It’s impossible not to notice The 5th Dimension’s stunning sense of depth and the members’ lush harmonies when listening to the popular R&B group from the 1960s and 1970s. Lamonte McLemore, Marilyn McCoo, Florence LaRue, Ronald Townson, and Billy Davis were the original members of the five-piece ensemble, which was like a Baroque picture in song.
The medley “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” was one of the band’s biggest hits. The song was released in 1969 and spent six weeks at the top of the charts before being certified platinum. It was recently ranked as the 66th best song of all time by Billboard. The song was a combination of two songs written by James Rado, Gerome Ragni, and Galt MacDermot in 1967 for the musical Hair. It was covered by The 5th Dimension.
We spoke with LaRue, who has a new autobiographical book out, about the song’s origins (which has been sampled by musicians such as Mos Def) and what she loves about it now.
Florence LaRue: In the Fifth Dimension, one of the gentlemen misplaced his wallet. We were performing at the Americana Hotel in New York City when another guy discovered his wallet and returned it to the Americana. As a result, we invited him to our concert, and he invited us to his. That dude was Hair’s producer! So, when we saw Hair and heard the song, we said to ourselves, “Wow, we’ve got to do that!”
And it was something we suggested to our producer. “No, I don’t think it’s such a terrific idea,” he said. Because, first and foremost, the cast CD is out and not doing particularly well.” But he returned to us and said, “Let’s record ‘Aquarius’ with ‘Let the Sunshine In'”they’re actually two separate songsand that’s how it happened.
People often inquire as to why we recorded it. We had no interest in astrology. We recorded it because it was an upbeat tune that spoke of hope, pleasure, and harmony. That’s why we took notes. In fact, now that we sing “Let the Sunshine In,” I think of not just letting the sun shine but also letting the sun shine on the S-o-n.
AS: How did you combine the two tracks, “Aquarius” and “Let the Sunshine In”?
In This Article...
From which musical did the song Aquarius originate?
It’s a huge accomplishment for a song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard charts, let alone stay there for six weeks in a row. This was accomplished fifty years ago by the 5th Dimension’s song “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” It debuted on the Top 40 chart on March 15, 1969, and stayed at No. 1 for 16 weeks, reaching No. 1 in April.
Serendipity provided the inspiration for the song. The 5th Dimension’s main singer, Billy Davis Jr., forgot his wallet in a cab in New York City. It was discovered by a worker who was working on the musical “Hair.” He invited the group to witness the show, during which they heard “Aquarius,” a piece of music. They contacted Bones Howe, a music producer and engineer, who took two pieces of music from “Hair” and “jammed them together like two trains,” according to Howe.
Marilyn McCoo, Florence LaRue, Billy Davis Jr., Lamont McLemore, and Ron Towson formed the 5th Dimension in Los Angeles in 1966. They scored seven Top 40 successes before “Aquarius,” the biggest of which were “Up, Up and Away” and “Stoned Soul Picnic.” The group had a total of 20 Top-40 successes between 1967 and 1973, when it was at its peak.
The song’s lyrics were based on astrology. The song predicted that a new “Age of Aquarius” will come sometime after the twentieth century, while astrologers disagreed on the exact year. Unlike the current “Age of Pisces,” this age was to be marked by love, light, and humanistic, gentle connections.
The single version lasted 4 minutes and 49 seconds and ended with lead singer Billy Davis yelling exhortations such “open up your heart” and “you got to feel it,” while the rest of the band sang “let the sunshine in” eleven times in three-second spurts.
In 1970, the song was nominated for two Grammy Awards: Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Group. It was ranked No. 73 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States from 1958 to 2018.
This song was so popular in the contentious and discordant 1960s, I believe, because it provided the hope that greater cosmic powers were strangely at work to bring peace and harmony to an America and a world defined by disorder.
This was in stark contrast to my orderly and predictable existence at the time. I was concluding my junior year at West Point, in love with my future wife, and striving to win the conference title as a member of the Army baseball team when the song hit No. 1.
