I always loved The Five Stairsteps, in the beginning they had the magic but lost it. The Jackson Five maintained their magic from beginning to end. The Five Stairsteps seem to have lost their way musically towards the end. I always thought maybe the four brothers could have done better without Alohe, the sister. She seem stiff and like she didn't want to be there. She lack the energy of her brothers.
Why must we compare every group to some other group? Each group is a indiviual entity, plus this group was aruond waaaaaaay before the Jackson's so there is no comparison!!
I had this on original vinyl till an ex put a massive scratch through this beautiful track coz he knew how special it is to me, Love It still and can listen and see it on here so its all good!
Small white girl in Chicago area when this came out. It's been an anthem for me through out my life - when I lost my first real boyfriend, when my husband left me pregnant, when we discovered that my child had an autism spectrum disorder . . . abd last week when that blessed child graduated from college. People, have hope, because one way or another, whether internally or externally, things do get easier. I awoke with it in my head this morning, checked Youtube -bless you Stairsteps!!!!!!!
@sanegirlio Oh Girl. You too? I have sang this song all of my life. Once, years ago, my mother held my face in both of her hands because I was sobbing over losing a man. She started singing this to me softly as she gently wiped away my tears. I asked her how did she know. She smiled and answered, "It's your favorite song, I've heard you sing it for years." Congratulations on your baby's graduation !
@sanegirlio Very touching. You are a very strong woman to endure and carry on in live. I know your child is more proud of you as a mom for always believing in him. Peace be with you. Your heart and strength is greater than the average human soul that walks this world.
When this song came out, I was about eight years old and the Kent State shootings just happened. My mom was so upset and sad ....and it was this song that made me hopeful that things would get better, because things were going so so horridly wrong at the end of the 60s.
Well Clarence Burke Jr. and Hopefully some other original members will be part of the 5th Annual Classic R&B Weekend in The Poconos (Pa.) along with The Dramatics, Atlantic Starr, Blue Magic, Slave, and D-Train for the big concert portion on Saturday November 12, 2011. On friday there is a salute to Black Ivory and Cliff Perkins of Soul generation. A full weekend of adult entertainment!
@coreybrails96 it's called "VICE THE LIGHTS"that's what we used to say back in the day.and oh yeah,that's poppa stairstep on th deep deep voice.and dancin with lil cubie.love those stairsteps.the first family of soul,then along came michael.those were the days my friend,we'd thought they'd never end.
I still lose it a little bit every goddamn time I hear this song. This was one of the very first songs I remember hearing on the radio (along with "I'll be there", and that one still levels me every time too. AM radio was magic to me at age 6.
MY GOD .... did music like this ever really exist .... its hard to believe .... that such crap qulity tune can make me feel so good ... sorry lets refrain from saying "crap" ... on the same page as this .... just amazing
A Raiz de boas musicas de classicos como estes não só nos remete ao passado mas tambem mostra que ritimos com soul music .jazz blues,R e b eram artesanalmente , incrivelmente abençoados com arranjos. e vocais..que emociona quem aprecia a maior das artes.
Those of you who can really sing - like the guy in this video - you are not forgotten. All of these worthless pigs who rely on effects and autotune can never convince a true music fan that they're worth any more than a squirt of piss. This is real talent - and there is, nor will there ever be, a substitute.
@rifrafSublime never mind the autotune..forget about backup tracks as well..what you see is what you get in this performance as well! Nice and Raw like you said.
The Stairsteps were the coolest cats on the planet! Keni Burke went on to have a successful recording career, but I'm not sure about the others. This song must have been covered a hundred times, but none like the real deal!
I never realized how many family group's were performing during the 60's and early 70's. Those days are definitely gone. What family wants to be together performing the nonsense that is out now.
Sooo beautiful,mistakes or not(didnt hear many).I like nothing in life more than watching old performances.I just cant get into the new stuff unless it has alot of soul.
Lot's of soul, and a over the top rhythm section! They must have rehearsed and/or toured constantly....This and the soul train version of Ooh Child are dyno-mite. Under rated!
The Stairsteps put out so much great soul - "Danger! She's A Stranger" (1966) "Come Back" (1966), "World of Fantasy" (1966), "Stay Close to Me (1968) and the list goes on and on-
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooochile thing will get righter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jackson Five they are not. Pitiful live perfomance. Of course in the late 60's and early 70's they didn't have all the computerized and electonic help we've got today. Even so the fellas could have used some vocal coaching. Oooo-child is one of my favorite early 70's hits. They sound better on their 1971 Sould Train appearance. Maybe that is because they were probably lip synching. LOL!
Jackson Five they are not. Pitiful live performance. But Ooo-Child is one of my favorite early 70's hits. hmmm.............vocal lessons weren't a priority with the men of the family. YIIKES!!
They where brilliant. This is not bad at all , but it does look like they are a bit tired and I think it is true to say this is not there best ever but it is still very good and at least they had the guts to go on live. I liked it a lot.
