They were hugely popular black artists known for rhythm & blues, but crossed over into mainstream contemporary where they became pop royalty for several years.
As a former (very former) teen of the Aquarius generation, this song certainly creates memories. When my grandsons see photos of me at Woodstock 69, my colourful mode of dress now creates something else - laughter. This turns to gasps of disbelief when they notice ol' Gramps was toking pot on those b/w pictures. 😂
Epic tune! Written for the Broadway musical 'Hair' which was one of the few musicals I ever bought the album for as a kid. The 5th Dimension did a bang up job on this and won record of the year in 1970. It was their most popular tune by far. Two other great tunes by them are 'Up, Up & Away' and 'Stoned Soul Picnic'. Three other great tunes you should hear taken from the musical by various acts... 'The Cowsills - Hair' 'Three Dog Night - Easy To Be Hard' 'Oliver - Good Morning Starshine' Cheers.
It's the very last Broadway show that ever had a Top 40 Pop hit -- and it had several -- Aquarius, Easy to be Hard, Hair, Where Do I Go?, Good Morning Starshine. The original Broadway album is a MUST HAVE for any self-respecting 1960's album collection.
Yes cute and talented. I believe that she and Florence both won beauty contests. I was lucky to see them perform live when they were fairly new. Got Marilyn's and Billy's autographs. I'm 74 and *still* have a crush on both of these ladies 😍 haha
The lead singer, Billy Davis Jr and Marilyn McCoo the taller of the ladies and which I've always felt is one the most beautiful of women to grace our world, were married and still are to this day. He is 85 and she is 80. But 5 people that were amazing performers. I knew when I saw that you were reacting to this that you would most likely really like. I was in high school and loved it. As we say in Texas; y'all be safe.
You guys asking if The 5th Dimension were big is like asking if The Doors were big. I was born in 64. I knew them very well as a Kid. The one female is Marilyn McCoo. She is considered one of the greatest female voice of all time!! Other great songs of theirs "One Less Bell To Answer", "Wedding Bell Blues", "Up, up and away", "I Didn't Get To Sleep At All". All big hits! The guy singing solo Let the Sunshine in is Billy Davis Jr. Billy and Marilyn McCoo married in 1969. Wedding Bell Blues song is a fun take on their relationship. In the 70s "Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr." became a powerhouse singing couple. "You Don't Have To Be A Star" was a massive hit! Now a Classic. You guys should watch the movie version of "Hair"(1978).
This song spent six weeks at #1 on the Billboard Top 100 in the spring of 1969. It was written for the musical “Hair” in 1967. Fantastic song writers, very successful!
...they were certainly not a one-hit-wonder... Between 1967 and 1973 they charted with 20 (!!!) top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, two of which - "Up, Up and Away" (no. 7, 1967) and this one (no. 1, 1969) - won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. I also still remember their "Wedding Bells Blues" - very catchy! As you also commented, they were infectiously positive and joyful, and this song was arguably one of about 1/2 dozen anthems, that over-lighted the whole flower-power era. 🌞🍀💖
Phil, I can guarantee that your mother will know this song and know it well. I'm 77 yrs old and your mom is probably not far off the same age. One of the most popular songs of all time.
Classic late 60's anti-war, peace and love song also with the Apollo moon missions going on, space travel. Unique time to grow up. Add Star Trek on TV.
I was born in 65, so this kind of music was playing when I was a kid, and it seemed like although the people weren't necessarily happier than now - but there was hope that we were going to move in the right direction to be more inclusive more people centered. The technology and booming economy of the 80s distracted us and we lost sight of what was important.
The music of the 60's was not only uplifting feel good music but it was thoughtful, diverse and experimental. It said something. Both lyrically and musically. Listen to today's popular music, rap, hip hop or whatever and it says nothing basically. It's completely naval gazing and celebrity centered. It's not thoughtful, pleasant to listen to nor does it say much at all. To listen to that all day long would be an arduous chore. To have a transistor radio and listen to music during the 60's was a pleasure for the most part. Because you never knew what you were going to get. It's like going into the candy store for your ears.
You can thank the incomparable Joe Osborn for that bass line. He played the Fender bass with the same strings for over 20 years and he was always perfect. When asked why he never changed the strings, he replied that he didn’t know he was supposed to.
Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. launched the original 5th Dimension as lead singers and co-founders of this legendary group."The Age Of Aquarius / Let the Sunshine In", released in 1969, became an iconic song well into the 70s! Marilyn and Billy were married, and later began their own duo career. Marilyn and Billy are a seven-time Grammy Award-winning duo, known as "The First Couple of Pop & Soul." They have been married for 53 years! Thanks for this great reaction and trip down memory lane! ✌💙✌
They took two important songs from the Broadway stage show, "Hair", and made it into a gigantic hit - made it their own. "Hair" addressed many issues of the 60s - including racism - and, Vietnam. They made it into a movie starring Treat Williams. It is one of my favorites, definitely worth a watch if you want a snapshot of that era.
Those of who were around back then must balance in memory the good feelings of peace and love messaging of the era with reflecting on the other side of it--the war in Vietnam and resultant protests, cities burning due to the same frustrations we experience today, political and social assassinations, and civil rights being in its infancy. Still, through it all we had some of the best music in the history popular music.