In the film Hair, who sang Aquarius?
Renn Woods (born Ren Woods; January 1, 1958) is an American actor, singer, and songwriter who has worked in film, television, and theater. She is well recognized for her portrayal of Fanta in Roots, as well as her role as Aquarius in the film adaptation of Hair (1979).
Woods was born in Chicago and reared in Portland, Oregon, where she rose to prominence as a member of Three Little Souls, a local musical trio she founded when she was 10 years old. Through Wood’s adolescent years, the group became known as Sunday’s Child, and they traveled globally, appearing on television with performers like Bob Hope. Woods moved into acting as an adult, starring as Fanta in Roots (1977) and the Aquarius soloist in Hair (1979). She also appeared in the comedy The Jerk as a supporting character (1979).
She’s also played The Moon in a critically praised stage production of Caroline, or Change, and Dorothy in the first national touring production of The Wiz.
On the Flintstones, who sang “Let the Sunshine In”?
In 1969, the 5th Dimension recorded “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” which is currently considered one of the “Greatest Songs of All Time” by Billboard. The second part of the hit song title was likely familiar to any child who watched The Flintstones in 1965, as it used the same words as Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm sang in the Hamblen hit “Open Up Your Heart (And Let the Sunshine In).”
When the chorus of the 5th Dimension hit fades out chanting, “Let the sunshine (And let the sunshine on in) / Let the sunshine in (Open up your heart) / The sunshine in (Let it shine on in),” the reference is unmistakable.
So, if you’ve ever wondered how the current Stone Age family relates to the “Age of Aquarius,” now you know.
Although the Cowboy Church Sunday School topped the charts with “Open Up Your Heart (And Let the Sunshine In),” the most well-known rendition today is the one we all remember from The Flintstones. Rebecca Page, who plays Pebbles, and her mother Ricky Page, who plays Bamm-Bamm in the song, performed it. The Bermudas and The Majorettes, a mother-daughter duet, went on to start their own bands, but it was The Flintstones song that stayed with them.
As a kid, do you recall singing along to this song at the end of later episodes of The Flintstones?
What is the 5th Dimension, and what does it mean?
In physics and mathematics, the fifth dimension is a micro-dimension that is accepted. It’s here to create a pleasant and seamless connection between gravity and electromagnetism, or the two main fundamental forces, which appear to be unrelated in ordinary four-dimensional spacetime.
What does the Age of Aquarius signify?
Astrologers believe that an astrological age has an impact on humanity, possibly through influencing civilizations’ growth and fall or cultural trends.
Electricity, computers, flight, democracy, freedom, humanitarianism, idealism, modernization, astrology, nerve disorders, revolt, nonconformity, philanthropy, veracity, perseverance, humanity, and irresolution are all traditionally connected with Aquarius.
One theory holds that the Age of Aquarius began in 1844, with Siyyid ‘Al Muammad (18191850), the founder of Bbism, as the precursor.
Although no one knows when the Aquarian Age begins, Marcia Moore and Mark Douglas supported the idea that the American Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and the discovery of electricity are all attributed to the Aquarian Age. Moore and Douglas give a variety of predictions concerning the Aquarian Age trends they feel will emerge.
Many astrologers see the Age of Aquarius as the time when humanity reclaims control of the Earth and its own destiny as its rightful inheritance, with humanity’s destiny being the revelation of truth and the expansion of consciousness, and some people experiencing mental enlightenment ahead of others and thus being recognized as the world’s new leaders.
According to proponents of medieval astrology, the Pisces world, in which religion is the opiate of the masses, will be replaced in the Aquarian Age by a world ruled by secretive, power-hungry elites seeking absolute power over others; that knowledge in the Aquarian Age will only be valued for its ability to win wars; that knowledge and science, rather than industry and trade, will be abused; and that the Aquarian Age will be a Dark Age, in which religion will be considered
Another viewpoint contends that the rise of scientific rationality, along with the decline of religious dominance, the increased focus on human rights since the 1780s, the exponential growth of technology, and the advent of flight and space exploration, signaled the start of the Age of Aquarius.
