The Burke family was an attractive looking, talented Black family. Father Clarence Sr. and mother Betty had 6 children. The Five Stairsteps consisted of 6 kids...sweet Alohe, (born in 1948), charismatic Clarence Newton Jr. (born 1948), sincere James Marcellus (born 1950), vibrant Dennis (born 1952), smooth Kenneth (born 1953), and charming Cubie (born 1964). They were born and raised in Chicago by their parents Clarence and Betty Burke they attended Bennett and Harlan High School. You could say they were born into music, music was in their blood. Before they could walk they belted out melodies even if the words weren't understood. The 5 were singing together as young kids. They would line up on the couch singing to TV commercial or records on the record player; they would out-sing the TV and records...loud and clear. Their father was a detective/cop and mother watched the kids. Alohe, Clarence, James, Dennis, Kenneth, and Cubie were brought up in a household full of love, encouragement, and sternness with values, respect, and love. As they got older their voices got better. Clarence and Betty saw their kids had real talent. The Burke children were entered in all kinds of talent shows, and won most of them. If they didn't win, they won the attention of many in the music business.
Their mother named them The Five Stairsteps, because lined up together they looked like a staircase. The name "Stairsteps" fitted them well because with each step their career reached higher and higher. Chicago couldn't have been a better place to grow up. In the 1960s, Chicago was booming in the music industry right along with Detroit. Many Chicago bred singers were becoming World-Wide famous, turning out hit after hit. Talents such as Gene Chandler, Major Lance, Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions, Dee Clark, Fontella Bass, Billy Stewart, Walter Jackson, Billy Butler and The Enchanters, Jerry Butler, and many others. Soon The Five Stairsteps would add to that prestigious list of Chicago talent. .
From 1959 to 1964, they performed locally at church and school functions, talent shows, and other important places before important people. In 1965 the young teenage Stairsteps entered a singing contest at the famous Regal Theater and won first prize. They were up against some great competition but again they proved they were not immature (even if they were young and little) when it came to performing. They gave their heart, soul, sweat and tears in their performances.
Many from the music biz were in the audience begging Father Clarence for a chance to sign and record his kids but he wasn't sure if his children were right for the business or if the business was right for his children, and wasn't sure of the contracts offered. But, a neighborhood friend changed his mind about the music business. Fred Cash, a former neighbor, and of The Impressions happened to run into Father Clarence, and heard him brag of his children winning first prize contest at the Regal. Upon hearing that, Fred wanted to hear the children. He knew if they won at the Regal, they must be good and he was right. Through Fred, The Five Stairsteps got a chance to meet Curtis Mayfield, and he was very interested in them. Fred and Curtis assured Clarence Sr. that show business was what the Burke children were meant for, and would have nothing but success. With guidance, it would be safe for them. Father Clarence knowing Fred, Curtis and others and seeing how they lead regular lives outside of show business felt show business would be right for his children with his protection.
The Five Stairsteps signed to Windy-City around 1966. Their first album was a sensation. The songs of that album were so moving and heartfelt. The young generation fell in love with them and so did mature adults. They won fans instantly because their music was mature but not too mature that it would turn off the young ones but mature enough for the mature audiences. They toured the country in an Old Chevy, galvanizing audiences, old and young with their youth, zest, and gusto. They brought enjoyment and bliss to all who crowded the theaters and clubs to see them.
They also became full fledged stars in 1966. The young girls simply loved Clarence Jr., James, Dennis and Kenneth. Even the young guys couldn't deny how good The Five Stairsteps were. The guys often used the Five Stairsteps lyrics as lines to pick up girls. With four handsome young men, pretty Alohe, and their magnetic voices and songs and smooth dance steps...how could they miss!
Their first album is considered their best. It's an album that should be in everyone's collection of soul music. Anyone will become an instant fan by listening to that album. " World Of Fantasy", "Danger! She's A Stranger", "Come Back", "Behind Curtains", "Ooh Baby Baby", "Don't waste your time", "You Don't Love Me"; "Playgirl's Love", "You Waited Too Long" "The Touch of You" and "The Girl I Love" were unforgettable. They were small in size but big in heart and soul. Clarence Jr.'s voice and the Stairsteps music became the highlight of soul music in the mid 1960s. Just by hearing the first few notes or bars you knew it was The Five Stairsteps, because they created a special distinctive sound unlike any other in the soul genre.
Clarence Jr., who sung lead on their early hits, sung divinely with his smooth, crooning voice, making you feel each word with his voice. Alohe, James, Dennis, and Kenneth, made their voices heard, surrounding Clarence with their golden harmonies enriched with youthful enthusiasm. Most of the songs were written by Clarence Jr., cousin Gregory Fowler, father Clarence, and Curtis Mayfield. The songs were the epitome of Soul Music, young love, hopes and dreams. The album was a huge success and, The Five Stairsteps were what you would call an overnight success. They already were local celebrities around Chicago, but after their first release they attained World-Wide fame.
