Facts of Marilyn McCoo
| Date of Birth : | |
|---|---|
| Age : | 81 years old |
| Family Name : | McCoo |
| Birth Country : | United States |
| Height : | 5 Feet 8 Inch |
Relationship short Statistics of Marilyn McCoo
| What is Marilyn McCoo marital status ? ( married,single, in relation or divorce): | Married |
|---|---|
| How many children does Marilyn McCoo have ? (name): | 0 Children |
| Is Marilyn McCoo having any relationship affair ?: | No |
| Is Marilyn McCoo Lesbian ? | No |
Marilyn McCoo is one of those legendaries in American music and entertainment celebrated for a versatile career that has spanned over four decades. Born on September 30, 1943, in Jersey City, New Jersey, McCoo's life was destined for the limelight at a very tender age. She gained fame as a lead female singer of the popular vocal group The 5th Dimension, where she dominated the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with hits like "Up, Up and Away," "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In," and "Wedding Bell Blues," to mention a few, for which the group received several Grammy Awards. Besides her work with The 5th Dimension, McCoo had a successful duo career with her husband Billy Davis Jr., was host of the popular TV show Solid Gold, and appeared in several television and Broadway productions.
With seven gold albums, five gold singles, six Grammy Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, McCoo stands as one of the most successful female recording artists in American music, having made a lasting impression on the entertainment industry.
A Duo of Love and Music: Marilyn and Billy Davis Jr.
Through the 1970s, McCoo and her husband Billy Davis Jr. cemented themselves with their successful career as a duet; they released albums such as The Two of Us and Marilyn and Billy. Indeed, the sweet blend of their voices mixed with the romance between husband and wife stole the public's hearts, ranking them amongst the most loved musical couples of the era.
Besides, McCoo developed a solo career; she issued albums like Solid Gold (1983) and the gospel album The Me Nobody Knows (1991), which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Gospel Recording.
The Rise of a Star: Marilyn McCoo's Early Life and Education
Marilyn McCoo was born to Waymon and Mary McCoo, both physicians, in Jersey City, New Jersey, on September 30, 1943. Her family would later move to Los Angeles when she was seven years old, setting the stage for her future in show business. Her childhood of McCoo was rich in music, dance, and performance, contributing to the bedrock that would lead her into her illustrious career.
She had attended Susan Miller Dorsey High School and thereafter enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles-UCLA, studying business administration.
From Beauty Pageants to Stardom
McCoo's climb to fame began in 1962 when she took top honors in the Miss Bronze California beauty pageant and was also bestowed with the Grand Talent award. The win brought her to the attention of Lamonte McLemore, a photographer with Jet magazine, who asked her to join his vocal group, The Hi-Fi's.
It was with this group that she started her professional music career, appearing in clubs around Los Angeles as well as touring with the great Ray Charles.
The 5th Dimension: A Harmonious Success
In 1965, The Hi-Fi's broke up, and McCoo, with McLemore, Florence LaRue, Ron Townson, and Billy Davis Jr., immediately formed The Versatiles, which quickly became known as The 5th Dimension. This group would do very well and top the charts with an array of hits such as "Up, Up and Away" (1967), "Stoned Soul Picnic" (1968), "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" (1969), and "Wedding Bell Blues" (1969).
These songs included one number-one chart position, as well as a handful of Grammy Awards awarded to the group, including four for "Up, Up and Away" and the Grammy for Record of the Year for "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In."
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Shining on Television
McCoo's charisma was not limited to music alone; she was a household name as the host of the popular music countdown show Solid Gold from 1980 through 1988. She made her mark on television when she cohosted a CBS variety show with her husband called The Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. Show in 1977.
Her guest work on such programs as The Love Boat and Night Court and a recurring role on the daytime drama Days of Our Lives showed her to be a fine actress.
Broadway Dreams Realized
Soon after, McCoo picked up several big-time musical theatre roles. She found herself performing in everything from The Man of La Mancha to Anything Goes to A... My Name is Alice. Finally, in 1996, her dream of performing on Broadway came true as she picked up the role of Julie in Broadway's production of Showboat.
Personal Life and Achievements
McCoo married Billy Davis Jr. on July 26, 1969. Happy and content, the two remained married for over five decades. McCoo was successful not only in television but also in music, winning six Grammy Awards, seven gold albums, and five gold singles. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and, in 2002, she was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame with The 5th Dimension.
Legacy and Later Work
Aside from these two spheres, McCoo has also written a book with her husband, Up, Up and Away... How We Found Love, Faith, and Lasting Marriage in the Entertainment World, which chronicled their personal and professional lives.
McCoo still performs and tours, mostly on the gospel circuit, and is among the most successful female recording artists in American music. Her legacy remains a testament to her caliber, persistence, and timeless voice.
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