We have our opinions ! I feel the harmony is on key maybe a bit unbalanced in my opinion. You can hear the 1,3,5 harmony and I PERSONALY feel it's cool as far as the pitch on a Piano....the notes are there. They had a style as well which makes the harmony itself sound different.
Listen to the vocals in a group like "Take-6 , or the harmonies of Manhattan Transfer...In order to pull off those harmonies you must "hear" them correctly and sing then correctly..You have to admit ..whatever you and I may call it ..it doesn't sound as good as it "should" sound...that's my point...
@freein2339 It's cool ,but what live performance does really sound good? The Steps are playing live on this clip. It is not going to sound like it was done in a Studio. I met Curtis Mayfield in '75. Man, that guy is a perfectionist and I'am sure him being the 5 Stairsteps producer they worked on harmonies. Point taken...peace
@terrencepaulmiller I've heard a lot of great live performances, that even includes the Five Stairsteps when I saw then in the late 60s..But this performance was not that good...just being honest...They're professionals but even the best have a bad day..Kobe has missed shots, Jerry Rice has dropped passes, Ali was knocked down , I even heard Philip Bailey of Earth Wind and Fire forget the words and the harmony......Hey ..shit happens...
@freein2339 well, it 's more like an unbalance of the vocal. One harmony was louder ( more dominant) than the others. But the harmony itself was correct !! peace !!
@terrencepaulmiller The harmony is off...just listen to it..It has nothing to do with an unbalance, it has everything to do with the actual notes that are not in tune with everyone else...
Soul is singing in tune like the Temps, Four Tops , Delfonics, Intruders, Mad-Lads , Earth Wind and Fire , Labelle....not trying to sound so "deep" and end up sounding out of tune...I like the Stairsteps , I remember seeing them perform in the 60s...but out of tune is out of tune...period...
Thank You ! OOH CHILD" written by Stan Vincent & performed by these guys The Five Stairsteps... IS One for my AmericanA Channel....! Itz beautifully slipped into "Boyz in the hood" as Furious Styles and Tre drive home from their day at the beach....Peace
Awesome video. I really like this raw, live version. Someone else already asked this question, but thought I'd ask again because I didn't see a response. Is that George Benson on the left playing the guitar ?
Clarence Burke of the Five Stairsteps is going to be singing at the "Key Club" 58 Park Ave, in Newark, NJ, Fri March 12, 2010 at 8:00PM. And that Club is brand new and a Hot Spot !!!!!! That whole area is beautiful
This isa great video, thanks for posting. Does anyone know what happen to this group; they were so talented. I was around during the 70's and I remember the song but not the group. Was there fame short lived? Beautiful family.
Boyz in the hood did not use this first...There was a HBO movie that used it in 1979..It was some whit kids that went to jail and they played the song at the end .Still looking for the name...Any older heads out there that can help us out!Thanks!
No one will play this song better than Bernard Purdie on drums. He holds that grove better than anyone else. The vocals were horrible. Sounded nervous to be singing without the track.
While this was one of my all time favorite R& B tunes, I wasn't overly impressed with this live performance. The vocals sound awful, particularly Keni. Maybe they were just in bad voice that particular day.
Yeah, what a joke! Pop should have kept his butt out of it, and Cubie as well. That was one of the reasons why this group didn't become major artists. Even though Joe Jackson was somewhat exploitive and sadistic to the point of being borderline insane, at least he knew his boundaries and stayed out of the Jacksons' performances.
I saw them in Philly in 1969 and "Papa Stairstep was even singing with the group..I can understand if he wants to play guitar with the group which did but I saw one album cover with him on it with the "Stairsteps"...Tell you what , Berry Gordy wouldn't allow that shit...
Yeah, I remember that album cover too. Pop, who was about 52 at the time, was dressed in some Jimi Hendrix-styled outfit posing with the Stairsteps. You're right. Berry wouldn't have allowed such stupid shit!
To those you of you who "thumbed" my statement down, I'd sure love to have a toke of whatever it is you've been smoking. You'd have to be stoned out side of your mind to find their singing appealing, at least for this performance.
@lwmson Ok, so there were pitch issues and yes, the performance was a bit raw but I would choose them over the Jacksons even if only for the the "sweat equity" the putt out there. Of course their studio work rocked, and maybe the Jackson's had a "whipped" tight, zero defect performance grind going on - but this is heart, soul, and everything in the kitchen, including the sink. Just like yo' house, and my house, and his house, and her house. I'll take them just as they are.
@o0whynot this group is more better off being compared to the OSMONDS than the JACKSON 5 in fact they are a black version of the osmonds. i love them but they are in no way shape or form better than lil mike and his four brothers, now i know that people get caught up in the moment when watching and listening to the five stairsteps, but pause for a moment and come back to reality.
