This is awesome! I too am amazed that this footage survived. The Five Stairsteps aka "The First Family Of Soul" are from my hometown of Chicago. One of the pioneers of family acts to make it into show business. The harmonies they had was just pure amazing and in the era of Soul music. Major respect to the Burke Family!
Amazing performance by the Five Stairsteps! One of my personal favorite groups of all time! I thought the short light skin Burke brother was Dennis the whole time. I didn't know he was James.
What an amazing time tunnel and what a great family, I definitely picked #2 immediately before any questions were asked and was surprised that everyone didn't after the responses to the questions . Thanks for taking the time to share this!
@@maverick744 yup from what I learned. He believed in teaching his kids respect and discipline but he was loving, attentive, warm to his kids. He didn’t intimidate, make his kids fear him, nor beat them into music to make them perfect. He encouraged and supported them and they were just naturally good and he didn’t have to push and abuse like joe Jackson.
The Five Stairsteps burst on the scene with their hit song "World of Fantasy" released around 1967, along with other hits such as "You Waited Too Long", and "Come Back". Their last big hit, with all five original members was "Ooh Child", in 1970. After sister, Aloha, left the group to start a family, the four brothers continued as "The Stairsteps" throughout the early to mid 70s. They later resurfaced in 1980 as the "Invisible Man's Band" with their hit single "All Night Thing". Kenny (Keni) Burke continued as a soloist a few years later, with his hit "Keep Rising To The Top". Check it Out! Ciao!!!
My older brothers and sisters went to burnside elementary school in they are in class pictures with some of the older burks. My oldest sister Carla was Aloahs friend and was in the same class.they lived very close to us and we went to the same catholic church. then my sister carla graduated in went to Harlan H.S.with Aloah.then we moved from 92nd Evans to 69th in Harverd Carla transfered to Parker H.S. My sister tride to start her own group in the old neighborhood 92nd evans. When Carla was in parker her roommate was either Sheila or Wanda of the Emotions. I used to see them sing comercials on the front steps of the school later on we saw their concerts at the old ChicagoTeachers College which was conected to the parker Elementary. Around 1967or 69 My sister took me an my other family to see the Stairsteps at the Capital Theater. man that was a good show even thow Aloah was not there,they had moves all over the stage, When they sang (Baby make me fill so good),my sis sang Aloahs part in the audience in the people liked her sound. later down the way me my yunger brother became musical in out of 8 siblings 4 could sing very good. we woud allways have family jams later I played with Redd holt Sons and his two nefews in two different Groups and many other groups from around where the Stairsteps started out. I played with Dorthy hays or Williams of the (Sequens.the Holt Brothes Band,The band Tight, Far Star, APO,and other groups around Chi.
I love and met the Five Stairsteps when they lived on 92nd. Also, I was very good friends with Shelia of the Emotions and I also sang background with a group called the femininicks and was married to James from the group Heaven And Earth with there hit single Guess Who's Back In Town. Those were the good old days. ❤
Thank you for this. I caught the attention of Clarence Jr. after show and almost fainted. Major crush on him. And what a handsome father. RIP Clarence Jr. and Cubie.
Thank you very much for posting this big fan of this group since I was about 10 years old, I've tried to collect as many of their records as I can and to see this rare performance, their dad participating in this show this is so awesome thank you very much. Have a great holiday and a great New Year Best wishes from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Clarence Burke Sr is a father to admire. From what I learned. He believed in teaching his kids respect and discipline but he was loving, attentive, and warm to his kids. He didn’t intimidate, make his kids fear him, nor beat them into music to make them perfect. He encouraged and supported them and they were just naturally good and he didn’t have to push and abuse like joe Jackson.
R.I.P Clarence Sr. (Papa Burke), who died last month & a day before his 91st birthday (July 17th). Which is very odd because Clarence Jr. died a day after his 64th birthday & their younger brother cubie died around the same time a year later.
Before J5, I saw them many times,they were hooked up with Curtis Mayfield. Better than J5 to me truly talented played instruments and family harmony second to none!
With the exception of Michael, I would agree that they were just as talented as the J-5. But the reason why they were not as successful was because in contrast to the J-5 they had poor musical direction. And their father's constant intervention into the group's agenda was also detriment.
