Saturday, February 14, 2009
Spotlight 29 Casino
Story by Lisa Robyn Lawrence
Photos by Pat Krause and Allen Lawrence
For more Pat Krause photos of the event, click here.
For more Allen Lawrence photos of the event, click here.
Love was in the air Saturday night, Feb. 14, as the beautiful, talented and statuesque chanteuse, Marilyn McCoo took command of the stage at Spotlight 29 with her very talented, dapper husband and singing partner of 40 years, Billy Davis, Jr. It was as if no time has passed for this talent-filled duo. Their songs evoked a sense of nostalgia and joy for the packed audience.
Formerly part of the world-famous, six time Grammy award-winning The Fifth Dimension, group, these two still wowed the audience with their boundless talent. McCoo and Davis each demonstrated their innate musical gifts of song.
Celebrating two key anniversaries, 40+ years (1966) in entertainment together and 40+ (1968) years of marriage, McCoo and Davis looked as if no time had passed. From the opening song, “Up, Up and Away,” this charismatic duo held the audience spellbound, flooding the auditorium with songs from the days before and after The Fifth Dimension.
McCoo and Davis met in 1966 when Davis had just formed a group called the Versatiles (which later became named The Fifth Dimension). In 1967, they had their first big hit song, Jimmy Webb’s “Up, Up and Away,” bringing them four Grammy awards. In 1968, they recorded two Laura Nyro songs, “Stoned, Soul Picnic” and “Wedding Bell Blues,” as well as “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” which won them a Grammy for ”Record of the Year.“ The Fifth Dimension won six Grammy awards during their time together.
In 1975, McCoo and Davis left The Fifth Dimension to go out on their own. Together they won Grammy #7 with their song, “You Don’t Have to be a Star.” McCoo won her eighth Grammy for her contributions to a recording of Handel's “Messiah” by Quincy Jones. McCoo and Davis hosted their own television show in 1977, “The Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. Show..” They have each been fortunate in having the opportunity to explore their individual careers. McCoo played the part of Julie in the Broadway revival of “Showboat” and was host of the television show “Solid Gold” as well as having made numerous appearances in several television series and specials.
Several songs they performed this evening earned McCoo and Davis each a standing ovation. From Davis’ version of the late, great Sam Cook’s “It’s Been a Long Time Comin’” that caused audible gasps of joy and appreciation, to McCoo sharing her love of torch songs and effortlessly demonstrating her innate vocal range to carry each song to perfection. The two are truly gifted individual talents who shine with star quality.
McCoo and Davis were backed by an extremely talented group of musicians and vocalists. On guitar was Major Black also dubbed, “Mr. Fast Fingers,” Kevin O’Neal on the smokin’ bass, David Colum burnin’ up the drums, Ron Foyer putting the fire to the keyboards, the two gifted and lovely vocalists were Patricia Lee and Cynthia Bass and Daryl Paulson was music arranger and band leader.
As they sang and walked off the stage, it was announced that McCoo and Davis would be available in to greet their fans and autograph their newly released CD titled “The Many Faces of Love,” which was available for sale at the end of the performance. Many fans waited in a very long line for this opportunity.
Concertgoers waiting in line, Mike and Lisa Dennis, told DesertCitiesGuides.com that they came to celebrate their 24th anniversary and Valentine’s Day. Lisa exclaimed, “This brought back so many memories ... they sound the same and even stronger.
What a great anniversary memory for years to come. Lisa and Allen Lawrence and the staff at DesertCitiesGuides.com wish you many more happy anniversaries to come.
Two other cozy lovebirds, Rosa and Roman Moran of Indio, were there celebrating Rosa’s birthday. This was the finale to a day spent in celebration with family and friends and then capped off with this very special time together. Rosa and Roman said, “What a beautiful and awesome show, Marilyn’s range is unbelievable. They (McCoo and Davis) complement each other so well.”
Happy birthday Rosa, from Lisa and Allen and the rest of the staff at DesertCitiesGuides.com!
Spotlight 29's choice of entertainment for this Valentine’s Day celebration was perfect.
Thank you Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., and Spotlight 29 Casino and staff for a wonderful tribute to love tonight.
For more Pat Krause photos of the event, click here.
For more Allen Lawrence photos of the event, click here.
For more on Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., and their music, click here.
For more about what’s happening at Spotlight 29 Casino, click here.
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