DAMN! This shit taking me back, god have mercy, all the fly ladies up on 125th st. and grant projects, manhattanville projects, along broadway, along amsterdam ave, up at riverside drive, grants tomb, riverside church I use to hang out yes in the church we party (with the lord permission), stone gym, anyone who read this and is from 125th st & bway, in harlem new york city, u know u feel it, back when i grew up in 1970s wl b 50 in april! I made it out, but won't forget who is still there.
They need to acknowledge the Stair Steps they are music pioneers and deserve recognition from the industry, How do we get this movement started, seriously!!!
@vipnorvop I couldnt agree more, If you stop and think about it, they wre among first of the family groups, before the jackson, osmonds debarge, sylvers, etc. Of course, they were not the first family group to chart, I think that honor goes back to the Everyly brothers or the Beach Boys, but they were definately the first family of soul. I played Ohhh Child till i wore the record out, thanks for posting and Let me know if you serious about getting them recognition
I am very serious about getting them recognition, thank you so very much for the reply. Keni Burke has a facebook page, but Im not sure what course to take to really make this happen, very excited!
i think it was a harder struggle back then, it should be easier now but drug abuse from the 80s black on black crimes took us back even farther, just my opinion
@NativeToungue77 We are slaves to the white man drugs that he brought to our neigbourhood.And we slaves work 24/7 at it.If we try to escape it we kill each other.
Wow! All these years I thought it was only one of the brothers singing lead and the others were in the background. Didn't know they all took a turn. They're older than I thought too.
That is a myth. No times were ever 'simple'. You've got to be kidding me. It's a hard world then as it is now. Wake up and knock off the urban fairy tale you be passing along.
I agree.. I mean how do you factor in the Vietnam war, tense race relations, corupt politics and inequality and still see it as a simpler time? the only difference is we are adults now and arent sheiled from the realities of the world. what it comes down to it people really just miss a time in there lives when they had no real responsabilites
Bjazz You are right on the money. We all tend to forget how grim it was for most black people then, when whites hated the very air we breathed and police brutality was an everyday reality for many blacks. When recall the rosy period of my youth in the early '70's, I bet my mother would have a very different take on it.
i think thats what ppl are talking about when they say times were simple back then,their parents had all the pressure of paying bills and putting food on the table and clothes on our backs, we didnt have to do a damn thing but wake up and go to school...now that we're grown and have to pay rent ,take care of our own kids and deal with the real world...yeah times were easy and simple...Khultan an bjazz do u agree wth that?????
well let me tell u Khultan...it was simple and care free for me bro...I was in 3rd grade, no naggin wife, no children of the corn,no bills, no reason to be responcible...lol how carefree is that shit...lol
Life was easier because we are asking more questions now; questioning authority and our place in this universe. Life as easier when we just abided by the rules and norms set forth before we were born.
I love live performances of classics like Ooh Child. This one is from the Barbara McNair show in 1970. That's her doing the interview in between the songs.
I'm playing this on my saxophone.
Funkytopia 4 weeks ago
Simple as that, things DO get easier! Thank you for your sharing part of your life with us, sanegirlio!
What a lovely song everbody should embrace.
mlamar1 1 month ago
AWSOME SCENE IN BOYZ N DA HOOD WHEN FURIOUS SITS IN THE CAR WITH HIS SON :D
345kise 2 months ago
I think this group was better singing soft, beautiful soul music, the music they started out singing originally, to me funk didn't fit them.
MusicandDancing4Ever 2 months ago
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I always loved The Five Stairsteps, in the beginning they had the magic but lost it. The Jackson Five maintained their magic from beginning to end. The Five Stairsteps seem to have lost their way musically towards the end. I always thought maybe the four brothers could have done better without Alohe, the sister. She seem stiff and like she didn't want to be there. She lack the energy of her brothers.
MusicandDancing4Ever 2 months ago
Thx u jeus we all americans have this song forever love it
Lashawnda0800 4 months ago
Nice flashback on the old Harlan H.S. crowd.
colsnake331 4 months ago
Please contact TV ONE and suggest an Unsung episode for this amazing group!
PetePeterkin 4 months ago
What a beautiful message this song carries!!! Such love and hope that emenates from it!!