VANCOUVER 1969. We were so happy and optimistic about a better world. Awesome song. Great reaction. Thank you. Now please look at ratatata.... Because it also themes about breaking down walls and barriers between cultures. Love with a giant disco ball. Optimism still reigns. Baby metal and electric callboy. My new age of aquarius. PEACE 🙏💕
Great comment. UBC 71 and things were awesome and so optimistic. And lol.... Baby metal with electric cakjbit is definitely the latest theme. Especially by the disco ball at the end. Keep rockin
Many thanks for reacting to The 5th Dimension The Age of Aquarius, with bright 60's designs. I highly recommend The Jackson 5, for more groove from the 70's and very talented and young brother's I Want You Back and Who's Loving You. Great live performances. Thanks from Australia. Deidre 😊🇦🇺
Yes. I Am Thinking 🤔 That The Nudity Would Not 🚫 Go Over Today With These Modern Day Snowflakes!🌨️🌨️❄️❄️😳🧐😱🤯 Who Are Just About Offended By Anything Under The Sun!🌞😳🧐😱🤯
It was also very controversial because of the story line, and the political messages in the lyrics. To say some of it would be considered totally "politically incorrect" today, is an understatement. I'm just sayin'...........I still have my very old original (1968) soundtrack from the Broadway show. I played it to absolute death, but I don't have the heart to throw it away??
I've seen Hair onstage twice. Once in the 90's - it was a nearby college's Fall musical. The second time was about 10 years ago at a professional theater in a small town. No negative reactions to the nudity whatsoever. But then again, most people who go to see a musical theater production actually understand art, so of course that crowd will actually get it.
For some reason astrology was huge in the 60s and 70s. Every local newspaper gave a daily horoscope, and the Age of Aquarius was dawning at the time, promising an era of peace and love. In spite of all the demonstrations and riots, the 60s was a hopeful time, and the youth believed that better times were on the way.
I suspect that the rise of astrology and evangelical churches of various religions were a contrarian response to the apparent explosion of successful rationality, as demonstrated by the space race and the moon landings, as well as the growing tensions of the cold war.
Yeah, the consciousness of society was optimistic despite problems and making a living was much easier with opportunities to advance economically. And we carried an air of respect and friendliness for each other that's missing in this day and age.
Sam and Phil, it's lovely to see intelligent young people like you discovering and appreciating music from previous musical eras. Artists from the 1960's and 1970's actually knew how to sing and harmonize. They did not have the benefit of digital manipulation or "enhancement" to produce gorgeous sounds. That's real talent.
......Another song that is part of the music hall "HAIR", is ”Good morning starshine” 1....Best version with this song is made by Australian singer John Rowels....
The musical Hair is deeply rooted in the countercultural movement of the 1960s and explores themes of freedom, rebellion, love, and the rejection of societal norms. At its core, it is a hopeful cry for peace, following a group of young hippies, known as the "Tribe," as they dream of a harmonious world while opposing traditional values and the United States' military involvement in the Vietnam War. Hair was revolutionary, using rock music and candid depictions of contemporary issues to deliver a message of social change, love, and the enduring hope for peace.
"In youth and beauty, wisdom is but rare!" ""Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art." "Age is an issue of mind over matter, if you don't mind, it doesn't matter." "You can only be young once. But you can always be immature."
Another amazing up song from the 60's is "Good Morning Starshine". These songs are from my childhood. Sometimes when I look around me and see all of the anger, violence, cynicsm, I long for those simpler days.
5th Dimension's harmonies were so awesome it's easy to overlook their stage presence. They sounded good and (to that 1960s young audience) looked good too.
Yes! Beautiful song. The 5th dimension also did "My beautiful balloon." 1960s tune chords and harmony. There is a reason the Beatles were and still are the best, they wrote half the 60s!
Just want to let you know that I was 19 years old when I heard this song and it was so beautiful and moving of my soul and continues to this day and I’m glad that you have listened to it
That medley won at the Grammys big that year! That group was one of the real hit making machines of the late '60's! By the way, I think the group is still touring!
At my age, I'm singing about the Age of Dementia. When the food is thawing for the last three days My underwear is inside out And I'm a terror on the highways I shake my fist and yell at clouds This is the dawning...
It was all about peace and love back then. How things have changed. They say everything comes back around, I hope that's true. Great reaction, as usual
Phil, we 60 somethings saw all the great cool bands/artists live!! For instance, I've seen live: Frank Sinatra Chuck Berry Bob Dylan Paul McCartney Ringo Starr The Rolling Stones The Who Beach Boys/Brian Wilson John Fogarty (CCR) Simon & Garfunkel Joan Baez Pink Floyd Yes ELP Genesis King Crimson Robert Plant/Jimmy Page (Zep) Steely Dan Chicago Burton Cummings/Randy Bachman (Guess Who/BTO) Neil Young Crosby Stills Nash Young Elton John Billy Joel The Four Tops/ The Temptations Jethro Tull Kansas Electric Light Orchestra Alan Parsons Project Fleetwood Mac The Eagles Santana Bruce Springsteen & E Street Tom Petty &Heartbreakers David Byrne (Talking Heads) U2 REM Rush And many many more
another tidbit; the 5th Dimension were playing in New York at the Americana Hotel and while out on a shopping trip Billy Davis Jr., the guy you called the lead singer, lost his wallet. It turns out he’d left it in a taxi and the next passenger in the cab found it and returned the wallet to Davis. As a sign of his gratitude he invited the honest guy and his wife to that evening’s performance at the hotel. The gentleman in question happened to be a producer of Hair and in return invited the band to watch it on Broadway. They were blown away by the opening number ‘Aquarius’ and resolved there and then to record it....
