Introduction:
“Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” is a medley performed by the American vocal group The 5th Dimension. Released in 1969, the track is a combination of two songs from the musical Hair, written by James Rado, Gerome Ragni, and composer Galt MacDermot. The medley was arranged and produced by Bones Howe, and it seamlessly integrates “Aquarius,” an anthem about the dawning of a new astrological age symbolizing peace and harmony, with “Let the Sunshine In,” a call for optimism and renewal.
The 5th Dimension’s recording came about serendipitously. A chance encounter with a producer from Hair led the group to explore the songs, despite initial hesitations from their own producer due to the modest success of the musical’s soundtrack at the time. However, the group’s vibrant arrangement, supported by top-tier session musicians, transformed the medley into a cultural phenomenon. It resonated with the era’s ethos of hope and harmony, becoming a symbol of the counterculture movement of the late 1960s.
The medley achieved widespread acclaim, spending six weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and winning Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Group in 1970. Its success was bolstered by its timeless message and the distinct vocal harmonies of The 5th Dimension, which brought soul and sophistication to the psychedelic influences of Hair.
Today, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” remains an iconic piece of music history, celebrated for its uplifting message and its embodiment of a transformative period in American culture.