OVtigerstripe 4 months ago 2
Good song! Simple and feel good song.
azriel724 5 months ago
TVOne Unsung need to do a story on this group..The First Family of Soul
MusicandDancing4Ever 5 months ago 2
@MusicandDancing4Ever i agree 200% Stairsteps really need an Unsung episode!
rufus317 5 months ago
pure talent I love this song.
tisiamaur 5 months ago
from one of my fav movies
s67parks 7 months ago
Why must we compare every group to some other group? Each group is a indiviual entity, plus this group was aruond waaaaaaay before the Jackson's so there is no comparison!!
ninetine62 7 months ago
I had this on original vinyl till an ex put a massive scratch through this beautiful track coz he knew how special it is to me, Love It still and can listen and see it on here so its all good!
doodle9898 7 months ago
Small white girl in Chicago area when this came out. It's been an anthem for me through out my life - when I lost my first real boyfriend, when my husband left me pregnant, when we discovered that my child had an autism spectrum disorder . . . abd last week when that blessed child graduated from college. People, have hope, because one way or another, whether internally or externally, things do get easier. I awoke with it in my head this morning, checked Youtube -bless you Stairsteps!!!!!!!
sanegirlio 8 months ago 13
@sanegirlio Oh Girl. You too? I have sang this song all of my life. Once, years ago, my mother held my face in both of her hands because I was sobbing over losing a man. She started singing this to me softly as she gently wiped away my tears. I asked her how did she know. She smiled and answered, "It's your favorite song, I've heard you sing it for years." Congratulations on your baby's graduation !
peachfuzz1204 7 months ago
@sanegirlio Great comment !
iliasdenezis 3 months ago
@sanegirlio Very touching. You are a very strong woman to endure and carry on in live. I know your child is more proud of you as a mom for always believing in him. Peace be with you. Your heart and strength is greater than the average human soul that walks this world.
rjam1974 3 weeks ago in playlist Classic Jams
This was inspirational to a whole generation of Black Americans. That is where Funk started. with a ral message of hope. It's been fun! Later!
dmd4sho65 8 months ago
When this song came out, I was about eight years old and the Kent State shootings just happened. My mom was so upset and sad ....and it was this song that made me hopeful that things would get better, because things were going so so horridly wrong at the end of the 60s.
bigfinewoman 8 months ago 2
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Well Clarence Burke Jr. and Hopefully some other original members will be part of the 5th Annual Classic R&B Weekend in The Poconos (Pa.) along with The Dramatics, Atlantic Starr, Blue Magic, Slave, and D-Train for the big concert portion on Saturday November 12, 2011. On friday there is a salute to Black Ivory and Cliff Perkins of Soul generation. A full weekend of adult entertainment!
Lincoln7311 8 months ago
does anybody have a clue of what the second song is i love it
coreybrails96 8 months ago
@coreybrails96 it's called "VICE THE LIGHTS"that's what we used to say back in the day.and oh yeah,that's poppa stairstep on th deep deep voice.and dancin with lil cubie.love those stairsteps.the first family of soul,then along came michael.those were the days my friend,we'd thought they'd never end.
momanddad190 6 months ago
I still lose it a little bit every goddamn time I hear this song. This was one of the very first songs I remember hearing on the radio (along with "I'll be there", and that one still levels me every time too. AM radio was magic to me at age 6.
Karagienakos 8 months ago
oooh oooh child, things are gonna get easier.....helped me get thru my teen years.......we'll put it together and get it undone...
LadyDisDesire 8 months ago
Five Stairsteps, you will never know what you got me through in 1970. God bless you and every one.
glomo86 9 months ago
Back in the day, when songs were done live.
doodledoo50 9 months ago
this is so awesome... thanks for posting.
bigpanthis 9 months ago
This saved my life as a kid also. Thank you for posting!
chrisgarcez 9 months ago
Goes anyone know what year this was done?
Goldie32057 10 months ago
@Goldie32057 This was done in 1970 on the syndicated Barbara McNair Show. The song was a hit during that summer.
JimKF 9 months ago
MY GOD .... did music like this ever really exist .... its hard to believe .... that such crap qulity tune can make me feel so good ... sorry lets refrain from saying "crap" ... on the same page as this .... just amazing
Bozzy83 10 months ago
@Bozzy83 absolutely
LadyDisDesire 8 months ago
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Bozzy83 10 months ago
This song in Boyz in the Hood is so chilling.
9ner 11 months ago
SO good !
IggyM 11 months ago
Listen to the drummer, talk about a great drummer kickin butt and not taking over the song.
skrozar2000 11 months ago
A Raiz de boas musicas de classicos como estes não só nos remete ao passado mas tambem mostra que ritimos com soul music .jazz blues,R e b eram artesanalmente , incrivelmente abençoados com arranjos. e vocais..que emociona quem aprecia a maior das artes.
RonniedaRaiza 11 months ago
The SECOND SONG is titled " VICE THE LIGHTS ". What the hell that means I have no idea but I like the song.
Broshem2 11 months ago
Those of you who can really sing - like the guy in this video - you are not forgotten. All of these worthless pigs who rely on effects and autotune can never convince a true music fan that they're worth any more than a squirt of piss. This is real talent - and there is, nor will there ever be, a substitute.
BartelDoo 11 months ago
@BartelDoo There's no ctl-alt-del on their instruments, that's for sure.