This song was the theme song for the late sixties and the mindset for the time. It was used in much of the antiwar sentiment of the time and had a lot to do with the social process of the time. Santa
Great reaction. As a young, black girl when this came out, I was more drawn to Let the Sunshine In, because of the soulful, gospel nature of the song, but I watched them on Ed Sullivan and they were amazing. As an adult, I appreciate those harmonies. Awesome.
This song was The Fifth Dimension's biggest hit song ever!!! The song stayed at the #1 spot for 6 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 during the spring of 1969. The beautiful lady with the awesome voice singing lead is Marilyn McCoo. The guy with the other awesome voice is Marilyn McCoo's husband, Billy Davis, Jr. The song is no doubt a definite banger!!!
My sister was born in May and she got to do fun, outdoor type things (amusement parks, etc). My birthday was in Feb and because it was cold my parents would just take me to a movie. BUT THEN, I heard this song, ,and this little Aquarius felt that this song was written just for me, and its one of my favorites, now that I'm in my 50's.
The age of Aquarius is now.😍 So they were ahead of There time... singing about this. As an Aquarian myself,I have always been interested in these things . As a world we are moving towards the 5 th dimension ,and this means to Connect more with our hearts and make our desicions from There . A world of peace and joy. 😍 But the road to There ,is hard,working through all of our baggage ,and letting go ,because we can’t take it with us , to be able to ” let the Sun Shine in.” Let the Sun shine in through the cracks.
I'm so glad that you guys addressed the influence of music on our overall society and culture. My brother and I have this conversation all the time (he's in his late 50s, I'm in my 60s). We both believe that the music of today does not carry the same messaging, feeling, and social impact of past music. We miss that in today's music.
The chorography is mostly overlooked here, e.g. Marilyn's graceful dance transitions, first to form the trio and second breaking into Let The Sun Shine In. A professional model with that voice and those moves ! Crushed on her since forever. Pray she and Billy continue to stay strong in both their faith and marriage.
After listening to your whole after-discussion, I appreciate your recognition of the happy and loving atmosphere that the song, and the 60's, exude. Yes, the mood that a song brings matters. When a generation grows up on happy positive harmonious songs (and movies), that mood influences them. When a generation grows up on negative swearing word-porridge drowned out by generated push-beats (and movies, games), that mood influences them. The mental food people in a society take in, feeds them mentally, forms their brains. In which society do we want to live? It is true, the 60's was a great time, for us who were into the counterculture. It was positive, and optimistic. People longing for real connections, for freedom from too tight societal rules. People longing for nature, for not going along with the encroaching of wealth and materialism. To live your life as you pleased, in ways that were sometimes both old and new, like communes. That amalgam of desires combined and hit a peak around 1969. From then it was noticeable that the counterculture split in various (and fluidly overlapping) directions: The ecological concerned. The new-age spiritual and ritual inclined. The ones that followed their hedonistic urges. The ones who found society as it was good enough. All four of these directions are still recognisable today. Ecological concern is now a concern for the whole of mankind, as it should have been back then already. The new-agers spread to yoga and the Indian ashrams, evolving into spheres like the Bagwan 'trend', into the fitness yoga, and alternative, old and new religions and beliefs. The hedonism seekers got their fill of sex and drugs (no rock&roll required), and the ones who could not control themselves can nowadays be seen in a junk condition, or have already passed away. And the ones who lived lives that more or less resembled that of their parents, the father-mother-children in a house, with work. This direction has prevailed the most, even with all technical and social charges around it. During the 70's mainstream people started getting affected, through fashion and changing cultural norms. News-anchors started getting side-burns, a regular person would have flaring pants. Colours and designs of clothes, furniture and other daily objects. And ofcourse the more open attitudes in general, sometimes in simple but profound changes like sitting on the grass in the park.
Love this group had some great hits. So much more to explore. Two members Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis who were married also had a successful solo career. First!!
This medley of two songs from the 1967 musical "Hair" was released in 1969 when I was 9. So yes, I'm 64 years young. 😁 Other great songs by them are "Up, Up, and Away" (which someone else called My beautiful balloon), "Wedding Bell Blues", "One Less Bell To Answer", and "I Didn't Get To Sleep At All".
Man I remember when this was released, it gave me a warm feelings and the song is timeless. It was a new kinda sound that at least partially summed up the flower power era. BTW the music back then did not revolve around entertainer cuteness to be in a band. It was talent and cohesiveness of the groups that made them successful, as well as great song writing. Thank God they didn't just have to have the looks like they have to today and many great talents are on the back-burner and never even get into bands. Yeah the music was awesome back in the 60'/70's.
I always say from growing up in the 60s and 70s we were so lucky to be surrounded by so much great music. There was the current music (Beatles, Stones, Zeppelin) plus you would hear and see on variety shows big band music, music of the 40s and 50s. These shows would cover all genres of music in their shows and sometimes they would team up and try to sing each other's style. This helped everyone appreciate all music even though you would have your personal preference. I think it did help with mental health because you were exposed during that turbulent time to some happier and joyful music.
I agree,the 60s/70s were such great times and hearing this again really does take me back to my youth ( born in 52),life was so different then as compared to today,we lived in good times now it's all P.C.
