davis Jr. and Marilyn McCoo who are the stars of the group are still a couple all these years later! Great talents!
I also wanted to mention that it brings back beautiful memories of my mother…whom I’ve recently lost….who used to listen to on vinyl at home and 8 tracks in the car….wow…now I’m dating myself. You guys bring pleasure and a spark to my day,every day when I watch you guys. Peace,love and respect!!! Will in Japan.
Thanks for getting back to this great group. Here's some more suggestions for the 5th Dimension
Stone Doul Picnic (1968)
Wedding Bell Blues (Live On The Woody Allen Special 1969)
One Less Bell To Answer (1970)
Last Night (I Couldn't Get To Sleep At All (1972) Thanks again Jay and Amber
Amazingly, after 50 years, I remember every note, word and nuance. All the songs you play have allowed memories of my youth…AND remembering all the words to every song…harmonies too. I was a singer in high school so always sang along! THANK YOU,
Marilyn McCoo once said Up, Up and Away was her favorite song to sing. I grew up with my mom playing the 5th Dimension album all the time. I love "Sweet Blindness", my favorite is "Go Where You Wanna Go", "Stoned Soul Picnic" is pretty groovy, "Save the Country", "Last Night I Didn't Get to Sleep At All", are just a few. No hot air balloon for me either!! 😅
Jay and Amber, can’t thank you enough for listening to one of my seminal pop music experiences when I was just a small kid. I loved this song, which made me dream about soaring high. And Amber, to answer your question, I have twice been in a hot air balloon, which to use your astute observation simply floats, so you don’t feel movement. As a fellow adrenaline junkie, I have also gone skydiving twice.
Now that you have a greater appreciation for the Fifth Dimension, which has so much wonderful music in their catalog, I hope you’ll listen to One Less Bell To Answer and Wedding Bell Blues, both huge hits for the group.
OMG, what a throw back memory. I haven't heard this song in probably 40+ years.
Thank you!
6:04 - Starland Vocal Band (did Afternoon Delight).
My late mother was the adventurous soul. Back in the mid 80's, she rode in a hot air balloon for roughly 20 minutes. It rose to about 50 feet in the air and soon the pilot adjusted the valves to bring it back down. I was so proud of her for being so fearless. Miss her so much with being Mother's Day tomorrow.
They have some great songs, but my favorite has to be, one less belt to answer. It’s a heartbreaker… You guys are fantastic!
Just one of the best bands ever! Enjoy! Alright now. Typical parental tales! Enjoy it while you can. Go Up Up and Away! Happy recharging, you two! Those drums! Great reaction. Thanks.
There is so much significance here. This was their first hit; they made it big with this in 1967. If I am correct, I think they won a Grammy for this. There are many tie-ins here; first we have the stellar compositions of Jimmy Webb, the voices of the Fifth Dimension and the instruments of the Wrecking Crew. Jimmy Webb composed music also for Glen Campbell who is a Wrecking Crew alumni and a member of The Beach Boys band. Later on, both Linda Ronstadt and Glen would record Jimmy Webb’s “Adios” which includes Brian Wilson as a backing vocalist. The Fifth Dimension was top notch. Marilyn McCoo has a beautiful and reassuring voice. Their rendition of “Never My Love” sounds as though it came from Heaven. “If I Could Reach You” can bring one to tears and “Last Night I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All is sooooo good. There are many masterpieces from them. I wouldn’t even know where to begin.
I was in second grade when this song came out. My friends and I used to skip and run around singing it. It's just pure happiness. ~~ And yeah, Amber, I'm not standing in a picnic basket 1,000 feet off the ground blowing in the breeze!
Jay, it's so beautiful the way you close your eyes when you listen to the music. I can tell that you're trying to shut out all visual distractions so you can focus completely on what you're hearing. It's such an authentic reaction, and that's exactly what I'm here for. Thank you.
My teacher in 4th grade was obsessed with the song back in 1973, we had to sing it in a concert!!!!!
My entire family loved this vocal group. I was very young when this was a hit, and with this and Aquarius, I thought they were from outer space. Wedding Bell Blues is my favorite.