TheSanityInspector 11 months ago
all i want to know is what is the name of the second song???
jayamaw 11 months ago
Jerome is fucking fierce!!!!!!!!! Wish they recorded this version would of been hectic
GreyOrchid 11 months ago
The Burke family out of Chicago great group, young Kenny Burke keep rising to the top
mrstanbmw 11 months ago
i just hear this in the movie "boyz n the hood" and it sounded good so i looked it up!
mddarch2 1 year ago
Great video, this song stuck in my head for 40 years ( I blame my older sister), never knew they were a Chicago Family.
Thank you Stairsteps!
mrampcat 1 year ago
Its heavy on percussion due the recording coming from the monitors.
drummer2177 1 year ago
This is today's song.
DoubleOist 1 year ago
Awesome song. That afro is too cool
stevecy12 1 year ago
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WATCH ME UNDER THE SHOWER while I'm performing 'Ooh Child'
/watch?v=vyOqg3PmuAA
MisterShower 1 year ago
That percussion section is killing it...
tomas1261 1 year ago 3
Thanks so much for putting this up. I love the REAL RAW SOULFULLNESS of this LIVE video.
FUCK AUTOTUNE!!!!!!!!
rifrafSublime 1 year ago 26
@rifrafSublime Fam you said a MouthFull!!!!!
Smooveblack 1 year ago
@rifrafSublime never mind the autotune..forget about backup tracks as well..what you see is what you get in this performance as well! Nice and Raw like you said.
kooljsl 9 months ago
One of the brothers was going through puberty or something. But they still pulled it off .
Bruce241 1 year ago 2
i DONT REMEMBER HIS NAME BUT WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES. SHE IS BEAUTIFUL
strappingone 1 year ago
@strappingone Alohe Jean, Clarence Jr., James, Dennis, Kenneth , and Cubie Burke
changingmyself 1 year ago
@changingmyself ..thanks a bunch
strappingone 1 year ago
wouldnt it be geat to see them perform together again
strappingone 1 year ago 2
They sound tired moreso at 1;25 yet they are true showmen and dont let you down
strappingone 1 year ago
The Stairsteps were the coolest cats on the planet! Keni Burke went on to have a successful recording career, but I'm not sure about the others. This song must have been covered a hundred times, but none like the real deal!
luv4allmusik 1 year ago
that second song is fuckin bad ass i need this mp3!
eazye07 1 year ago
@eazye07 Vice the Lights is that song title
Broshem2 11 months ago
I never realized how many family group's were performing during the 60's and early 70's. Those days are definitely gone. What family wants to be together performing the nonsense that is out now.
rjam1974 1 year ago
anybody know the 2nd song?
eazye07 1 year ago
I saw them in person when I was a kid at Symphony Hall in NEWARK N.J great concert, where are they now?
ouitto 1 year ago
wonderful, simply wonderful
ironfang678 1 year ago
this song give me goosebumps. touching sentiments
scientifico 1 year ago
I just love the rawness of the vocals and the band, it actually bring someone a little extra.
guttaboy44 1 year ago
Sooo beautiful,mistakes or not(didnt hear many).I like nothing in life more than watching old performances.I just cant get into the new stuff unless it has alot of soul.
iluvrachellef 1 year ago 2
Still love this song. Used to play it for my son when he was going through rough times.
gonecountry1959 1 year ago
Lot's of soul, and a over the top rhythm section! They must have rehearsed and/or toured constantly....This and the soul train version of Ooh Child are dyno-mite. Under rated!
LemonJello17 1 year ago 2
The Stairsteps put out so much great soul - "Danger! She's A Stranger" (1966) "Come Back" (1966), "World of Fantasy" (1966), "Stay Close to Me (1968) and the list goes on and on-
christheone8773 1 year ago 2
Soooooo good. You can tell people have talent when they sound just as good live.
SJYNYC 1 year ago
I love this love it love it live!
SFFOOL76 1 year ago
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooochile thing will get righter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MrJalen602 1 year ago
Five Stairsteps You saved my Life when I was a kid, Thank You & God Bless!
I Love You All So Much! Hope You are blessed!
phree2b 1 year ago 31
It's amazing how some people feel so free to offer up so much negativity on such a positive message from a positive family group. Please...
afloridagal 1 year ago 2
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afloridagal 1 year ago
Jackson Five they are not. Pitiful live perfomance. Of course in the late 60's and early 70's they didn't have all the computerized and electonic help we've got today. Even so the fellas could have used some vocal coaching. Oooo-child is one of my favorite early 70's hits. They sound better on their 1971 Sould Train appearance. Maybe that is because they were probably lip synching. LOL!
80s4ever63 1 year ago
Jackson Five they are not. Pitiful live performance. But Ooo-Child is one of my favorite early 70's hits. hmmm.............vocal lessons weren't a priority with the men of the family. YIIKES!!
80s4ever63 1 year ago
so much hating on this, but it's absolute soul-shattering genius. i don't get it.
davividly 1 year ago 3
They where brilliant. This is not bad at all , but it does look like they are a bit tired and I think it is true to say this is not there best ever but it is still very good and at least they had the guts to go on live. I liked it a lot.
alexlancer11 1 year ago 3
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davividly 1 year ago
We have our opinions ! I feel the harmony is on key maybe a bit unbalanced in my opinion. You can hear the 1,3,5 harmony and I PERSONALY feel it's cool as far as the pitch on a Piano....the notes are there. They had a style as well which makes the harmony itself sound different.
peace !!
terrencepaulmiller 1 year ago
Listen to the vocals in a group like "Take-6 , or the harmonies of Manhattan Transfer...In order to pull off those harmonies you must "hear" them correctly and sing then correctly..You have to admit ..whatever you and I may call it ..it doesn't sound as good as it "should" sound...that's my point...
freein2339 1 year ago
@freein2339 It's cool ,but what live performance does really sound good? The Steps are playing live on this clip. It is not going to sound like it was done in a Studio. I met Curtis Mayfield in '75. Man, that guy is a perfectionist and I'am sure him being the 5 Stairsteps producer they worked on harmonies. Point taken...peace
terrencepaulmiller 1 year ago
@terrencepaulmiller I've heard a lot of great live performances, that even includes the Five Stairsteps when I saw then in the late 60s..But this performance was not that good...just being honest...They're professionals but even the best have a bad day..Kobe has missed shots, Jerry Rice has dropped passes, Ali was knocked down , I even heard Philip Bailey of Earth Wind and Fire forget the words and the harmony......Hey ..shit happens...
freein2339 1 year ago
@freein2339 Hey, you're right & I can dig it. I also dig the Sly n Family Stone vibe I get from the Stairsteps.
terrencepaulmiller 1 year ago
Harmony at 3:04 to the end of the song was WAY off...either that or the guitar was playing the wrong chords...anybody else hear that..??
freein2339 1 year ago
@freein2339 well, it 's more like an unbalance of the vocal. One harmony was louder ( more dominant) than the others. But the harmony itself was correct !! peace !!
terrencepaulmiller 1 year ago
@terrencepaulmiller The harmony is off...just listen to it..It has nothing to do with an unbalance, it has everything to do with the actual notes that are not in tune with everyone else...
freein2339 1 year ago
what you hear there is called soul.
kip808 1 year ago
Soul is singing in tune like the Temps, Four Tops , Delfonics, Intruders, Mad-Lads , Earth Wind and Fire , Labelle....not trying to sound so "deep" and end up sounding out of tune...I like the Stairsteps , I remember seeing them perform in the 60s...but out of tune is out of tune...period...
freein2339 1 year ago
ooh and it's also called a major seven..
kip808 1 year ago
This group was just an imitation of Sly and the Family Stone. But the girl is very pretty.
lwmson 1 year ago
Naah, this group has their own unique sound!!
trademark1874 1 year ago
Thank You ! OOH CHILD" written by Stan Vincent & performed by these guys The Five Stairsteps... IS One for my AmericanA Channel....! Itz beautifully slipped into "Boyz in the hood" as Furious Styles and Tre drive home from their day at the beach....Peace
appledecca 1 year ago
Jerome Braliey from the P-Funk Mob on drums....
freein2339 1 year ago
the 70s were just so awsome, thank god for utube, we could see all the 70s clips movies,music,etc what a blessing
gamagan1
gamagan1 1 year ago
Awesome video. I really like this raw, live version. Someone else already asked this question, but thought I'd ask again because I didn't see a response. Is that George Benson on the left playing the guitar ?
COMTIBoy 1 year ago
I doubt it VERY seriously.
lwmson 1 year ago
I'ts tru trust me
ASAKNUSUM 1 year ago
if you think Aloha was fine, you should've seen their mother
dianesehoward 1 year ago
This group brings back many fine memories... CraigStarr...By the way, is that George Benson playing with the group? Thanks for the post!
urbandude54 1 year ago
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Clarence Burke of the Five Stairsteps is going to be singing at the "Key Club" 58 Park Ave, in Newark, NJ, Fri March 12, 2010 at 8:00PM. And that Club is brand new and a Hot Spot !!!!!! That whole area is beautiful
sacredsoundsmusic 1 year ago
crooklyn
CALIFUNKINNY 1 year ago
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i had the same thought--i would LOVE to meet Alohe !!!!!
tomtrio732 1 year ago
boyz n the hood.
IntricationZ 1 year ago
Group is awsome, check online a lot of info Keni, 3rd singer also performs "Keep risin to the top".very talented fam.. Would love to meet Alohe
ASAKNUSUM 1 year ago
i had the same thought--i would LOVE to meet Alohe
tomtrio732 1 year ago
Gotta go to atlanta, she's a scientist, and also plays trumpet and drums in a concert band
ASAKNUSUM 1 year ago
The problem is that now she's about 60 something now. So unless you're into elderly woman...well..
lwmson 1 year ago
This isa great video, thanks for posting. Does anyone know what happen to this group; they were so talented. I was around during the 70's and I remember the song but not the group. Was there fame short lived? Beautiful family.
livindalife08 1 year ago
Alohe is fine too. I wonder what she looks like now. lol
hellraiza81 1 year ago
who is the second person to sign?
mrktchr 1 year ago
Very underrated bless da Burke fam
ASAKNUSUM 1 year ago
What a great video,song, and group! Many Thanks, FJA New Jersey
fa0798 1 year ago
Yeah you can tell the soul train version is all lip synching because it was perfect.
motodrummer 1 year ago
Check out the movie:Over The Edge...You will here the song at the end of the movie...Those were some bad kids lol!
kingsalomon357 2 years ago
over the edge with matt dillon
johnnyv1938 1 year ago
Boyz in the hood did not use this first...There was a HBO movie that used it in 1979..It was some whit kids that went to jail and they played the song at the end .Still looking for the name...Any older heads out there that can help us out!Thanks!
kingsalomon357 2 years ago
crooklyn is the name of that movie
realdeal119 1 year ago
stop hating they did it first and they did it the best...
MIZZSANCHEZZ 2 years ago
@MIZZSANCHEZZ yeah they did it well
SuperFunky12345 2 years ago
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Awful performance. Still an inspiration. They seemed nervous and inexperienced.
partaker777 2 years ago
A friend on mine who is in love with this song was very dissappointed with this performance...
freein2339 1 year ago
No one will play this song better than Bernard Purdie on drums. He holds that grove better than anyone else. The vocals were horrible. Sounded nervous to be singing without the track.
partaker777 2 years ago
While this was one of my all time favorite R& B tunes, I wasn't overly impressed with this live performance. The vocals sound awful, particularly Keni. Maybe they were just in bad voice that particular day.
lwmson 2 years ago
I agree the performance wasn't that great....and why is "Papa stairstep" even on stage..??
freein2339 1 year ago
Yeah, what a joke! Pop should have kept his butt out of it, and Cubie as well. That was one of the reasons why this group didn't become major artists. Even though Joe Jackson was somewhat exploitive and sadistic to the point of being borderline insane, at least he knew his boundaries and stayed out of the Jacksons' performances.
lwmson 1 year ago
I saw them in Philly in 1969 and "Papa Stairstep was even singing with the group..I can understand if he wants to play guitar with the group which did but I saw one album cover with him on it with the "Stairsteps"...Tell you what , Berry Gordy wouldn't allow that shit...
freein2339 1 year ago
Yeah, I remember that album cover too. Pop, who was about 52 at the time, was dressed in some Jimi Hendrix-styled outfit posing with the Stairsteps. You're right. Berry wouldn't have allowed such stupid shit!
lwmson 1 year ago
To this day I think if the "Stairsteps" had better direction they would have had a longer career and more hit records...
freein2339 1 year ago
To those you of you who "thumbed" my statement down, I'd sure love to have a toke of whatever it is you've been smoking. You'd have to be stoned out side of your mind to find their singing appealing, at least for this performance.
lwmson 1 year ago
@lwmson Ok, so there were pitch issues and yes, the performance was a bit raw but I would choose them over the Jacksons even if only for the the "sweat equity" the putt out there. Of course their studio work rocked, and maybe the Jackson's had a "whipped" tight, zero defect performance grind going on - but this is heart, soul, and everything in the kitchen, including the sink. Just like yo' house, and my house, and his house, and her house. I'll take them just as they are.
o0whynot 9 months ago 3
@o0whynot this group is more better off being compared to the OSMONDS than the JACKSON 5 in fact they are a black version of the osmonds. i love them but they are in no way shape or form better than lil mike and his four brothers, now i know that people get caught up in the moment when watching and listening to the five stairsteps, but pause for a moment and come back to reality.
regvision 8 months ago
Interestingly enough and like the Jacksons, they started out as "five" and becuase of the addition of other siblings, dropped the number "five."
lwmson 2 years ago
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DAMN! This shit taking me back, god have mercy, all the fly ladies up on 125th st. and grant projects, manhattanville projects, along broadway, along amsterdam ave, up at riverside drive, grants tomb, riverside church I use to hang out yes in the church we party (with the lord permission), stone gym, anyone who read this and is from 125th st & bway, in harlem new york city, u know u feel it, back when i grew up in 1970s wl b 50 in april! I made it out, but won't forget who is still there.
DISCOLARRY125 2 years ago
ahhh those years where the best i heard it in boyz n the hood and i loved it
MrDesertEaze 2 years ago
Ha! Boyz N the Hood! For real... love this song.
DeezNuttz760 2 years ago
When Doughboy gets arrested... the song goes with the scene.
DeezNuttz760 2 years ago 2
amazing live version!! this is so cool!
darerock 2 years ago
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what's the name of the second song?
STLUCIANIDOL91 2 years ago
My brother was singing this song earlier today, got it stuck in my head. I love this song.
pretty02roock 2 years ago
They need to acknowledge the Stair Steps they are music pioneers and deserve recognition from the industry, How do we get this movement started, seriously!!!
vipnorvop 2 years ago 10
@vipnorvop I couldnt agree more, If you stop and think about it, they wre among first of the family groups, before the jackson, osmonds debarge, sylvers, etc. Of course, they were not the first family group to chart, I think that honor goes back to the Everyly brothers or the Beach Boys, but they were definately the first family of soul. I played Ohhh Child till i wore the record out, thanks for posting and Let me know if you serious about getting them recognition
RRIDLEY100 2 years ago
I am very serious about getting them recognition, thank you so very much for the reply. Keni Burke has a facebook page, but Im not sure what course to take to really make this happen, very excited!
vipnorvop 2 years ago 2
Let's never the very essence of the music we listen to and appreciate.
dhgotmusiclove 2 years ago
That day needs to be now
666pokey 2 years ago
i think it was a harder struggle back then, it should be easier now but drug abuse from the 80s black on black crimes took us back even farther, just my opinion
rastaman1017 2 years ago
the legacy of slavery is still very prevalent, even in this day in age
"i freed over a thousand slaves, i would have freed a thousand more, but they didnt know that they were slaves" -harriet tubman
NativeToungue77 2 years ago 8
@NativeToungue77 We are slaves to the white man drugs that he brought to our neigbourhood.And we slaves work 24/7 at it.If we try to escape it we kill each other.
PREZ150 1 year ago
@PREZ150 Gimme a breal Medger, nobody told those black to take the drugs numnuts.
craigblast 1 year ago
Ooh Child things are going to get easier!!!!! Don't ever forget this! We create our reality.
iMADGEn 2 years ago 3
Amen
666pokey 2 years ago
I have this song on a continous loop in my brain....................love this song!
geridg 2 years ago
where can i find a version of this song on youtube that isnt LIVE???
AmericanAngel506 2 years ago
Wow! All these years I thought it was only one of the brothers singing lead and the others were in the background. Didn't know they all took a turn. They're older than I thought too.
UandMeKid 2 years ago
I like how this song was used at the end of the movie "Over the Edge" when they were shipping off the busload of kids to juvenile hall.
bayougrande 2 years ago
Yea I remember that! But there was a different singer that covered it in that movie!
nicjacksonmusic 2 years ago
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SHIT SONG HAHAHAHHAA!!!!!!
qweeman13 2 years ago
When time were more simple, not like today BS That out there!!!!
darlaa91 2 years ago 4
That is a myth. No times were ever 'simple'. You've got to be kidding me. It's a hard world then as it is now. Wake up and knock off the urban fairy tale you be passing along.
Khultan 2 years ago
I agree.. I mean how do you factor in the Vietnam war, tense race relations, corupt politics and inequality and still see it as a simpler time? the only difference is we are adults now and arent sheiled from the realities of the world. what it comes down to it people really just miss a time in there lives when they had no real responsabilites
bjazz80 2 years ago
Bjazz You are right on the money. We all tend to forget how grim it was for most black people then, when whites hated the very air we breathed and police brutality was an everyday reality for many blacks. When recall the rosy period of my youth in the early '70's, I bet my mother would have a very different take on it.
hork111 2 years ago
i think thats what ppl are talking about when they say times were simple back then,their parents had all the pressure of paying bills and putting food on the table and clothes on our backs, we didnt have to do a damn thing but wake up and go to school...now that we're grown and have to pay rent ,take care of our own kids and deal with the real world...yeah times were easy and simple...Khultan an bjazz do u agree wth that?????
rastaman1017 2 years ago
well let me tell u Khultan...it was simple and care free for me bro...I was in 3rd grade, no naggin wife, no children of the corn,no bills, no reason to be responcible...lol how carefree is that shit...lol
rastaman1017 2 years ago
Life was easier because we are asking more questions now; questioning authority and our place in this universe. Life as easier when we just abided by the rules and norms set forth before we were born.
JChurch84 2 years ago
You're wrong, JChurch84: Revolutions culturally, socially, ideologically, sexual roles, racial, religious rife in the 20th century and before...
Khultan 2 years ago
right on Khultan! :)
unfortunatebeam 2 years ago
It wasn't simple back then either.... hence partially the reason why there was a song like this in the first place!
unfortunatebeam 2 years ago 2
Love this song. Even to this day, I find myself singing it at times. Yea, so soulful and hopeful.
daisyjeans1 2 years ago 4
I love live performances of classics like Ooh Child. This one is from the Barbara McNair show in 1970. That's her doing the interview in between the songs.
JimKF 2 years ago
This song doesn't make me sad
I just always felt How SoulFul they WERE!
shindings1 2 years ago
Great song, takes me back to a time when things were simple and life was carefree.
Dannite77 2 years ago
this song always feels sad