It's very simple and it doesn't cost you anything to open up your heart and let the sunshine in. You don't have to do it, but i suggest you do. It'll make you feel much better. ✌️♥️🍏
This song pairing just blew me away when I was a little kid. The older girls mostly would be out there Dancing in the Moonlight Barefoot to Age of Aquarius and then when it came to an end it was the end of side A of the 45 RPM single, and I would jump up and run over to the tiny little record player they had on an extension cord, and flip it over as fast as I could and put them back down so it would go straight into let the sunshine in. And then we would all just go nuts dancing.
During the finale number of ‘Let the Sunshine In’, at some performances of the musical “Hair”, the audience was invited to come up on stage and dance and sing with the cast.
That great bass line in the second song was provided by the great Joe Osborne....he was a member of the Wrecking Crew, which was a loose collective of American session musicians based in Los Angeles whose services were employed for a great number of studio recordings in the 1960s and 1970s, including hundreds of top 40 hits......Hal Blaine was a session drummer in the Crew and was thought to be among the most recorded studio drummers in the music industry, claiming over 35,000 sessions and 6,000 singles. His drumming is featured on 150 US top 10 hits, 40 of which went to number one.
This song is from the musical, Hair. There was a period of time from the mid 60's to the mid 70's when astrology was a very popular subject and so many people were fascinated with sun signs, horoscopes, astrology, etc. So often people would ask others what their horoscope is. People would wear their horoscope on their coffee mugs and T-shirts. The song, 'Age of Aquarius / Let the sunshine in' fit right in with the times.
You’re right. When I was a kid growing up in the old days there were tons of great variety shows with awesome celebrities and musicians great time to grow up watching the tube.
Loved your reaction and your comments were pretty much on point. And as others have mentioned, The 5th Dimension have a number of songs you'll love. Songs like Wedding Bell Blues, Up, Up and Away, Stoned Soul Picnic, One Less Bell to Answer, I Didn't Get to Sleep and others. Would love to hear more reactions to their songs. Also, Billy Davis, the one singing lead in Let the Sunshine In, and Marilyn McCoo the taller of the 2 ladies, got married in 69 and are still going strong. And guys, I'd love to hear what your mom has to say about The 5th Dimension.❤
I remember hearing this song when it came out. I was very young, but I can remember being in the car and my mom singing along with it. When I hear this song today, it triggers some very fond memories. Yeah, it's weird, but those are the times I grew up in!
I believe “Aquarius” was the opening song for the musical “Hair” and “Let the Sun Shine” was the closing song.
That creates the context. Hair was "The" hippie rock opera. The whole opera has great music and lyrics.
@@markhodge7....it certainly does have fantastic music!
You are correct! 😊
not forgetting the theme song in the middle!! 'hair' was a big hit for the cowsills! worth checking out!!
YUP!
'How popular they were?' This was THE #1 song of 1969 not to mention they had a bunch of other good ones.
They were hugely popular black artists known for rhythm & blues, but crossed over into mainstream contemporary where they became pop royalty for several years.
Great group! Danced to this song often
And then 2 of them got married (Marilyn McCoo & Billly Davis) and produced numerous 1970s classics
This is the moment when you realize that your grandparents were cooler than you will ever hope to be.
😃 Yes indeed.
They had such great harmonies. The 60s-70s was a golden age of music
Anybody who listens to this song even once will forever have hippie blood pumping in their veins. And that's a beautiful and groovy thing baby. #Peace
The 5th Dimension, Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis, Florence Larue, Ronald Townsend, and Lamont McLemore. And this song was from the play/movie Hair.
As a former (very former) teen of the Aquarius generation, this song certainly creates memories. When my grandsons see photos of me at Woodstock 69, my colourful mode of dress now creates something else - laughter. This turns to gasps of disbelief when they notice ol' Gramps was toking pot on those b/w pictures. 😂
Epic tune! Written for the Broadway musical 'Hair' which was one of the few musicals I ever bought the album for as a kid. The 5th Dimension did a bang up job on this and won record of the year in 1970. It was their most popular tune by far. Two other great tunes by them are 'Up, Up & Away' and 'Stoned Soul Picnic'.
Three other great tunes you should hear taken from the musical by various acts...
'The Cowsills - Hair'
'Three Dog Night - Easy To Be Hard'
'Oliver - Good Morning Starshine'
Cheers.
i liked the film & it was a little strange but the ending was tragic!!
It's the very last Broadway show that ever had a Top 40 Pop hit -- and it had several -- Aquarius, Easy to be Hard, Hair, Where Do I Go?, Good Morning Starshine. The original Broadway album is a MUST HAVE for any self-respecting 1960's album collection.
Marilyn was so cute and still a beautiful woman. Marilyn and Billy are still performing
And still married to each other!
Yes she was and still is beautiful
@@myrnafields2075over 50 years now 🎉
And Florence has been the driving force behind the legacy group of the 5th Dimension.
Yes cute and talented. I believe that she and Florence both won beauty contests. I was lucky to see them perform live when they were fairly new. Got Marilyn's and Billy's autographs. I'm 74 and *still* have a crush on both of these ladies 😍 haha
The lead singer, Billy Davis Jr and Marilyn McCoo the taller of the ladies and which I've always felt is one the most beautiful of women to grace our world, were married and still are to this day. He is 85 and she is 80.
But 5 people that were amazing performers.
I knew when I saw that you were reacting to this that you would most likely really like. I was in high school and loved it.