Yes. What a wonderful man and friend. I never forget them in school. And there father he said to me one day you look like ond of my boys man that wad and honer cause alot of people told me that but coming from him I took pride l will miss daddy burke may he. R.I.H. thank so much peace brotha!!!!
I been waiting 40 years to see some footage like this// I talked to Clarence Jr before he died and he did not have a clue as to where to find footage of the group at this stage /
Know they were very talented and the song Clarence is singing was b4 it's time. Very good looking family! But will someone tell Google to remove June Pointer's image when Alohe is googled!! Sweethearts, that's not her!!! Lol
I first heard World of Fantasy on Harvey Holiday's Sunday night oldies show on WDAS here in Philly back in the late 70's. They sounded like they were from Philly and I thought that the song first came out in 1968. But it's a great song and I like it.
You are pretty much spot on. Harvey Holiday was already playing oldies music back in the late 70s, which then consisted of a lot of music from the 50s, and 60s. He played doo wop, soul, and tons of Motown music. Still going strong, he now works for WOGL 98.1, and has been playing oldies for the past 30 years. Regarding The Five Stairsteps song "World of Fantasy" it was released around 1967, along with other hits such as "You Waited Too Long", and "Come Back". Their last big hit, with all five original members was "Ooh Child", in 1970. After sister, Aloha, left the group to start a family, the four brothers continued as "The Stairsteps" throughout the early to mid 70s. They later resurfaced in 1980 as the "Invisible Man's Band" with their hit single "All Night Thing". Kenny (Keni) Burke continued as a soloist a few years later, with his hit "Keep Rising To The Top". Check it Out! Ciao!!!
@Mr Maxxx: They were NOT "unsung" and "underrated" they were played on black radio. A Chicago group, they were played on WVON-AM 1450. Their songs were written and produced by the one and only Curtis Mayfield. Clarence Burke, Jr, and Greg Fowler wrote songs as well. At this point, the group WAS NOT CROSSOVER. In 1970, their only million seller was "O-o-h Child." Their non-crossover work was excellent. They had the full support from the black community. What else did they need?
@@michellekirkendall818 you missed the point and were they as highlighted as the jackson 5? The Isley Brothers? Debarge? The Sylvers? I stand by what I said. Thank you. Chicago doesn't represent the whole world of R&B. Now talent wise they hang with any family act.
@@mrmaxxx94 It doesn't matter. They were where they were supposed to be. You weren't born in Chicago, and, you WEREN'T BORN when the Five Stairsteps performed. So, naturally you can't feel what I am feeling. You're seeing "who is famous," who had gold records, or who was highly publicized. There are local groups in EVERY CITY that weren't huge, but leave a lasting impact on its citizens. The Stairsteps were that group. Whether you understand or not. I know every group you named. Big deal. All of them were before your time. Did you ever purchase "Diana Ross Presents The Jackson Five" (1969)? I did. And, it was before your time. I could say more, but choose not to. You can't feel what I feel. Success means gold records, Soul Train, or if they're not playing your song in the "big time" you don't matter. I know about more music than you'll EVER KNOW, buddy. Clarence, Jr, James, Dennis, Kenneth and Aloha were where they should have been. Produced by the illustrious songwriter Curtis Mayfield, the kid's dad, Clarence, Sr and Greg Fowler. You can't touch what I felt. Don't try.
Hi edagdwg thanks for sharing this story life is real being yourself is how you are God is always around pray changes everything and people show up for yourself and ☮️☮️☮️🦋🌹🦋🌈
This is awesome....great! Terrific! ///Now if we could just get the footage from that TV show SOUL starring Ellis Hazlip that would be truly awesome! The Stairsteps had the whole hour!!! I remember them turning that show out!!! We all LOVE The Jackson 5.....but let us never forget the World Of Fantasy created by the music of this amazing group! (Can you BELIEVE how cute little Keni Burke was back then?...I mean what was he....like 6 years old??? LOL)
Wow, I don't believe it! Watching this clip from To Tell The Truth on the 5 Stairsteps from 1967 is a dream come true! Where can I get this on DVD for my personal collection? Truly magnificent and hoping and praying that there are more video clips out there for the "First Family Of Soul!"
