Showbiz Couple: Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr.
By: Gary Sandelier and Daedrian McNaughton

The partnership between nine times Grammy award-winning singing duo Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. was a bond made to last.

The couple has taken “till death do us part” literally with over 40 years of togetherness as a music and entertainment couple and in marriage.

Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. are original members of the sixties group 5th Dimension. In the early 70’s they parted ways from the group to have individual careers and later attained success as a duo. Shortly after their separation from the group they earned a Grammy. Marilyn McCoo also maintained a professional career with television guest appearances on Days of Our Lives, Night Court, and as a Broadway star in hits like Showboat and Dream Girls.

At a recent concert at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Resort and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, Gary and I along with a full house were entertained by the ageless beauty and singer, Marilyn McCoo and her charming and funny husband, Billy Davis Jr..

The concert felt like an intimate affair as they made us feel like we were being serenaded individually. Throughout the two hours show they shared stories of their successful union on stage. It was difficult to ignore the obvious respect, love and devotion they had for each other, and the audience was consumed with the love and adoration that filled the air. Their story was one of inspiration and the performance would have been fit for a Valentine’s Day concert.

As a child of the 80’s, and post 5th Dimension era, I was not too familiar with all their work. Fortunately my partner Gary fully appreciated the musical talents of the two.

The entertainment couple was all about entertaining their fans and expressing the love and respect they have for each other and their music. They had an authentic sound and their voices were great.

Throughout the concert they had short commentary on the preceding songs and at times would engage the audience. The audience would respond with admiration and enthusiasm.

They sang favorites that were produced originally during the 5th Dimension period. Hits like Up, Up and Away, which earned them a group star on Hollywoods Walk of Fame. Other familiar tunes included Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In, Wedding Bell Blues and more.

The show had everything, and their electrifying chemistry on stage was intoxicating. During “When A Man Loves A Woman” there were playful banters as they reflected on memorable moments of their career and life together.

Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. took us through a musical journey blending harmonies of old time favorites from Ottis Redding, Billy Preston with contemporary hits from Alecia Keys and Lady Antebellum. We enjoyed the show so much, we did not want it to end. Listening to their music was equally as great to see the love and respect that existed between them; that was as entertaining as the great music they sang.