As we say in Texas; y'all be safe.
one less bell to answer. another great hit by them
You guys asking if The 5th Dimension were big is like asking if The Doors were big. I was born in 64. I knew them very well as a Kid. The one female is Marilyn McCoo. She is considered one of the greatest female voice of all time!! Other great songs of theirs "One Less Bell To Answer", "Wedding Bell Blues", "Up, up and away", "I Didn't Get To Sleep At All". All big hits! The guy singing solo Let the Sunshine in is Billy Davis Jr. Billy and Marilyn McCoo married in 1969. Wedding Bell Blues song is a fun take on their relationship. In the 70s "Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr." became a powerhouse singing couple. "You Don't Have To Be A Star" was a massive hit! Now a Classic. You guys should watch the movie version of "Hair"(1978).
There were two women in this group, not one.
@@katttaylor5976 Yes indeed. But Marilyn was the standout. Just listen to One Last Bell.
This song spent six weeks at #1 on the Billboard Top 100 in the spring of 1969. It was written for the musical “Hair” in 1967. Fantastic song writers, very successful!
I was in Navy boot camp when this song was popular, always makes me think that of that time.Any company 171 out there?
I was 9 or nearly 9 (May birthday) when this song was a hit and this song was everywhere.
...they were certainly not a one-hit-wonder... Between 1967 and 1973 they charted with 20 (!!!) top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, two of which - "Up, Up and Away" (no. 7, 1967) and this one (no. 1, 1969) - won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. I also still remember their "Wedding Bells Blues" - very catchy!
As you also commented, they were infectiously positive and joyful, and this song was arguably one of about 1/2 dozen anthems, that over-lighted the whole flower-power era.
🌞🍀💖
Thanks for that, I didn't realise they did Up Up and Away....must listen to it again.
@@mythgreatbritain5634 Jimmy Webb wrote Up, Up and Away and won a Grammy for the song.
Five of their songs were written by HOF singer-songwriter Laura Nyro, who also had songs that were hits by BS&T and Barbra Streisand, among others.
Yep - remember them well.. also "One less Bell to answer"...
The Wreaking Crew's
Joe Osborn killing it on bass.
Most certainly a late 60s sound that epitomized the hippy groove. Magic
Phil, I can guarantee that your mother will know this song and know it well. I'm 77 yrs old and your mom is probably not far off the same age. One of the most popular songs of all time.
She sure did!
Classic late 60's anti-war, peace and love song also with the Apollo moon missions going on, space travel. Unique time to grow up. Add Star Trek on TV.
They were popular enough to get a TV special in 1971 and regularly appeared on every musical entertainment show during those years.
That’s not a shot at my age, I worked hard to make it to this age so I take it as a compliment.
I was born in 65, so this kind of music was playing when I was a kid, and it seemed like although the people weren't necessarily happier than now - but there was hope that we were going to move in the right direction to be more inclusive more people centered. The technology and booming economy of the 80s distracted us and we lost sight of what was important.
"we lost sight of what was important
EXACTLY!
Never tire of this song. Feeling down? Play this song and dance. Too young when it came out but i heard it on the radio
As a 10 year old kid in '69, this was an awesome song! Great memories of my childhood!
The music of the 60's was not only uplifting feel good music but it was thoughtful, diverse and experimental. It said something. Both lyrically and musically. Listen to today's popular music, rap, hip hop or whatever and it says nothing basically. It's completely naval gazing and celebrity centered. It's not thoughtful, pleasant to listen to nor does it say much at all. To listen to that all day long would be an arduous chore. To have a transistor radio and listen to music during the 60's was a pleasure for the most part. Because you never knew what you were going to get. It's like going into the candy store for your ears.
💯
The bass line on Let The Sun Shine In is the textbook definition of "groovy".
You can thank the incomparable Joe Osborn for that bass line. He played the Fender bass with the same strings for over 20 years and he was always perfect. When asked why he never changed the strings, he replied that he didn’t know he was supposed to.
Killer bass chops!!! Joe must have taken the strings rule from Jamerson!!!! Love it!!!!
Absolutely a killer bass line on Let The Sun Shine In.
played by the great Joe Osborn of the Wrecking Crew (backing band on this and many 5th Dimension records)
Some of the best harmonies you will ever hear.
I grew up with this kind of music. No autotune just great singers.
Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. launched the original 5th Dimension as lead singers and co-founders of this legendary group."The Age Of Aquarius / Let the Sunshine In", released in 1969, became an iconic song well into the 70s! Marilyn and Billy were married, and later began their own duo career. Marilyn and Billy are a seven-time Grammy Award-winning duo, known as "The First Couple of Pop & Soul." They have been married for 53 years! Thanks for this great reaction and trip down memory lane! ✌💙✌
They took two important songs from the Broadway stage show, "Hair", and made it into a gigantic hit - made it their own. "Hair" addressed many issues of the 60s - including racism - and, Vietnam. They made it into a movie starring Treat Williams. It is one of my favorites, definitely worth a watch if you want a snapshot of that era.
Those of who were around back then must balance in memory the good feelings of peace and love messaging of the era with reflecting on the other side of it--the war in Vietnam and resultant protests, cities burning due to the same frustrations we experience today, political and social assassinations, and civil rights being in its infancy. Still, through it all we had some of the best music in the history popular music.
Your right yesterdays music was so good and so much fun to listen to, unlike today.
VANCOUVER 1969. We were so happy and optimistic about a better world. Awesome song. Great reaction. Thank you. Now please look at ratatata.... Because it also themes about breaking down walls and barriers between cultures. Love with a giant disco ball. Optimism still reigns. Baby metal and electric callboy. My new age of aquarius. PEACE 🙏💕
Great comment. UBC 71 and things were awesome and so optimistic. And lol.... Baby metal with electric cakjbit is definitely the latest theme. Especially by the disco ball at the end. Keep rockin
Loved this group !! SO talented !!