I actually saw this 49 years ago and wondered when it was going to emerge on RUclips.. I went to the same high school John Marshall Harlan on the South side of Chicago. The Steps lived on 99th in South Park across from the DMV renamed KIng Drive. Amazing! Clarence and Kenny were superb guitarist and bassist respectably. Does anyone have any info on Gregory Fowler the guitarist? Great musician and songwriter.
+Michael Julius thanks I wondered for 30 years. Do you have an obituary or any other info? Was he still playing guitar? How old was he? etc Please post a link.
No I'm sorry I don't. To my knowledge Greg had been ill and hadn't played for awhile. Of course Clarence and Cube have also passed. Keni and everyone else is well and still in metro Atlanta.
Nice of TTTT to give them this plug. Anyone who has seen pictures of the Stairsteps would know at the beginning who the daddy was , a handsome police detective like Ron Glass of Barney Miller .Aloha was a pretty girl.
havplenty awesome ain't it not a lip sync a live performance it's great, if you know where any other live performances or even videos of them syncing or let me know
I did see the Stair Steps on American Band Stand back in the day, so I no that show is out there, And a show that I saw in 2003 at the Blues Museum a traveling museum in Chicago with film of old Regal shows from the 50s, 60s 70s And a show FROM THE ISLEY BRO.ITS YOUR THING CONCERT 1971FEATURING THE STAIRSTEPS lookin to see both of them again.
The Five Stairsteps were second to none. I saw them in person at the Uptown in Philadelphia. Cubie, sang lead! It's just a Playgirl's Love, It's just a playgirl's love!! yeah. I have the 45s of all their songs. World of Fantasy!!!
Has anyone found any video of the Stairsteps performing at the "Its Your Thing" concert in New York circa 1970??? I have been told it is on video but can't find any evidence of it anywhere!
I knew the Burke family performing on soul train ,soul and Barbara McNair show, Della Reese show. but not in public arenas like regal,the Apollo and Howard theaters but I got to get copyright permission to make thier life story as a play or film.
Yet, you didn't know they played at the Regal or Apollo? And you're doing a screenplay? They are Chicagoans, like I am; they played at The Regal Theater, 47th and King Drive (then called South Parkway) in 1966. I was in eighth grade.
1967? I almost thought that was 1957 and a mistake had been made on the year. But they didn't have soul music in '57, I realize. But we never did hear of the group here on the west coast, not that I'm aware of at least.
They are a Chicago group, they recorded on the "Windy C" imprint (Cameo-Parkway) under the direction of Curtis Mayfield and Clarence Burke, Sr. Their first song was "You Waited Too Long," the "B" side was a hit in the black community, "Don't Waste Your Time" (1966). The group's only crossover hit was "O-o-h Child" in 1970.
Clarence Jr. passed few years ago long with their baby brother Cubie. Keni still make music, but the rest of the family is living low key. Aloha, their sister is a muslim whom changed her name to Rami Aslam, something....
@ted kay: Nope. They were where they should have been...in my hometown of Chicago. The members of The Impressions introduced this group to Curtis Mayfield.
@@michellekirkendall818 the way it appears, anyway . they auditioned ..but burke senior turned down the offer. bad decision on his part! their was no bigger music machine than MOTOWN! you have to get through every Motown artist before you mention the 5 stairsteps..not negating their talent , they were very talented...had potential to be much larger and known WORLD WIDE! thanks for taking time to reply .
@@tedkay3750 They were where they should have been. Their songs have sentimental value. Everyone sees gold records, Soul Train appearances, multiple Grammy Awards as proof you are successful. I love the Detroit Sound (Motown Records) and have been a fan since 1960. However, I am a Chicago Sound fan, too. It may not have been as big as Gordy's Motown Records, but it's in Chicago's hearts. Gene Chandler, The Impressions, Major Lance, Billy Stewart (Washington, DC based) Jackie Ross, Etta James, etc. The Five Stairsteps, on the "Windy C" imprint, were equally valuable. Curtis Mayfield was a powerhouse guitarist, songwriter and arranger. He established his own label, Curtom Records on Lincoln Avenue. The "Chicago Sound" wasn't crossover, it wasn't played on Chicago's white stations, like WLS or WCFL. It was played on wonderful WVON AM 1450, BLACK RADIO. That's good enough for me! I am proud to say Chicago had Fontella Bass "Rescue Me" and "Recovery," early Minnie Riperton, with The Rotary Connection. The group doesn't need validation, I don't need your RRHOF! Did I mention, Jerry Butler, too? None you can sell me your spiel. I am not buying it. The Five Stairsteps were where they were supposed to be. I am proud of them, and proud of the decision that their Dad, Clarence Newton Burke, Sr made. Many of you commenting weren't born in their era; and you try to "drive the car" from the back seat. You think you can "correct" choices made fifty-eight years ago. You can't do it. And, I don't need your RRHOF. Got it?
