Marilyn McCoo American singer and actress Date of Birth: 30.09.1943 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Career
2. The Hi-Fi's and The 5th Dimension
3. Marriage and Success
4. Solo Career and Other Ventures
5. Broadway Dreams

Early Life and Career

Marilyn McCoo was born on September 30, 1943, in Jersey City, New Jersey. Her family moved to Los Angeles when she was seven. McCoo began singing at a young age and took dance, piano, and vocal lessons as a teenager. At 15, she appeared on the local Los Angeles talent show "Talent Scouts."

The Hi-Fi's and The 5th Dimension

In 1961, McCoo joined the singing group The Hi-Fi's. The group toured with Ray Charles, who helped release their single "Lonesome Mood." After the Hi-Fi's disbanded, McCoo joined The Versatiles. In 1966, she became a member of The 5th Dimension, which was formed from the remains of The Hi-Fi's and The Versatiles.

The 5th Dimension's debut album, "Up, Up, and Away," was released in 1967. The album won four Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year. Their hit single "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" became an anthem of the 1960s.

Marriage and Success

McCoo met Billy Davis Jr., a member of The 5th Dimension, in 1965. They married in 1969 and remained together for 30 years. The group continued to release albums throughout the 1970s, but none achieved the same level of success as their early work.

Solo Career and Other Ventures

In 1975, McCoo left The 5th Dimension. She released the album "I Hope We Get to Love in Time" with Davis, which included the Grammy-winning single "You Don't Have to Be a Star (To Be in My Show)." McCoo also appeared on television shows such as "The Love Boat" and "Night Court."

Broadway Dreams

In 1996, McCoo made her Broadway debut in the musical "Showboat." She continued to perform in musicals and on television. McCoo's successful career has spanned over four decades, including seven gold albums, five gold singles, six Grammy Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.