We’re introducing a new pop culture duo, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. Their spruced-up remake of The Beatles’ single ‘Blackbird’ pulls at your heartstrings, thanks to their beautiful voices. As social justice and equality advocates, this anthem sings loud and clear. They’ve equated the meaning of the original song to the times we’ve been experiencing. In their words, they explained that “it is a reflection of the truth we are living today”.
When a blackbird leaves its nest, it doesn’t return which is symbolic of mothers fearful of their young leaving their homes today due to bigotry and violence. Marilyn and Billy want to sing and dedicate their work to life and humanity, whether they live now or lost in the past.
The song incorporates soulful gospel choruses and emotional tones to back up the original piece. Vanessa Williams deems this single as beautiful, heartbreaking, and uplifting. The artistry behind its production and words strengthen its listeners and promote ending discrimination in humanity. Anita Pointer even called them amazing and inspirational. Dolly Parton has even boasted her love for the couple.
Both artists heaved tremendous success through their years as recording artists, performers, and authors. They’ve received 7 Grammy Awards and earned 15 gold and 3 platinum records.
“As Black artists, at our ages, we didn’t believe we’d record another album, especially for a major label. It took a lot of convincing from our millennial producer, Nic Mendoza, who understood us and our insistence that our new music be about something that truly matters in our world. We agreed to try, if the project honored the importance of lives. We always admired the talents of Paul McCartney and John Lennon, and knew what some did not – that “Blackbird” is a Civil Rights anthem, written after the bombing of the 16th St. Baptist Church in Birmingham, which took the lives of four babies – Addie, Cynthia, Carole, and Carol Denise. The Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons project, each song, image, timeline and video, praises everyone who dares fight hatred.” – Marilyn and Billy
Be on the lookout for the uprise of Marilyn and Billy. You can listen to their single on Youtube here.
Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr.