@@michellekirkendall818 great show!! i have the 5 stairsteps greatest hits..ooh baby baby, you've waited too long...love that song, don't waste your time, world of fantasy,....the whole album is awesome...also dear prudence with ooh child.....so i was around when they performed. on .Curtis Mayfield label CURTOM RECORDS.
@@michellekirkendall818 you can chill! nobody's knocking the Chicago sound. it's not one artist you mentioned i have not heard..and i have the impressions greatest hits....then came up when the movie superfly came out.. i think that's one of the greatest albums / Movie soundtracks of all time! and can't forget Claudine...Curtis was the MAN!!
Wow! I loved this. The Stairsteps was soo underrated. They was out before the J/5. Continue to R.I.P., Clarance.
This is awesome! I too am amazed that this footage survived. The Five Stairsteps aka "The First Family Of Soul" are from my hometown of Chicago. One of the pioneers of family acts to make it into show business. The harmonies they had was just pure amazing and in the era of Soul music. Major respect to the Burke Family!
Yes.
agree
This was super cool choreography by the Stairsteps. From about the age of 5, they seemed like my older cousins or older siblings I wish I had.
ruclips.net/video/6drx_h3nqBg/видео.html
@@PetePeterkin YES! I absolutely remember seeing the video tribute of the "First Family of Soul." It was awesome and well deserve work.
ooh child set the tone for turbulent times then
remember it all so well
that's my jam
listen to it everyday
I listen to it often.
Godspeed Clarence. I was honored to know you.
Amazing performance by the Five Stairsteps! One of my personal favorite groups of all time! I thought the short light skin Burke brother was Dennis the whole time. I didn't know he was James.
What an amazing time tunnel and what a great family, I definitely picked #2 immediately before any questions were asked and was surprised that everyone didn't after the responses to the questions . Thanks for taking the time to share this!
Such an amazing group . And great footage
They were such cute and talented kids, and their dad--what a handsome man!!!
Was from a time where parents really knew how to raise children.. Joe Jackson should have taken notes..
@@maverick744 shutup
@@maverick744 yup from what I learned. He believed in teaching his kids respect and discipline but he was loving, attentive, warm to his kids. He didn’t intimidate, make his kids fear him, nor beat them into music to make them perfect. He encouraged and supported them and they were just naturally good and he didn’t have to push and abuse like joe Jackson.
Now I see where the kids got their good looks!!!.
The Five Stairsteps burst on the scene with their hit song "World of Fantasy" released around 1967, along with other hits such as "You Waited Too Long", and "Come Back". Their last big hit, with all five original members was "Ooh Child", in 1970. After sister, Aloha, left the group to start a family, the four brothers continued as "The Stairsteps" throughout the early to mid 70s. They later resurfaced in 1980 as the "Invisible Man's Band" with their hit single "All Night Thing". Kenny (Keni) Burke continued as a soloist a few years later, with his hit "Keep Rising To The Top". Check it Out! Ciao!!!
You nailed it we were lucky to experience this great group.
What a treat one of my favorite song, a huge talent♥️♥️♥️
My older brothers and sisters went to burnside elementary school in they are in class pictures with some of the older burks. My oldest sister Carla was Aloahs friend and was in the same class.they lived very close to us and we went to the same catholic church. then my sister carla graduated in went to Harlan H.S.with Aloah.then we moved from 92nd Evans to 69th in Harverd Carla transfered to Parker H.S. My sister tride to start her own group in the old neighborhood 92nd evans. When Carla was in parker her roommate was either Sheila or Wanda of the Emotions. I used to see them sing comercials on the front steps of the school later on we saw their concerts at the old ChicagoTeachers College which was conected to the parker Elementary. Around 1967or 69 My sister took me an my other family to see the Stairsteps at the Capital Theater. man that was a good show even thow Aloah was not there,they had moves all over the stage, When they sang (Baby make me fill so good),my sis sang Aloahs part in the audience in the people liked her sound. later down the way me my yunger brother became musical in out of 8 siblings 4 could sing very good. we woud allways have family jams
later I played with Redd holt Sons and his two nefews in two different Groups and many other groups from around where the Stairsteps started out. I played with Dorthy hays or Williams of the (Sequens.the Holt Brothes Band,The band Tight, Far Star, APO,and other groups around Chi.
