“Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” is a medley performed by the American pop group The 5th Dimension. The song combines two tracks from the 1967 musical Hair: “Aquarius” and “The Flesh Failures (Let the Sunshine In),” both composed by Galt MacDermot with lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni.
Aquarius / Let the Sunshine In
Broadway Origins: The medley originates from the 1967 musical Hair, with “Aquarius” and “Let the Sunshine In” being separate songs within the production.
Chart-Topping Success: The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for six consecutive weeks in 1969 and was eventually certified platinum in the US.
Grammy Recognition: The medley won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1970, highlighting its critical acclaim.
Cultural Impact: “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” has been featured in various films and television shows, including Forrest Gump, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, and The Simpsons, underscoring its lasting influence.
Unique Arrangement: Producer Bones Howe ingeniously merged two songs in different keys and tempos, creating a seamless and impactful medley that became a signature hit for The 5th Dimension.
