What a great harmony with enjoyable lyrics. Marilyn looks beautiful, and blends in her harmony; while making all the right moves. What great entertainment we have here.
Mind blowing! When I've had a difficult day, I listen to the 5th D and all is well with world again. They truly are a gift from God. Marilyn you're an Angel as always. Flo...your eyes are mesmerizing!
I LOVED GROWING UP IN THE ERA OF MUSIC LIKE THIS, BORN IN 63 I WAS SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PROUDLY SAY,I REMEMBER HEARING THE `DIMENSION ON AM RADIO AND SEEING THEM ON LIVE TV AS WELL, SMOOTH SOULFUL MUSIC WITH SOME OF THE BEST HARMONIES,,,,EVER!!!!✌💖🌹🌟😎
I remember hearing this song for the first time on the radio that sat on top of our refrigerator. We usually had it tuned to WLS, the big AM station in Chicago. I was nine years old and really didn't fully understand the lyrics at the time but I loved the music. I fell in love with it that very moment. I heard it maybe half a dozen times over the next forty years. A couple of years back I was collecting up songs by the 5th and looked it up. I found it and downloaded it and have listened to it dozens of time since. It takes me back to that childhood memory. It is so very moving to me now and I also thought even as a child why I didn't hear it more. I absolutely love it and it's one of my favorites. One reason it might now have done well is that tastes in music were changing. The 5th was close to breaking up. (I don't think that Marilyn McCoo in this video.) Disco was becoming the thing and I just think the label didn't care about it that much. Had this song been pushed for more airplay I'm sure it could have cracked the top 40. Beautiful song that fills me with sentimental sadness over how time passes so quickly and that I am painfully aware that I have fewer sunrises ahead than sunsets behind me.
This line-up of the group was very versatile. Loved the balance between Billy's down-home funky vocals and Marilyn's pristine, smooth leads. Definitely a product of their time but the songs are timeless. In retrospect, I think they had a good run and will be remembered for their uniqueness. Today, many probably look at them as a black MOR outfit but they were much more and had crossover appeal because they could venture into any genre.
They were criticised by some at the time because of their crossover appeal but to my mind they were unique. The quality of their work transcended genres .
I just don't understand why this song didn't chart higher. It must have been marketing. This song is epic. It was on point for not only THAT era, but even today those lyrics still ring true. The melody was fabulous, and the arrangement was excellent for 1973. Just not understanding why it didn't get much airplay or love. Folks NEVER remember this song util someone posts it. I don't see how anyone who's ever heard it before can forget it. One of my absolute FAVORITE 5D songs...and DEFINITELY one of y favorite of their songs to chart.
You're both right...this song was a classic. In 1973 at least 3-4 of their releases were all bunched in and not too much caught on. The previous fall,(1972) saw their last Top 10 in "If I could Reach You".
The beginning of the end was the Lost Horizon movie's song Living Together, Growing Together. The group did NOT want to record that song. Clive Davis made them do it. The song sucked--but Bell Records released Ashes as a saving grace but it didn't catch on. The group knew LTGT was a terrible choice for a single. Regardless, to this day, Billy says this second single, Ashes to Ashes, is probably his favorite the group ever recorded..
Yes, The record company, especially Bell Records was foolish with a few choices, IMO, for singles releases. Especially on the last few albums. There were songs that definitely should have been "the radio singles" on those albums and weren't. By the 70s, they needed songs like "Ashes to Ashes" to capture the ear (and feet) of their audiences. I honestly feel Bell and Clive did not have the group's best interest at heart to begin with. And I wish they had gone to a different label long before 1975.
Isn't that Marilyn McCoo gorgeous? I had the pleasure of seeing her in concert a number of years ago when she sang with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. That Billy Davis, Jr. is one fortunate fellow.
Never get tired of visiting this channel. Thank you so much for finding this wonderful clip. Saw Marilyn & Billy the other night in SF and they were sensational. How wonderful to be able to find this "live" performance!
My very first 45(kids now have know idea what those are)was Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In. I have always been a fan and will forever. I also enjoy Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr singing their gospel songs. God Bless Marilyn and Billy 🙏❤ Blessings from Canada 🇨🇦
Great live performance of a single release that came out in the latter part of their career with the five original members . They nailed the bittersweet and melancholy mood of the song . .
Greater groups of that time were: The Carpenters, Mama's and Papa's, Fifth Dimension, CCR, Linyard Skinyard, Traffic, YES, Eagles, The Doobie Brothers and The Who.
I always wondered how long it took Marilyn and Florence to perfect their blend. They often sounded almost like one voice. They must have worked on that for years.
The last of The Fifth Dimension's 'hits'. I like the song enough to actually shoot off an e-mail to song writer Dennis Lambert for the lead sheet because I want to make my own solo guitar/vocal cover ... and he gracefully replied and sent it to me.
I remember this because my oldest son just got out of college when this came out. A very high time for him getting on his own. The only thing I didn't like was his long hair. I said ad-nauseum "get a haircut" (I was 44 t the time, so most people my age didn't grow their hair too long, couldn't understand it!)
"THIS IS MY FAVORITE 2020 HIT SONG"...I HAD NEVER HEARD IT BEFORE SUNG BY "THE 5 D"...AND I'VE BEEN A "FIFTH DIMENSION" FAN SINCE THEY STARTED IN THE LATE 1960S. I THINK THAT "SWING OUT SISTER" (FROM ENGLAND) SING IT, TOO. ❤️💚💛💚❤️
Their political correctnes hindred them from reaching cult status withstanding the wear of time. But their warmth, sympathy quality and profession make them one of my secret personal favourite groups forever. Thanks for posting. Love to be in touch.
So cool! Great song, from a great album. This video is from back when great talent was often, unfortunately, forced to use cruddy audio equipment (as is heard here). (As opposed to today, when cruddy talent can be "enhanced" by great audio equipment, so that, often, talent-less persons can make money off being talent-less....)
Thank you so much for sharing this fabulous 5th Dimension! So many wonderful memories. Who remembers nickel candy?..."Big-Time" candy bar was my fav. (Sigh)😊💖
This looks and sounds live to me. Incredible performance within the limitations of a TV studio. Hats off to the show's band and their arranger. Great song and an absolutely awesome bass line. It has me wondering if they got Joe Osborn to play the gig. This is NOT your average bass player!
a great song and maybe just a year or so before it been a huge hit. it's a great song and it gave it a huge fight to make to 52 on the hot 100...but sadly the 5th's rein was fading as things happen. Yet it remains a great song
The 45 version of the song released about August 1973 was remixed enough to add a solo lead by Billy, but on the original album back about March, the cut has no solo to it. I still have both vinyl versions.
Very Nice I never was around when 5th Dimension became popular I'm interesting learning about the 5th Dimension so I can add it an in a Docuseries about black music I want to be an Successful film Director
Holey Moley!! That episode of Night Gallery with William Windom just ended just a moment ago on the TV just before I read your comment! Rod Serling would definitely appreciate this moment....written at 7:08 PM 11OCT2020!!!