Carla me and Catherine Woods in Sara Rogers, the teacher class at Burnside?
I love and met the Five Stairsteps when they lived on 92nd. Also, I was very good friends with Shelia of the Emotions and I also sang background with a group called the femininicks and was married to James from the group Heaven And Earth with there hit single Guess Who's Back In Town. Those were the good old days. ❤
ruclips.net/video/6drx_h3nqBg/видео.html
Thank you for this. I caught the attention of Clarence Jr. after show and almost fainted. Major crush on him. And what a handsome father. RIP Clarence Jr. and Cubie.
RIP James Burke😞another stairstep has gained their wings today (2/19/2021)
Their father is a handsome man and I mean man with a beautiful family love them on soul train "Ooh Child" great group.
Thank you very much for posting this big fan of this group since I was about 10 years old, I've tried to collect as many of their records as I can and to see this rare performance, their dad participating in this show this is so awesome thank you very much. Have a great holiday and a great New Year
Best wishes from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Chuck Diese
Clarence Burke Sr is a father to admire. From what I learned. He believed in teaching his kids respect and discipline but he was loving, attentive, and warm to his kids. He didn’t intimidate, make his kids fear him, nor beat them into music to make them perfect. He encouraged and supported them and they were just naturally good and he didn’t have to push and abuse like joe Jackson.
R.I.P Clarence Sr. (Papa Burke), who died last month & a day before his 91st birthday (July 17th). Which is very odd because Clarence Jr. died a day after his 64th birthday & their younger brother cubie died around the same time a year later.
It was very painful to Clarence Sr. to see the death of his two sons
Did Clarence Sr live in NJ?
Gotta love those original moves. The Five Stairsteps did set the standard for family groups.
Before J5, I saw them many times,they were hooked up with Curtis Mayfield. Better than J5 to me truly talented played instruments and family harmony second to none!
Ya got that right! They are truly the first family of song!
Yes.
Just as good as Jackson 5 back then but when Michael grew up as a whole different story
With the exception of Michael, I would agree that they were just as talented as the J-5. But the reason why they were not as successful was because in contrast to the J-5 they had poor musical direction. And their father's constant intervention into the group's agenda was also detriment.
Thanks for posting. I was a member of the fan club in the Bronx. And went to every show at the Apollo.
Real cool since I had never see his dad I enjoyed the show. I thought it was number 3. Had me full for the whole show thanks for sharing
Dam this group was cold them and the slyvers!
They were INCREDIBLE.
Yes. What a wonderful man and friend. I never forget them in school. And there father he said to me one day you look like ond of my boys man that wad and honer cause alot of people told me that but coming from him I took pride l will miss daddy burke may he. R.I.H. thank so much peace brotha!!!!
I been waiting 40 years to see some footage like this// I talked to Clarence Jr before he died and he did not have a clue as to where to find footage of the group at this stage /
Aloha radio interview from the only female member of the group. ALOHE BURKE
2011 beta.prx.org/stories/61791
@@wblk Great radio show...Good to hear about this little 60's treasure of a band...
Know they were very talented and the song Clarence is singing was b4 it's time. Very good looking family! But will someone tell Google to remove June Pointer's image when Alohe is googled!! Sweethearts, that's not her!!! Lol
@@wblk ruclips.net/video/6drx_h3nqBg/видео.html
@@PetePeterkin thanks for the link
Love that song in 2023
Wow, i was born 4 months later! Something about the passage of time...
Great group... One of my favorites!
And as if they couldn’t get any better…. The Invisible Mans Band!!!!! “All Night Thang”
I first heard World of Fantasy on Harvey Holiday's Sunday night oldies show on WDAS here in Philly back in the late 70's. They sounded like they were from Philly and I thought that the song first came out in 1968. But it's a great song and I like it.