As The Five Stairsteps grew into young adults it didn't harm them as much as it did other young groups because their music always maintained that maturity which could reach any age group. As they became young adults, they didn't lose their spark, their songs though became more sensual, appealing and sexy but never blatant, "The Look of Love," "Baby, Make Me Feel So Good," "Something's Missing," "Ain't Gonna Rest(Till I Get You)," "Don't Change Your Love," "This Must Be Love," "I'm The One Who Loves You,", these songs showed their talent of making you feel that love is something you can't live without.
In 1970, the Burke boys weren't little anymore they were as big as their afros. Another change was their mother and father have joined the act and were known as Papa Burke and Momma Fine, even little baby Cubie had joined. They really became a family act then. Both the parents had aspirations of being in show business, and were able to be stars along with their children. Clarence Sr. joined with his sons and daughter full force. He would sing and before that he played the guitar and led the band behind his children. Papa Burke appeared on all the album covers with his children after the first release. Mother Betty was a former dancer; who danced and sang on stage and recorded with her children. The father and mother recorded a duet together on the "Family Portrait" album and Cubie was just as energetic onstage as his older siblings, although he never sang with them.
The Burke Family in the early 1970s took a breather from Show Business to be apart of society, to live normal lives which they never led. They wanted to be a part of life outside of Show Business. They all went to the same employment agency, sometimes working the same jobs. They didn't stay out of Show Business long. Some came back to the music business gradually. The group changed its name to, The Stairsteps.
Alohe left the group in 1972 to begin a spiritual journey, and later would attend college, graduate and work at Emory University at which she was also a guest speaker.
Around 1975, the four Burke brothers got back together and signed to Dark Horse Records and recorded the album "Second Resurrection." They were now full grown men in their 20s with manly jubilant voices but still maintain that enthusiasm, which was evident in "2nd Resurrection." The album did fairly well, peaking at number ten R&B in early 1976. The group disbanded for good in 1977.
Keni Burke remained in Show Business becoming an in demand session bass player, playing a role in many soul stars' hits. You may even hear him playing his bass guitar on many tunes of the 1970s and 1980s. His bass line and guitar playing became a very significant sound in music and has been duplicated by many. Keni also became a solo artist as well as legendary bass guitarist. By the time Keni became a solo artist, he was somewhat of a veteran in the music business. So he had a lot of years of learning and developing his solo efforts.In 1980, The Burke gentlemen came back as "The Invisible Man's Band" with a hit song called "All Night Thing," it was a dance craze for the post disco era generation. Most thought The Invisible Man's Band was a new group. Many loved the song but many didn't know the group singing had been in the business more then 15 years and that "All Night Thing" was just one of many of their hits. Many didn't know because the Burke brothers changed the group name, and had no presence of themselves on the album cover.
The Invisible Man's Band was the last hurrah for the Burke brothers together. Invisible Man's Band was the right name for them because the whole Burke family became invisible after that. Clarence remained in the music business, Keni remained in the business...mostly successful behind the scenes (Keni has a son who sings and his name is Osaze Burke); the rest went their separate ways. Father Clarence was said to have worked with the New Jersey Racing Commission. Alohe was said to have been doing various things; at one time she was attending college studying Biological Engineering and said at one time to be managing a book store in the early 1990's. Alohe is an intellectual; an insightful lady with a sense of humor. She is a Star Trek fan and also a science fiction fan. James at one time put his time into another art...painting and selling his work. Dennis became a hair stylist and has his own hair salon. Cubie became a popular professional dancer; formerly was with The Dance Theater of Harlem. He also recorded in the early 1980's. The song most associated with him is "Down for Double."
The Invisible Man's Band was the last hurrah for the Burke brothers together. Invisible Man's Band was the right name for them because the whole Burke family became invisible after that. Clarence remained in the music business, Keni remained in the business...mostly successful behind the scenes (Keni has a son who sings and his name is Osaze Burke); the rest went their separate ways. Father Clarence was said to have worked with the New Jersey Racing Commission. Alohe was said to have been doing various things; at one time she was attending college studying Biological Engineering and said at one time to be managing a book store in the early 1990's. Alohe is an intellectual; an insightful lady with a sense of humor. She is a Star Trek fan and also a science fiction fan. James at one time put his time into another art...painting and selling his work. Dennis became a hair stylist and has his own hair salon. Cubie became a popular professional dancer; formerly was with The Dance Theater of Harlem. He also recorded in the early 1980's. The song most associated with him is "Down for Double."
NOTE: Sadly on May 14, 2014 at age 49, Cubie Burke passed away, almost a year to the day of the demise of his oldest brother, Clarence Burke Jr. who passed away on May 26, 2013 at the age of 64.
I do not take credit for anything I share.
REFERENCES:
A FEW YOU TUBE PERFORMANCES BY THIS DYNAMIC FAMILY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
'OOH CHILD'
'OOH CHILD'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
'WORLD OF FANTASY'
'WORLD OF FANTASY'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
'YOU'VE WAITED TOO LONG'
'YOU'VE WAITED TOO LONG'
A FEW IMAGES OF THIS SOULFUL FAMILY:
WITH DAD IN BACKGROUND WITH BEARD
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