Marilyn McCoo And Billy Davis Jr.: Love, Music, And 52 Years Of Harmony

This summer, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. will celebrate their 52nd wedding anniversary. Now, that’s something to applaud, right? Fifty-two years of love, laughter, and music—that’s no small feat for any couple. But for these two, it’s even more remarkable because they’ve been working together since their early days as founding members of the legendary 5th Dimension in the mid-1960s. “Of course, we have our little spats now and then,” Marilyn exclusively tells Closer Weekly, on newsstands now. “But there’s such joy in performing on stage together. It’s a bond that goes beyond words.”

At 77 and 82 years old, Marilyn and Billy have created some of the most iconic music of our time. From their smash hits like “Up, Up and Away,” “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” and “Worst That Could Happen” with the 5th Dimension, to their unforgettable duet “You Don’t Have to Be a Star (to Be in My Show),” they’ve left an indelible mark on the music world. Recently, they’ve released their remake of Paul McCartney’s classic “Silly Love Songs.” It’s the first taste of their upcoming album, Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons, which is set to hit all music platforms this spring. If you’re a fan of timeless love songs, you won’t want to miss this one.

Why “Silly Love Songs”?

What drew you to record “Silly Love Songs?”

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Billy: You know, we wanted to talk about love. And what better way to do that than with a song that’s so uplifting and full of joy? It’s perfect for what we’re trying to convey. Marilyn: Absolutely. We felt that everyone could use a little bit of that positivity and light in their lives right now. Music has a way of touching the soul, and we wanted this song to do just that.

From Friendship to Love: A Journey of a Lifetime

You first recorded together as part of the 5th Dimension. Was it love at first sight when you met?

Billy: Oh, not at all! It was more of a gradual thing. The friendship came first. We became such good friends, and then, well, the love bug eventually hit. Marilyn: That’s so true. We shared a passion for music, and after rehearsals, we’d find ourselves talking for hours at parties. It was a natural progression, and we’ve been together ever since.

A Hit That Changed Everything

The huge hit that everyone always remembers from the 5th Dimension is “Up, Up and Away.”

Billy: That song came to us through our dear friend Jimmy Webb. He gave us “Up, Up and Away” to record, and it completely transformed our careers. Marilyn: It’s hard to believe now, but back then, we didn’t even know what a Grammy Award was. In 1967, the Grammys weren’t televised, so it was all new to us. But that song won us four Grammy Awards, and it was a game-changer.

Life on the Road: The Early Days

What do you remember most about that time?

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Billy: We were working nonstop! We were on tour for probably eight months out of the year. Marilyn: It was an incredible experience. We performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival alongside legends like Janis Joplin, Big Brother and the Holding Company, and Jimi Hendrix. But we weren’t the party animals some might think. We were so busy working that we couldn’t afford to stay out until 5 a.m. and still hit our notes on stage. There’s a certain discipline that comes with being a performer, and we embraced it fully.

Pioneers in Breaking Down Barriers

The 5th Dimension was a crossover act that was beloved by both Black and white audiences. Were you proud to be breaking down barriers?

Marilyn: Oh, absolutely. It was a time when people of color weren’t seen much on television. We felt a real responsibility to represent and to pave the way for others. We knew that if we did a good job, we could help create more opportunities for people of color in the industry. We took that responsibility very seriously. Billy: We were proud to be in that position. It was about more than just music; it was about making a difference.

Leaving the Group and Reuniting

The 5th Dimension won six Grammys over the years. Was it hard to leave the group?

Billy: We always knew we wanted to pursue solo careers. After about a decade, everyone felt the need to explore new directions. Marilyn: But we’re all still great friends. In 1990, we were asked to consider a reunion tour. When we got together and started singing “Up, Up and Away” around the piano, it was magical. The sound was exactly the same as it had always been. It was a highlight of our lives, and we’ve continued to perform reunion shows ever since.

Working Together as a Team

You also had great success in the late 1970s as a musical duo. What made you decide to record together?

Marilyn: Initially, Billy and I thought we’d go our separate ways in our solo careers. But we quickly realized we didn’t want that. We were afraid it might drive us apart. So, we decided it was more important to keep our relationship strong. We’ve always been deeply committed to our marriage.

Isn’t it hard to work with your spouse?

Billy: Surprisingly, we enjoy working together immensely. Over the years, we’ve learned how to handle mistakes and disagreements. You learn when it’s the right time to address something, and now, things run pretty smoothly. Marilyn: It’s all about recognizing that this person is your best friend. You wouldn’t want to hurt your best friend’s feelings, and you certainly don’t want to lose them. So, you find ways to make things work, and that’s what we’ve done.

Lessons in Love and Life

Do you have any tips for keeping the love alive?

Billy: We’re both strong Christians, and we believe in practicing kindness and compassion. Cruelty has no place in a relationship. So, we remind ourselves to relax, breathe, and trust that everything will be okay. Marilyn: For me, one of my proudest achievements is our 51 years of marriage. Learning how to support each other and be kind is what it’s all about. Billy: I couldn’t agree more. Marriage is challenging for any couple, but especially for those who spend so much time together. I’m also proud of where we are in our lives now. God has blessed us by allowing us to keep our voices strong for so many years. That’s truly an accomplishment.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Billy: I’d tell my younger self not to drink so much alcohol. I learned the hard way that it wasn’t the answer. Admitting I had a problem and seeking help was one of the best decisions I ever made. I believe the Lord was with me every step of the way.

—Reporting by Natalie Posner

For more on this story, pick up the latest issue of Closer magazine, on newsstands now.