You are pretty much spot on. Harvey Holiday was already playing oldies music back in the late 70s, which then consisted of a lot of music from the 50s, and 60s. He played doo wop, soul, and tons of Motown music. Still going strong, he now works for WOGL 98.1, and has been playing oldies for the past 30 years. Regarding The Five Stairsteps song "World of Fantasy" it was released around 1967, along with other hits such as "You Waited Too Long", and "Come Back". Their last big hit, with all five original members was "Ooh Child", in 1970. After sister, Aloha, left the group to start a family, the four brothers continued as "The Stairsteps" throughout the early to mid 70s. They later resurfaced in 1980 as the "Invisible Man's Band" with their hit single "All Night Thing". Kenny (Keni) Burke continued as a soloist a few years later, with his hit "Keep Rising To The Top". Check it Out! Ciao!!!
What a beautiful 👪 family love it 💗💗💗💗💗
One of the greatest family acts ever, respect and props they are underrated and have never gotten their true due,great footage thank you
@Mr Maxxx: They were NOT "unsung" and "underrated" they were played on black radio. A Chicago group, they were played on WVON-AM 1450. Their songs were written and produced by the one and only Curtis Mayfield. Clarence Burke, Jr, and Greg Fowler wrote songs as well. At this point, the group WAS NOT CROSSOVER. In 1970, their only million seller was "O-o-h Child." Their non-crossover work was excellent. They had the full support from the black community. What else did they need?
@@michellekirkendall818 you missed the point and were they as highlighted as the jackson 5? The Isley Brothers? Debarge? The Sylvers? I stand by what I said. Thank you. Chicago doesn't represent the whole world of R&B. Now talent wise they hang with any family act.
@@mrmaxxx94 It doesn't matter. They were where they were supposed to be. You weren't born in Chicago, and, you WEREN'T BORN when the Five Stairsteps performed. So, naturally you can't feel what I am feeling. You're seeing "who is famous," who had gold records, or who was highly publicized. There are local groups in EVERY CITY that weren't huge, but leave a lasting impact on its citizens. The Stairsteps were that group. Whether you understand or not. I know every group you named. Big deal. All of them were before your time. Did you ever purchase "Diana Ross Presents The Jackson Five" (1969)? I did. And, it was before your time. I could say more, but choose not to. You can't feel what I feel. Success means gold records, Soul Train, or if they're not playing your song in the "big time" you don't matter. I know about more music than you'll EVER KNOW, buddy. Clarence, Jr, James, Dennis, Kenneth and Aloha were where they should have been. Produced by the illustrious songwriter Curtis Mayfield, the kid's dad, Clarence, Sr and Greg Fowler. You can't touch what I felt. Don't try.
just come across these, what a group and what a great upload!
Hi edagdwg thanks for sharing this story life is real being yourself is how you are God is always around pray changes everything and people show up for yourself and ☮️☮️☮️🦋🌹🦋🌈
Love the stairsteps, I still have the 45 Danger !!!
dang how rear is this, I'm surprised this film survived. thanks for the post.
Beautiful performance
This is awesome....great! Terrific! ///Now if we could just get the footage from that TV show SOUL starring Ellis Hazlip that would be truly awesome! The Stairsteps had the whole hour!!! I remember them turning that show out!!! We all LOVE The Jackson 5.....but let us never forget the World Of Fantasy created by the music of this amazing group! (Can you BELIEVE how cute little Keni Burke was back then?...I mean what was he....like 6 years old??? LOL)
And that smile...Wow
Omg. I'm getting chills. Classic Chicago. Tyty
Went to school with them and remember them when they lived close Burnside school.Classic music
Classic Man! Thanks for the upload!
this is so unbelievably great .... thats about it as far as words can
go on this clip....
Wow 🤩 amazing
Fantastic. Just saw the show on RUclips. Wow!
Good Memories
First remarkable family group. Self taught and 17 year old wrote all the songs. They started very young.
Wow, I don't believe it! Watching this clip from To Tell The Truth on the 5 Stairsteps from 1967 is a dream come true! Where can I get this on DVD for my personal collection? Truly magnificent and hoping and praying that there are more video clips out there for the "First Family Of Soul!"
Yes.
Clarence jr voice is Awesome. He out sings Jermaine Jackson here.
I actually saw this 49 years ago and wondered when it was going to emerge on RUclips..