Many thanks for reacting to The 5th Dimension The Age of Aquarius, with bright 60's designs.
I highly recommend The Jackson 5, for more groove from the 70's and very talented and young brother's I Want You Back and
Who's Loving You. Great live performances. Thanks from Australia. Deidre 😊🇦🇺
I was in love with Marilyn McCoo being 15 and a hippie in training when this song came out =)
These songs are from the Musical Hair, first performed in 1967 - caused a lot of controversy at the time because of the nudity on stage.
Yes. I Am Thinking 🤔 That The Nudity Would Not 🚫 Go Over Today With These Modern Day Snowflakes!🌨️🌨️❄️❄️😳🧐😱🤯
Who Are Just About Offended By Anything Under The Sun!🌞😳🧐😱🤯
It was also very controversial because of the story line, and the political messages in the lyrics. To say some of it would be considered totally "politically incorrect" today, is an understatement. I'm just sayin'...........I still have my very old original (1968) soundtrack from the Broadway show. I played it to absolute death, but I don't have the heart to throw it away??
@@johnhenryclark911 Didn't go over very well in 1967 either.
@@johnhenryclark911Isn't really an "offended snowflake" issue, more of an issue of basic public decency.
I've seen Hair onstage twice. Once in the 90's - it was a nearby college's Fall musical. The second time was about 10 years ago at a professional theater in a small town. No negative reactions to the nudity whatsoever. But then again, most people who go to see a musical theater production actually understand art, so of course that crowd will actually get it.
For some reason astrology was huge in the 60s and 70s. Every local newspaper gave a daily horoscope, and the Age of Aquarius was dawning at the time, promising an era of peace and love. In spite of all the demonstrations and riots, the 60s was a hopeful time, and the youth believed that better times were on the way.
Famous pick up line..."What's your sign, baby?" lol
I suspect that the rise of astrology and evangelical churches of various religions were a contrarian response to the apparent explosion of successful rationality, as demonstrated by the space race and the moon landings, as well as the growing tensions of the cold war.
Yeah, the consciousness of society was optimistic despite problems and making a living was much easier with opportunities to advance economically. And we carried an air of respect and friendliness for each other that's missing in this day and age.
Sam and Phil, it's lovely to see intelligent young people like you discovering and appreciating music from previous musical eras. Artists from the 1960's and 1970's actually knew how to sing and harmonize. They did not have the benefit of digital manipulation or "enhancement" to produce gorgeous sounds. That's real talent.
Best bass line ever.
Never changed Flatwounds on a frettless played with a pic ?
I belive thats what he said
One Less Bell to Answer by Marilyn McCoo. She is in this group.
I only liked rock growing up but this was one song that really stuck in my head. These guys were brilliant, the harmonies out of this world 😂
A song with a similar vibe from that era is Crystal Blue Persuasion by Tommy James & The Shondells.
You guys are making me feel my age , 70 ! My first concert was this group as a teen ! They were Famous Famous !
......Another song that is part of the music hall "HAIR", is ”Good morning starshine” 1....Best version with this song is made by Australian singer John Rowels....
The musical Hair is deeply rooted in the countercultural movement of the 1960s and explores themes of freedom, rebellion, love, and the rejection of societal norms. At its core, it is a hopeful cry for peace, following a group of young hippies, known as the "Tribe," as they dream of a harmonious world while opposing traditional values and the United States' military involvement in the Vietnam War.
Hair was revolutionary, using rock music and candid depictions of contemporary issues to deliver a message of social change, love, and the enduring hope for peace.
The last half of the 20th century was better than the first half of the 21st century.
by a WIIIIIIIDE margin ✌💖☮
"In youth and beauty, wisdom is but rare!" ""Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art." "Age is an issue of mind over matter, if you don't mind, it doesn't matter." "You can only be young once. But you can always be immature."
If you're lucky, you spend a much larger percentage of your life being old than you do being young.
Another amazing up song from the 60's is "Good Morning Starshine". These songs are from my childhood. Sometimes when I look around me and see all of the anger, violence, cynicsm, I long for those simpler days.
You can't listen to that song without smiling. Love, unfortunately, wasn't all you needed, by heaven it was a feelgood time.
5th Dimension's harmonies were so awesome it's easy to overlook their stage presence. They sounded good and (to that 1960s young audience) looked good too.
Yes!
Beautiful song. The 5th dimension also did "My beautiful balloon."
1960s tune chords and harmony. There is a reason the Beatles were and still are the best, they wrote half the 60s!
It's called 'Up, up and Away' actually, great tune.
@@rmacdougallaliasdogviticus Yes that's the one! Good call.
Just want to let you know that I was 19 years old when I heard this song and it was so beautiful and moving of my soul and continues to this day and I’m glad that you have listened to it
These were the years I grew up in and music was so hopeful and very harmonious it was a great time to grow up
That medley won at the Grammys big that year! That group was one of the real hit making machines of the late '60's! By the way, I think the group is still touring!
great song love the harmonies back when people thought they could change the world
If I ever open a pet store I’m going to call it “The Age of Aquariums”.
Somebody beat you to it!
It’s the Age of Asparagus…
At my age, I'm singing about the Age of Dementia.
When the food is thawing for the last three days
My underwear is inside out
And I'm a terror on the highways
I shake my fist and yell at clouds
This is the dawning...
