The 5th Dimension
The 5th Dimension is an American vocal group. Its music encompasses sunshine pop, pop soul, and psychedelic soul. The band was an important crossover music act of the 1960s and 1970s, although both praised and derided for their particular musical approach and mass appeal. During the original group's heyday, they were twice invited to perform at the White House, and accepting those invitations was controversial during that era of social upheaval.
Formed as The Versatiles in late 1965, the group changed its name to "The 5th Dimension" by 1966. 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 the 1969 No. 1 "Medley: Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)"—won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. Other big hits include "Stoned Soul Picnic" (No. 3), "Wedding Bell Blues" (No. 1), "One Less Bell to Answer" (No. 2), a cover of "Never My Love" (Pop chart, No. 12/Easy Listening No. 1), "(Last Night) I Didn't Get to Sleep at All" (No. 8), and "If I Could Reach You" (Pop chart No. 10/Easy Listening No. 1). Three of their records reached the Top Ten of Billboard's Rhythm & Blues/Soul chart. Five of their 19 "Top 20" hits on the Easy Listening chart reached the No. 1 position.
The five original members were Lamonte McLemore, Marilyn McCoo, Florence LaRue, Ronald Townson, and Billy Davis Jr. Their earliest recordings were on the Soul City record label, which was started by recording artist Johnny Rivers. The group later recorded for Bell/Arista Records, ABC Records, and Motown Records.
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