I went to the same high school John Marshall Harlan on the South side of Chicago.
The Steps lived on 99th in South Park across from the DMV renamed KIng Drive. Amazing!
Clarence and Kenny were superb guitarist and bassist respectably.
Does anyone have any info on Gregory Fowler the guitarist? Great musician and songwriter.
Greg Fowler died approximately 3 months ago.
+Michael Julius thanks I wondered for 30 years.
Do you have an obituary or any other info? Was he still playing guitar? How old was he? etc Please post a link.
No I'm sorry I don't. To my knowledge Greg had been ill and hadn't played for awhile. Of course Clarence and Cube have also passed. Keni and everyone else is well and still in metro Atlanta.
+Michael Julius how did you come by the info on
Gregory Fowler?
+Peter Callaway I've known the Burke's
Fantastic!!!!
Excellent footage
Before The Jacksons, The Sylvers and The DeBarges, there were The Burkes: The Five Stairsteps.
Thanks for the upload....not much live footage of the 5 stairsteps...
Great Post!
everybody knows who he is
"#1 looked like a good father and a good cop"
"#1 looks like a man who is so responsible"
Check this ruclips.net/video/6drx_h3nqBg/видео.html
all i can say is wow
Yes.
Nice of TTTT to give them this plug. Anyone who has seen pictures of the Stairsteps would know at the beginning who the daddy was , a handsome police detective like Ron Glass of Barney Miller .Aloha was a pretty girl.
...and more live Stairsteps footage
havplenty awesome ain't it not a lip sync a live performance it's great, if you know where any other live performances or even videos of them syncing or let me know
Amazing stairsteps ❤
oldie's would always be my number one... d
I did see the Stair Steps on American Band Stand back in the day, so I no that show is out there, And a show that I saw in 2003 at the Blues Museum a traveling museum in Chicago with film of old Regal shows from the 50s, 60s 70s And a show FROM THE ISLEY BRO.ITS YOUR THING CONCERT 1971FEATURING THE STAIRSTEPS lookin to see both of them again.
+Raymond Jefferson They are the first family! Underrated!!
Wholly Cow you people amaze me with these clips... I thought it was # The bartender..
The Five Stairsteps were second to none. I saw them in person at the Uptown in Philadelphia. Cubie, sang lead! It's just a Playgirl's Love, It's just a playgirl's love!! yeah. I have the 45s of all their songs. World of Fantasy!!!
Jr. has got Smokey Robinson moves!
That's what I' talking bout!!!!
The eyes
Pave the way for the Jackson five they were great
Without watching the full clip, I pick #2 as the real Clarence Burke Sr. He looks lije those handsome Burke offspring.
Has anyone found any video of the Stairsteps performing at the "Its Your Thing" concert in New York circa 1970??? I have been told it is on video but can't find any evidence of it anywhere!
This was during the time of world of fantasy.
I knew the Burke family performing on soul train ,soul and Barbara McNair show, Della Reese show. but not in public arenas like regal,the Apollo and Howard theaters but I got to get copyright permission to make thier life story as a play or film.
Yet, you didn't know they played at the Regal or Apollo? And you're doing a screenplay? They are Chicagoans, like I am; they played at The Regal Theater, 47th and King Drive (then called South Parkway) in 1966. I was in eighth grade.
GREATEST KIDDIE GROUP OF ALL TIME !!
The best love song🎶
At 7:53✊✊✊
Wow, this happened on my date of birth. Very Interesting!
Luv.It!!!
They came before The Jackson 5 and The Sylvers
The Five Stair Steps never got their props
CHICAGO, OH YEAH
Best kiddie group of the 60s
Wow.....this was nice. Alohe was a cuttie eh?
Nice
Don't know if you can compare them to j5 but ooh child was as memorable and in step with the time as any song i can remember
1:29 It's not a chord it's a note. I think it's 3!
Gm edagdwg thanks You Tube for this history so nice to know they were on a game show Linda j peace ❤️ 💯🌈 🌈🦅 🦅🦅 free
The five stairsteps song named ooo child in nineteen seventy
If we could see the Berry Gordy Jr. episode...
1967? I almost thought that was 1957 and a mistake had been made on the year. But they didn't have soul music in '57, I realize. But we never did hear of the group here on the west coast, not that I'm aware of at least.
