This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr.
Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr., appearing at the Orleans Casino, February 14-15, have enjoyed tremendous success through the years as recording artists, performers and authors. They have received 7 Grammy Awards and earned 15 gold and 3 platinum records, and enjoyed starring roles on television and stage. They have performed to sold-out concerts around the world. They are currently celebrating more than 40 years in the entertainment business with a musical tribute to the hits and productions that have made up their multi-faceted careers.
As part of The 5th Dimension, the group released numerous champagne and soul classics, including hits "Up, Up and Away," "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In," "Worst That Could Happen," "Stoned Soul Picnic," "Sweet Blindness," "Wedding Bell Blues" and “One Less Bell to Answer."
After a decade with The 5th Dimension, McCoo and Davis decided to leave the group and establish themselves as a duo. They had immediate success with the single, “You Don’t Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show).” The song became a #1 hit and earned them a Grammy for “Best R&B Vocal Performance By a Duo or Group.” Additionally, Davis devoted his efforts to a successful gospel music career and McCoo served as host of television's "Solid Gold."
The husband and wife team are celebrating 46 years of marriage. In 2004 the couple wrote a book, which shares their secrets of staying happy and committed to each other in Hollywood. The book, “Up, Up and Away…How We Found Love, Faith and Lasting Marriage in the Entertainment World,” was written in collaboration with Mike Yorkey and was released by Northfield Publishing Company. In it, they talk about how they met, their successful musical careers, and their major struggles behind closed doors, offering practical marriage advice and spiritual encouragement along the way