Up, Up and Away

I have been a huge fan of Marilyn McCoo and her husband, Billy Davis Jr, ever since I was a small child. They were singing with the "Fifth Dimension" back then--and I do mean I was a small child. When they came out with "You Don't Have to Be a Star" in the mid1970s, my heart again was captured with their marvelous vocals, and tremendous performance. But I also knew there had to be more than just what was "meeting the eye." And there was. And is. In "Up, Up and Away" these two legends (in their own right, I might add) tell a very real, candid, and page-turning story of just what life has been like for them, individually, and as family. Even when that family included three other great singers. The chapters are written in a wonderfully readable dialogue format, that invites one to just keep reading. And that is what I did. I was waiting for their "book signing/discussion" last weekend here in Chicago, and started reading the book that morning at Borders Bookstore. I finished the entire thing in about three hours. What a fascinating read! This marvelous story tells of the faithfulness of God in every area of life to these two--and His faithfulness was evident long before they committed their lives to Him. Marilyn's candid assessment of her "perfectionism" along with Billy's candid admission of his alcoholism/gambling addictions provide "an insider look" on two people who appear "near perfect" when we see their immense talent on television or screen. This volume is filled with humor, anecdotes, and situations that could happen in just about any household. Every incident reminds us how "real" that Marilyn and Billy are--just like the rest of us. Their "discussion" time was filled with laughter, insight, and grace--just like this marvelous book is filled with the same. I agree with Dr Jack Hayford, their pastor (at Church on the Way, Van Nuys, CA) in saying this story is wonderfully readable, and a treasure to my spirit. It will be to yours as well.

More than an inside look at one of America's best-loved singing groups, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr.'s biography is a refreshingly honest look at a celebrity marriage that has managed to work. Interspersing historical events with the popular growth of the 5th Dimension, this enjoyable book provides insight into a relationship that started out as a friendship and evolved into a lasting love. The authors candidly share very personal thoughts and experiences, explaining that the challenges that they have faced are issues that are common to all marriages. The CD included is an added bonus.

and you don't have to be married to appreciate and enjoy this terrific book! The McCoo & Davis story works on a multitude of levels--as a musical history, a marriage manual from a duo who's put in the work to make it work, and the spiritual journey of two (talented and famous) intelligent, insightful individuals. From a historical and cultural standpoint, the reader will be reminded just how HUGE the 5th Dimension were, and even the most devoted fan of the group, as I humbly consider myself, will learn new facts about them. (I knew they played the White House, but the Fillmore??) Since the book is written in Marilyn and Billy's own "voices," reading it gives the feeling of hanging out in their dressing room after a performance, listening to them reminisce and answer all of your questions (and ones you didn't know you had). Marilyn and Billy's honesty and integrity must also be praised. They don't tell tales on anyone except themselves in these pages, and they write about their foibles and misadventures with candor and a notable lack of self-dramatization. Lastly, the book contains a CD, demonstrating the wonderful voices that made this pair renowned. I confess I would've written this sooner, but I procrastinated on finishing the book because I didn't want it to end!

This book is fantastic. I couldn't put it down. I read it in record time because I just kept on reading. There is so much in here for fans and for anyone interested in life! Not only is it a chronicle of 2 Superstars lives and career, but it is woven with regular life experience filled with tumultuous and wondrous events. It has music, love, mood and humor. It's political, timely, mystical, spiritual and fascinating. Marilyn and Billy bring you from their youth, through the height of their career in the psychedelic 60's, to Solid Gold and up until today. If you were around for any part of this you will remember with great reflection the memories, and will be surprised at how they handled the ups and downs while feeling their aura after you've read this book. I gaurantee after you're finished you will have experienced a wide range of thoughts and emotion. What more can you ask for in a great book Additionally, this book includes a surprise gift in the back with a 2 cut cd. Fans and new comers will definitely appreciate this.

I have been a fan of the 5th Dimension for many years. I saw this book was available and was excited to learn more about my two favorite singers from that group. WHAT A READ! There was so much that I didn't know about them and now I had information about their personal struggles, innner thoughts about the times with the group, and how they kept it all together and made their love work. It was inspirational for my own life and actually, I shed a few tears at the end I was so happy. It's a real love story! I would recommend it to anyone who wants to have a happy, long lasting marriage. Louisville, KY