They are a Chicago group, they recorded on the "Windy C" imprint (Cameo-Parkway) under the direction of Curtis Mayfield and Clarence Burke, Sr. Their first song was "You Waited Too Long," the "B" side was a hit in the black community, "Don't Waste Your Time" (1966). The group's only crossover hit was "O-o-h Child" in 1970.
💖
I love clarence ,sr.'s song what about your wife, he has a sensual baritone even Brook Benton give him a pass.
One of their best sings was "you make me so mad;
Rip
How much hooky and money l spent chasing the first family of soul.. from the Apollo to the Chita. Saw Clarence @the Sugar Bar ..Where are they now
Clarence Jr. passed few years ago long with their baby brother Cubie. Keni still make music, but the rest of the family is living low key. Aloha, their sister is a muslim whom changed her name to Rami Aslam, something....
ME-Tube Your Space! she's still a scientist for Emory university in Atlanta GA
Can't tell who is who compared to the 'Ooh Child' Video...Except for Alohe Jean...
They were originally billed as The Five Stairsteps and Cubie. I'm assuming that Cubie is the baby to young to sing?
Jazzzydon yes.... he was my dad ❤️
@@prettycodacosmetics3149 A beautiful family whose music is classic. God bless you all always.💝
Wasn't it pretty obvious who Clarence Burke Sr. was? 😂
Indeed it was
😊
I knew what their father looked like. LOL
MY CHILDRENS FATHER ARE UNCLE TO CLARENCE BURKE THE 3RD..BY MARRIAGE..
Cool
That's Cuba Gooding on the far right.
no its not , look again.
No it is Not
Father turned down MOTOWN ! DAM!! SMOKEY , could have done a lot with this musical family~
@ted kay: Nope. They were where they should have been...in my hometown of Chicago. The members of The Impressions introduced this group to Curtis Mayfield.
@@michellekirkendall818 the way it appears, anyway . they auditioned ..but burke senior turned down the offer. bad decision on his part! their was no bigger music machine than MOTOWN! you have to get through every Motown artist before you mention the 5 stairsteps..not negating their talent , they were very talented...had potential to be much larger and known WORLD WIDE! thanks for taking time to reply .
@@tedkay3750 They were where they should have been. Their songs have sentimental value. Everyone sees gold records, Soul Train appearances, multiple Grammy Awards as proof you are successful. I love the Detroit Sound (Motown Records) and have been a fan since 1960. However, I am a Chicago Sound fan, too. It may not have been as big as Gordy's Motown Records, but it's in Chicago's hearts. Gene Chandler, The Impressions, Major Lance, Billy Stewart (Washington, DC based) Jackie Ross, Etta James, etc. The Five Stairsteps, on the "Windy C" imprint, were equally valuable. Curtis Mayfield was a powerhouse guitarist, songwriter and arranger. He established his own label, Curtom Records on Lincoln Avenue. The "Chicago Sound" wasn't crossover, it wasn't played on Chicago's white stations, like WLS or WCFL. It was played on wonderful WVON AM 1450, BLACK RADIO. That's good enough for me! I am proud to say Chicago had Fontella Bass "Rescue Me" and "Recovery," early Minnie Riperton, with The Rotary Connection. The group doesn't need validation, I don't need your RRHOF! Did I mention, Jerry Butler, too? None you can sell me your spiel. I am not buying it. The Five Stairsteps were where they were supposed to be. I am proud of them, and proud of the decision that their Dad, Clarence Newton Burke, Sr made. Many of you commenting weren't born in their era; and you try to "drive the car" from the back seat. You think you can "correct" choices made fifty-eight years ago. You can't do it. And, I don't need your RRHOF. Got it?
@@michellekirkendall818 great show!! i have the 5 stairsteps greatest hits..ooh baby baby, you've waited too long...love that song, don't waste your time, world of fantasy,....the whole album is awesome...also dear prudence with ooh child.....so i was around when they performed. on .Curtis Mayfield label CURTOM RECORDS.
@@michellekirkendall818 you can chill! nobody's knocking the Chicago sound. it's not one artist you mentioned i have not heard..and i have the impressions greatest hits....then came up when the movie superfly came out.. i think that's one of the greatest albums / Movie soundtracks of all time! and can't forget Claudine...Curtis was the MAN!!