The Age of Aquarius, according to a “wave” idea of the shifting Great Ages, would not arrive on a certain day but instead emerge in influence over many years, comparable to how the tide rushes forward incrementally rather than all at once.
The Age of Aquarius, according to Rudolf Steiner, will begin in 3573. Each age is 2,160 years according to Steiner’s method. Since 1413, the world has been in the Age of Pisces, according to this arrangement. Rudolf Steiner spoke of two major spiritual events: Christ’s return in the ethereal world (rather than in a physical body), because people must develop their faculties before they can enter the ethereal world; and the incarnation of Ahriman, Zoroaster’s “destructive spirit,” who will attempt to stymie humanity’s evolution.
August Vandekerkhove wrote in a feminism article published in the French journal La Fronde on February 26, 1890: “The Aquarius cycle will begin on March 21st this year. Aquarius is the female zodiac sign “.. He goes on to say that in this age, women will be on par with men.
The alignment of the first six planets, the Sun, the Moon, and the constellation Aquarius, announced the start of the “Age of Aquarius” on February 4, 1962, according to Gnostic philosopher Samael Aun Weor.
What is Aquarius’ hairstyle?
Her vivacious, electrifying temperament distinguishes the Aquarian woman in particular. She’s one of those women who can turn heads without even tryingsimply there’s something about her that stands out! Water carrier women will have a tall stature and a distant, dreamy expression in their eyes. The eyes are normally green, blue, or grey, while the hair is usually blonde or brown. In most situations, their hair will be smooth and straight, and their foreheads will be high and/or wide. They also have amazing arched brows. Because they enjoy variety, these ladies don’t have a characteristic hairdo or appearance. They can look like a refined princess one day and a beatnik hippie the next, and they can pull off each look with ease. But one thing is certain: an Aquarian’s hair always attracts attention!
Water-bearers’ female counterparts are recognized for their unusual beauty and cheery attitudes. High foreheads, wide-set eyes, and that extra’something’ that sets Aquarian ladies apart from the pack make them readily recognizable. They are often dressed and styled in a ‘bohemian’ fashion, but they are nonetheless glamorous. Take, for example, Jennifer Aniston. Her unique features have earned her a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most beautiful women. She also likes the bra-less lookit doesn’t get much more bohemian than that!
Here are some more well-known Aquarians that have chosen the appropriate hairstyle for their distinctive features. If you’re an Aquarius, you might want to give these looks a try.
With her unique hairdo and facial attitude, Chloe Grace Moretz is the ultimate Aquarian! Chloe’s oval face shape complements this eccentric ‘do, which can be achieved by first adding waves to the hair and then creating a side bun. This up-do has a cool and relaxed vibe because to the layers left down in the front, which is precisely what the Aquarianladies are all about.
Kerry Washington is another Aqua woman who understands how to use her attributes to her advantage. Kerry has the usual high Aquarian forehead, but her long fringe perfectly balances out her face. Her sleek, layered hairstyle is ideal for Aqua females who prefer sophisticated, futuristic appearances. Their excellent bone structure is highlighted by the jagged layers and eye-skimming fringe, and they’ll appreciate the edgy aspect of this hairdo. This is a versatile cut that will accommodate Aquarius’ constant demand for change. Wear it straight, curly, or up!
Mena Suvari is a true hair chameleon, as Aquarius is known for! She’s had brown, black, blonde, red, shaved, long, and short hair, and she’s never been stuck in a rut with her style. She’s wearing a shoulder-length bob with a long side-swept fringe, which is a more classic look for Aqua females. This is an excellent haircut for hiding a wide or broad forehead while bringing up those enthralling Aquarian eyes. Water Bearerwomen are also famed for their stunning shoulders, therefore any hairdo that skims the shoulders is a winner.
