The 5th Dimension recall the unusual way 'Aquarius / Let the Sunshine In' came together

In summer 1969, 300,000 people filled Harlem's Mount Morris Park over six weekends for the Harlem Cultural Festival, a free event showcasing Black music and culture.

Despite its all-star lineup of Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder and Mahalia Jackson, the festival was largely overshadowed by Woodstock that same summer and didn't return the next year. TV producer Hal Tulchin filmed the full concert series, but networks weren't interested in airing it,and the footage was shelved for decades. 

Those who played the event never forgot about it, though. 

"It crossed our minds from time to time," says Marilyn McCoo, lead vocalist of the original 5th Dimension. "We'd say, 'Do you remember when we did that festival in Harlem? Boy, I wonder whatever happened to that.'" 

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