You Don't Have to Be a Star (1976-77) 6/8/20

In 1975, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr.-- two-fifths of The Fifth Dimension -- decided to leave the group and try their luck at being a duo.

It went pretty well.

In less than 2 years, the married couple became the first African-American spouses to host a network variety show...and, for good measure, they also recorded a “Great Song of the 70s!”

“You Don't Have To Be a Star (To Be In My Show)” had already spent 17 weeks on Billboard's Hot 100 chart in 1976 before the calendar year ended and it finally made it to #1 during the first week of 1977. It also hit #1 on Billboard's Soul Chart and #6 on the Adult Contemporary Chart. In Canada, it peaked at #1 on their Top 40, and #6 on their AC Chart.

And if that weren't enough, it won a Grammy for “Best R&B Performance for a Duo or Group.”

Obviously, leaving The Fifth Dimension was the right choice for the couple...but becoming a couple in the first place was an even better choice. In 2020, Marilyn and Billy will celebrate their 51st wedding anniversary!

From 1976-77: