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!
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)😊💖
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!)
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!
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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....)
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 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!!!!✌💖🌹🌟😎
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 . .
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.
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!
"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. ❤️💚💛💚❤️
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
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 🇨🇦
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.
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!!!
Which show was this? Merv? Mike? The stage makes me think of Merv Griffin. I'm just guessing. But would really like to know what show it is. And were they interviewed?
I LOVED this song, & also didn't understand why it wasn't a monster hit! Wolfsky9
Wolfsky9
He may have not been a monster hit, but I do remember hearing it on the radio back in the day.
Yes it should have been a monster hit. 🙋🏻♀️
So nice to see a performance of a lesser hit. It's a great song!
Just totally fantastic!🎼
"Thanks for your beautiful music !!!" ❤️💛🧡💚❤️
R.I.P. Ronald Townson 🥀
THEY ARE AMAZING!!!!
This is a true live version... nice! Song was great, if not forgotten. zero effect, and almost no production on this... wow.
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!
WOW what a message!
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)😊💖
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!)
Awesome! One of my favorite all time songs.
Thanks so much. They will forever be my favorites.
I LOVE YALLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Are they covering the David Bowie song? Nope.
Loved Flo and Lamont. They don't get enough credit for how really good they were.
None of them did.
this was one of the best sounding groups of the 60s and 70s they blend together and what a great job live on ashes to ashes.
I so wish this kind of music could be around today.
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!
It is so cool that they are dressed casually for this performance and they still have the look of elegance.
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.
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.
Gotta hear the Dennis Lambert recording. This would play on the Brazilian radio.
Good sound-- but a little tone deaf socially. The old days were better for Blacks? Sad that Amos and Andy have fallen?
That is music...thank you
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.
You are a very lucky man. I love this woman, she's so talented, beautiful, graceful, classy and kind
I sang with her.
I loved her all the way through college and beyond.
I was at the concert in Dayton. Wasn’t it great?
And both Marilyn AND Billy are blessed to have each other.
That's what I always think:. That lucky sob.
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 the BEST!
I bought their Greatest Hits album in 1973. I never had to touch it once started. Every song is wonderful to listen to.
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 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.
Yes they did . With Florence a bit higher up the scale than Marilyn . ( Similar to Ana and Frida in Abba )
This version is so 'nasty' that I had to play it twice... Thank you very much for posting.
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.
You should listen this by Denny Lambert.
Marilyn and Florence ...DIVAS!!!!
I love the soul in the ambience at The Fifth Dimension gives in their songs and this is coming from a 28 year old
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.
they sound great live.
Thanks for posting this. Such a beautiful and poignant song. I've loved it for so many years.
You're Welcome.... it is one of my favorites as well.
Beautiful song; music like that helped me keep my sanity while growing up around 1969-72
Loved this song since I first heard it on the radio. I was so disappointed that it didn't make the Top 40
Simply awesome! Nice people...
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....)
I loved this song, group, and era of music. Thank God for recordings....
Anything these people sing turns to Gold! God Bless you guys!
Before the word gentrification was well-known
Cool sexy song yes indeed ashes to ashes dig the vibes
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.
Fitting song for 2020....America in Decline.
I think all of their songs should have made it really high up in the charts - this group was awesome
how many singing groups would dare to sing "live" without the aid of studio sound effects
pro's! not scared of their own skills and talent, like today's 'auto-tuners'
I noticed this too. didnt sound anything like the recorded studio version. wow! they're amazing.
Best group of time!! Ron was a great singer !
You can actually hear he is the backbone of this song .
One of my all-time favorites, by this Legendary group. ------------Written by Dennis Potter. ------------------Wolfsky9, 73 y/o
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!!!!✌💖🌹🌟😎
Fabulous group! Marilyn IS MY FAVORITE female singer!
Wow, just a great performance by such awesome and talented people. Sometimes, it's just good to sit back and enjoy.
Wow this song stand the test time.The words are so right on. A great group.
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 .
.
lost classic
This REALLY needed to be a monster hit, in that summer of '73.; ------------WolfSky9
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.
+Lieber man Love the way you put it. Agree with you on all counts.
What political correctness?
Wow! That said it all!
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Marilyn ! -----I had THE biggest crush on you !! ------------------WolfSky9
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!
This sounds like Jamerson
This song shows that everything changes with time!
This song reminds me of GENTRIFICATION!!!! Going on in Brooklyn. Skyscraper sadly blocking the sun!!!
"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. ❤️💚💛💚❤️
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
Check out The Ike and Tina Turner Review. Every aspect of them from the Ikettes to the Kings of Rhythm will rock your socks off.
i bet it would do very well if played today. great memories.
Billy look like one of the Tavares brother.
Nice song and like all the ones they sang, very well performed. Nice to hear and enjoy. One of my favorite groups through the years.
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 singing
There goes my childhood
Beautiful
This was before I was even born. Crazy how time repeats itself. Lived through it forty years later. Pouring concrete on a part of me indeed.
Case and point for the people and places along Old Route 66 in America that has slowly faded into the outer limits twilight zone.
That bassline is no fluke Sounds Jameson basslines
listened to this song when Jun Polistico popularized this song back in the day.
I like this song first time I heard it and it real
Hell this sounds like something Earth Wind and Fire would do.
Wow!!! Wonderful!
Would've loved to have gone to one of your concerts>. Still, love your music today.
Love This.
Brilliant!
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
My first time hear this song real talk
one of their best
I was in Coney Island, when I first heard this song.
Their last hit, sad that not long after Marilyn and Billy left
You had to really sing in those times...these folks sing
Yes beautiful
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.
They're tearing down Tim Riley's Bar...
Who? The Messiah of Mott Street?
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!!!
Razed Paradise, built a parking lot.
Which show was this? Merv? Mike? The stage makes me think of Merv Griffin. I'm just guessing. But would really like to know what show it is. And were they interviewed?
MsTexas73 Thank you for visiting this channel... This clip is from the Tonight Show and yes there was an interview....
Thanks! That was going to be my next guess. If you have the interview, please post it.
ROCK and ROLL HALL of FAME 2022
Live!
Great song. Love hearing them sing Live.
The opening background vocals are the basis for Sweet Bird by Neon Heights.
❤
So so true
🎼 pelotes theme court Will klass kimagine un tempo de notes triomphantes✒🎼
Nice
Is this The Johnny Carson Show?
Me too don't understand why
astonishing