Listen to Kip Adotta’s song Wet Dreams. Your line might very well be in it. Funny play on words song--all fish
It was all about peace and love back then. How things have changed. They say everything comes back around, I hope that's true. Great reaction, as usual
Times were better. I miss those days.
Phil, we 60 somethings saw all the great cool bands/artists live!! For instance, I've seen live:
Frank Sinatra
Chuck Berry
Bob Dylan
Paul McCartney
Ringo Starr
The Rolling Stones
The Who
Beach Boys/Brian Wilson
John Fogarty (CCR)
Simon & Garfunkel
Joan Baez
Pink Floyd
Yes
ELP
Genesis
King Crimson
Robert Plant/Jimmy Page (Zep)
Steely Dan
Chicago
Burton Cummings/Randy Bachman (Guess Who/BTO)
Neil Young
Crosby Stills Nash Young
Elton John
Billy Joel
The Four Tops/
The Temptations
Jethro Tull
Kansas
Electric Light Orchestra
Alan Parsons Project
Fleetwood Mac
The Eagles
Santana
Bruce Springsteen & E Street
Tom Petty &Heartbreakers
David Byrne (Talking Heads)
U2
REM
Rush
And many many more
another tidbit; the 5th Dimension were playing in New York at the Americana Hotel and while out on a shopping trip Billy Davis Jr., the guy you called the lead singer, lost his wallet. It turns out he’d left it in a taxi and the next passenger in the cab found it and returned the wallet to Davis. As a sign of his gratitude he invited the honest guy and his wife to that evening’s performance at the hotel. The gentleman in question happened to be a producer of Hair and in return invited the band to watch it on Broadway. They were blown away by the opening number ‘Aquarius’ and resolved there and then to record it....
Can we just talk about that bass playing on Let The Sun Shine
I’m 60 so I’d say this song and California Dreaming are the quintessential 60’s sound
They were indeed very special times when this song was recorded!...still a very relevent message for any age...Thank you guys for this...💖💖
'The music of the day will reflect the society of the day' fits very well into your outro thoughts. We've lost our way.
This song was the theme song for the late sixties and the mindset for the time. It was used in much of the antiwar sentiment of the time and had a lot to do with the social process of the time.
Santa
Marilyn Mc Coo is one if the legendary voices of all time. please listen to more.
I was just a young teenager when this song came out and I loved it. Reflect
Never saw this performance but I’ve always loved this song, especially Marilyn McCoo’s beautiful vocals. Love the outfits!
One of my all time favourites. #untouchable ❤
Great reaction. As a young, black girl when this came out, I was more drawn to Let the Sunshine In, because of the soulful, gospel nature of the song, but I watched them on Ed Sullivan and they were amazing. As an adult, I appreciate those harmonies. Awesome.
Thanks! If you liked suspicious minds and Polk salad Annie by Elvis you must react to Patch it Up. Live version 1970. He kills it.
This song was The Fifth Dimension's biggest hit song ever!!! The song stayed at the #1 spot for 6 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 during the spring of 1969. The beautiful lady with the awesome voice singing lead is Marilyn McCoo. The guy with the other awesome voice is Marilyn McCoo's husband, Billy Davis, Jr. The song is no doubt a definite banger!!!
Always loved this song for 2 reasons, I'm an Aquarius and I love the musical 🎼
My sister was born in May and she got to do fun, outdoor type things (amusement parks, etc). My birthday was in Feb and because it was cold my parents would just take me to a movie. BUT THEN, I heard this song, ,and this little Aquarius felt that this song was written just for me, and its one of my favorites, now that I'm in my 50's.
The age of Aquarius is now.😍
So they were ahead of There time... singing about this.
As an Aquarian myself,I have always been interested in these things .
As a world we are moving towards the 5 th dimension ,and this means to Connect more with our hearts and make our desicions from There . A world of peace and joy. 😍 But the road to There ,is hard,working through all of our baggage ,and letting go ,because we can’t take it with us , to be able to ” let the Sun Shine in.” Let the Sun shine in through the cracks.
I'm so glad that you guys addressed the influence of music on our overall society and culture. My brother and I have this conversation all the time (he's in his late 50s, I'm in my 60s). We both believe that the music of today does not carry the same messaging, feeling, and social impact of past music. We miss that in today's music.
It was the heart of the psychedelic era.
The chorography is mostly overlooked here, e.g. Marilyn's graceful dance transitions, first to form the trio and second breaking into Let The Sun Shine In. A professional model with that voice and those moves ! Crushed on her since forever. Pray she and Billy continue to stay strong in both their faith and marriage.
After listening to your whole after-discussion, I appreciate your recognition of the happy and loving atmosphere that the song, and the 60's, exude.
Yes, the mood that a song brings matters.
When a generation grows up on happy positive harmonious songs (and movies), that mood influences them.
When a generation grows up on negative swearing word-porridge drowned out by generated push-beats (and movies, games), that mood influences them.
The mental food people in a society take in, feeds them mentally, forms their brains. In which society do we want to live?
It is true, the 60's was a great time, for us who were into the counterculture. It was positive, and optimistic. People longing for real connections, for freedom from too tight societal rules. People longing for nature, for not going along with the encroaching of wealth and materialism. To live your life as you pleased, in ways that were sometimes both old and new, like communes.
That amalgam of desires combined and hit a peak around 1969. From then it was noticeable that the counterculture split in various (and fluidly overlapping) directions:
The ecological concerned. The new-age spiritual and ritual inclined. The ones that followed their hedonistic urges. The ones who found society as it was good enough.