Rebel Wilson is flaunting her long, silky locks in this photo, which highlight her Aquarian nature. The average Aquarius has silky smooth hair that looks great with bangs in a classic long hairdo. Rebel’s hair has been lightly layered to highlight her hair texture and give a feminine overall effect. Her arched bangs complement her facial shape perfectly and are an excellent method to hide a high Aquarian forehead.
Oprah, like many Aquarius women, built her business on her humanitarianism and gift of gab! In a classic Aquarian fashion, she appears polished and professional in this photo. Her hair has been curled into corkscrews away from her hairline, giving her a stunning aesthetic that sweeps her hair away from her face and gives her a fresh, open appearance. Professional water bearers might want to give this a try.
Ariel Winter is a dark-haired Aquarian beauty who adds curls and braids to her straight locks. She’s sporting the classicHollywood waves that are usually seen on the red carpet, but she’s added a twist in the Aquarian style to make her stand out. It’s a lovely braid over the hairline in this case, which draws all attention to her face. Water bearers have a beautiful forehead and brow area, thus ‘dos like this should be worn to show off their features.
Portia De Rossi is another water carrier, with thick brows and a high forehead that complement her appearance. This short curly hairdo complements her face shape and features while giving her silky straight hair more volume and substance. The huge corkscrew curls that fall across her forehead and the braids on the other side are ideal for Aquarian ladies who enjoy wearing unconventional hairstyles.
With her eye-catching blonde locks arranged in a modern goddess-like haircut, Shakira is the archetypal Aquarian. Shakira, like other WaterBearer ladies, has a high, broad forehead, thus her side-swept bangs are ideal for her. Her wavy hair is done into a low braid with a few layers framing her face, and it appears relaxed and effortless. This hairstyle is perfect for Aqua ladies since it is feminine with a tinge of the bohemian appearance they adore. Shakira gets extra marks for her blue and silver clothing, which are great colors for Aquarian ladies.
Mena Suvari has experimented with a variety of hairstyles, including a shaved head, but this light blonde long, layered style is stunning. Her layers have been given subtle waves, and a center hair part has been applied to complete the look. A long side-swept fringe would look great on Mena, who has the high Aquarian forehead.
Kelly Rowland’s sharp face shape is enhanced by her long wavy haircut and eye-skimming fringe. Kelly’s electric blue eye makeup is highlighted by the lengthy bangs in her feminine haircut, which provides softness and bounce.
With this very creative, short hairstyle, Ellen DeGeneres embraces her unusual beauty. Ellen’s remarkable icy blue eyes are highlighted by her spiky layered cut, which is edgy and unusual.
An Aquarian will always make their haircut their own in some fashion, no matter what it is. They are frequently the first to wear trends before they become popular with the general public, particularly when it comes to color. Individualists who enjoy edgy styles, these women are continuously upgrading and refining their style. Aquarian ladies, as you can see, are always polished and fashionable, regardless of the situation. These girls will always find a way to be unusual or stand out from the crowd, whether it’s in a casual or formal setting.
In The Flintstones, what does Pebbles say?
Pebbles and her next-door neighbor, Bamm-Bamm Rubble, became lifelong best friends as a newborn.
Pebbles was an accomplished baseball player as a preteen, which led to a misadventure involving her father, as seen in The Flintstones: Little Big League, a 1978 primetime special.
Pebbles began dating Bamm-Bamm when she was a teenager, and she was known for luring their pals into different escapades, owing to her father’s predilection for plans that always backfired (such as inciting a strike by Bedrock’s city employees when she was elected honorary mayor for a week). Pebbles and her friends went to Bedrock High School, and she had the same catchphrase as her father: “Yabba-Dabba-Doozie!”
Pebbles went on to work in advertising as an adult and married Bamm-Bamm. Following that, the newlyweds relocated to Hollyrock, a prehistoric version of Hollywood, California. They finally had fraternal twins, a son named Chip and a girl named Roxy.