All four of these directions are still recognisable today.
Ecological concern is now a concern for the whole of mankind, as it should have been back then already.
The new-agers spread to yoga and the Indian ashrams, evolving into spheres like the Bagwan 'trend', into the fitness yoga, and alternative, old and new religions and beliefs.
The hedonism seekers got their fill of sex and drugs (no rock&roll required), and the ones who could not control themselves can nowadays be seen in a junk condition, or have already passed away.
And the ones who lived lives that more or less resembled that of their parents, the father-mother-children in a house, with work. This direction has prevailed the most, even with all technical and social charges around it.
During the 70's mainstream people started getting affected, through fashion and changing cultural norms. News-anchors started getting side-burns, a regular person would have flaring pants. Colours and designs of clothes, furniture and other daily objects. And ofcourse the more open attitudes in general, sometimes in simple but profound changes like sitting on the grass in the park.
Check out the rest of their legendary music and songs❤🎶
Love this group had some great hits. So much more to explore.
Two members Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis who were married also had a successful solo career.
First!!
This medley of two songs from the 1967 musical "Hair" was released in 1969 when I was 9. So yes, I'm 64 years young. 😁 Other great songs by them are "Up, Up, and Away" (which someone else called My beautiful balloon), "Wedding Bell Blues", "One Less Bell To Answer", and "I Didn't Get To Sleep At All".
Man I remember when this was released, it gave me a warm feelings and the song is timeless. It was a new kinda sound that at least partially summed up the flower power era. BTW the music back then did not revolve around entertainer cuteness to be in a band. It was talent and cohesiveness of the groups that made them successful, as well as great song writing. Thank God they didn't just have to have the looks like they have to today and many great talents are on the back-burner and never even get into bands. Yeah the music was awesome back in the 60'/70's.
Great performance!! Ladies were absolutely gorgeous 🥰
The lead singer at the end took it to Church, reminds me of Otis Redding a bit
I always say from growing up in the 60s and 70s we were so lucky to be surrounded by so much great music. There was the current music (Beatles, Stones, Zeppelin) plus you would hear and see on variety shows big band music, music of the 40s and 50s. These shows would cover all genres of music in their shows and sometimes they would team up and try to sing each other's style. This helped everyone appreciate all music even though you would have your personal preference. I think it did help with mental health because you were exposed during that turbulent time to some happier and joyful music.
I agree,the 60s/70s were such great times and hearing this again really does take me back to my youth ( born in 52),life was so different then as compared to today,we lived in good times now it's all P.C.
It's very simple and it doesn't cost you anything to open up your heart and let the sunshine in.
You don't have to do it, but i suggest you do.
It'll make you feel much better.
✌️♥️🍏
I remember singing this is concert choir! Their harmony is beautiful!
This song pairing just blew me away when I was a little kid. The older girls mostly would be out there Dancing in the Moonlight Barefoot to Age of Aquarius and then when it came to an end it was the end of side A of the 45 RPM single, and I would jump up and run over to the tiny little record player they had on an extension cord, and flip it over as fast as I could and put them back down so it would go straight into let the sunshine in. And then we would all just go nuts dancing.
During the finale number of ‘Let the Sunshine In’, at some performances of the musical “Hair”, the audience was invited to come up on stage and dance and sing with the cast.
It was a most magical time for music! I am in my 60s. I am blessed to see it all go down!!!
Bill, One Less Bell, Beautiful Balloon, and many more uplifting songs or reality checks😊😊
That great bass line in the second song was provided by the great Joe Osborne....he was a member of the Wrecking Crew, which was a loose collective of American session musicians based in Los Angeles whose services were employed for a great number of studio recordings in the 1960s and 1970s, including hundreds of top 40 hits......Hal Blaine was a session drummer in the Crew and was thought to be among the most recorded studio drummers in the music industry, claiming over 35,000 sessions and 6,000 singles. His drumming is featured on 150 US top 10 hits, 40 of which went to number one.
This song is from the musical, Hair. There was a period of time from the mid 60's to the mid 70's when astrology was a very popular subject and so many people were fascinated with sun signs, horoscopes, astrology, etc. So often people would ask others what their horoscope is. People would wear their horoscope on their coffee mugs and T-shirts. The song, 'Age of Aquarius / Let the sunshine in' fit right in with the times.
Peace, love, and specially forgiveness must be recover in our lives. Lov U guys.
Can’t listen to this without 😭
You’re right. When I was a kid growing up in the old days there were tons of great variety shows with awesome celebrities and musicians great time to grow up watching the tube.
Saw them in Columbia SC about the time this song was charting. When 'Let the sun shine in' started, the house lights came on.
Loved your reaction and your comments were pretty much on point. And as others have mentioned, The 5th Dimension have a number of songs you'll love. Songs like Wedding Bell Blues, Up, Up and Away, Stoned Soul Picnic, One Less Bell to Answer, I Didn't Get to Sleep and others. Would love to hear more reactions to their songs. Also, Billy Davis, the one singing lead in Let the Sunshine In, and Marilyn McCoo the taller of the 2 ladies, got married in 69 and are still going strong. And guys, I'd love to hear what your mom has to say about The 5th Dimension.❤
I remember hearing this song when it came out. I was very young, but I can remember being in the car and my mom singing along with it. When I hear this song today, it triggers some very fond memories. Yeah, it's weird, but those are the times I grew up in!