The Five Stairsteps

[Nanadsyl]

I'd like to see an episode on Unsung for the 5 stairsteps.

[jgoblueqdog]

@Nanadsyl I AGREE!

[kpitt1204]

Just saw the lead singer perform this song last month. He still sounds great!

[msmocha11]

Representing CHICAGO our own this is a classic

[msmocha11]

Representing CHICAGO our own

[glomo86]

You became so much me even though this was fantastic.

[GREG52231]

They where a great group that was absolutely had it so young and if nobody else loved then I did . They help be a better person in my days in Fresno , Ca.

[adbayobay]

Music to cherish and make you really appreaciate this group. I love the oldies but goodies.

Thank you for posting very very nice.

[young1s4u4]

THE VERY BESTTTTT!!

[MrKeithMJones]

grew up listeningto this group in high school

[reichardtaj]

I have noticed that the dress that the female in the group is wearing must have been a very popular outfit since both Dee Dee Warwick and Vicky Gomez wore the same dress on their 1965 appearances on 'Shivaree'.

[emmettk]

Four brothers and one sister. Biggest hit was the original version of Ooh Child.

[mzrichardztube]

I saw Clarence at the "Sugar Bar" in NYC, still doing his thang, great performance, but I wish all the Stairsteps were there.

[emmyprodr]

I just saw Clarence Burke, Jr. of the 5 Stairsteps in performance in NYC As ONE Stairstep, he was fantastic. Still has a mellow voice..more mature, but still makes the girls (ladies) go wild. Check out the clip of Clarence Burke at the Sugar Bar on Youtube. Everyone should go to "Unsung" with a request to do one on the 5 Stairsteps. Go to the TV One's "Unsung" Facebook page. And let's keep our fingers crossed for a Stairstep reunion in the near future. They are the "First Family of Soul".

[kimmy1984]

TV one should do an UNSUNG on this group.

[curtisjones400]

this group is so fantastic it makes you very proud to be African America and have someone represent us the way the did

[robbyroc31]

They are very loved in Philly and still can be heard on the radio there.

[gregorygomes1]

The first family of soul baby

[rickydankofan]

They had such beautiful voices and harmonized so well together.

[RSVPPC]

Classic! The 1st family ...before the Jackson Five!

[mrjoshjones1]

Alohe Burke is gorgeous, straight up.

[mrjoshjones1]

This was a hell of a recording, especially back in '66.

Clarence was already such a poised and polished lead singer up front, and Alohe.......

just waiting for her opp to shine up front,like she did on the immortal Ohh Child just

a few years later.

What a gorgeous, talented musical family.

Kenny Burke,I know you read these comments frequently, it's from the heart.

Us fans never forget your great records.

[crazyhorse99999]

This is great they should do a reunion tour or something!

[Albertarecords7ny]

One of my all time songs...period! This song is an absolute journey into another realm of existence, just as the lyric imply; not a fantasy though, but a reality somewhere between fantasy and this reality. Beautiful. I want to got here right now!

[woode29]

Wow.. thanks for posting, too many folks think the stairsteps began with Ooh Child.

[aholmes99]

I started the first Jackson Five Fan Club...But the 5 Stairsteps were my first family of soul, and I got to meet and hang around the 5 Stairsteps alot. I still have lots photographs of us together to prove it! I was a member of Crystal W.'s New York 5 Stairstep & Cubie Fan Club. Crystal W. allowed me to help her give a summer get together party for the 5 Stairsteps and the Jackson 5, at her , house (so that they could become friends). Both groups were appearing at the Apollo at the time!!!

[dianesehoward]

I saw this group in Philly in 67 or 69 and their mother and father were performing with them. they had a lot of talent

[lwmson]

And that's were they made their worst mistake. The five kids were talented, but bringing in Ma, Dad, and the little baby into the act was what screwed everything up.

[mattaudio]

Lake Calhoun? Clutch.

[lwmson]

It's a shame that the legacy of this group hasn't been perserved. Afterall, before there was the Jackson Five, there were the Five Stairsteps.

[dggd]

@lwmson You got that right! And they were so mature in their youth. This song still gets to me!

[zedek49]

Great footage, thanks for posting this gem.

[vipnorvop]

Thank you so very much for posting this wonderful video jeffmiguel. I love this song:)

[Darckcloud73]

But on a lighter note, just like today there are many very talented artist who don't see the light of day in the music industry. Walk into many churches and you'll see and hear soma amazing vocalist. That makes you wonder why so many artist in the music industry can't sing live when so many people in church sound amazing. Now a day it's worst because the industry just want to make a quick buck so why waste so much money constantly searching for the best when the mediocre can make you very rich

[Pikey88]

I wish songs used musical arrangements like this still...they give songs a perfect accent

[freein2339]

I hear you....

[UandMeKid]

I heard this song on the radio while driving on a sunny Sunday afternoon about three weeks ago. Glad I found this clip.

[joshiejjones07]

This ultra talented family made a poor

decison to stay on the reginional label,

Curtom due, maybe, to their Dad's friendship with Fred Cash of the Impressions.

Lacked promotional push that Motown (not Diana Ross) gave the J5.

They were even more talented and offered

an attractive female co-singing the leads

with Clarence and (later) Cubie (Ohhh Child).

I recall the play that Ohh Child got on both

the R&B and Pop stations at the time.

It would be nice to see them perform again.

[freein2339]

They were talented but they didn't have the "polish" on the J5 and of course they didn't have Micheal....

[gamagan1]

@freein2339 i dont think they needed it thats what makes them unique, simple but very cool

gamagan1

[freein2339]

Nothing wrong with a more "polished" performance..Not that they need to sound like amyone else , but they could have been a better version of themselves...

[rastaman1017]

what year was this

[MrBlues2jazz]

1966 was hot year for them- Waited too long, world of Fantasy, Come Back, Danger, she 's a stranger

[Khultan]

First time seeing and hearing of and about them. Thank you.

[paulie227]

I remember my mom looking at the 4 of us and wonder why with the Five Stairs Steps and the Jackson 5 making money she couldn't get us on the stage to make some, too. We had very little money. Unfortunately, unlike them, she had 4 kids with absolutely no rhythm or music talent. lol. Oh well. I remember having a crush on one of them, but they were older than in this tape.

[Darckcloud73]

is it me but does the lead singer look like Obama?????

[Helenem55]

OMG, yes he does !!! good call on that one, funny too.

[MrBlues2jazz]

Stop it all ready!! a short haircut and dark suit doesnot make a president. while these guys were killing ther charts and us who was in high school... Obama was crawling around on the floor crappin on his self

[Darckcloud73]

Not really sure who MrBlues2jazz is responding to. ???????

[MrBlues2jazz]

I must of hit the wrong reply . There was a comment on at least two posts with this song that Clarence jr. looked like Obama.. sorry for the misplacement. check the other post for this song, you might see it.

[Darckcloud73]

Oh no you hit the right button, I just didn't understand what you comment was all about. I just simply said he looked like Obama. Not that that has anything to do with being President. Your right a short haircut and a suit doesn't make a president. I commented on his looks, not his importance or relevance to being a president or person of power. That's all, nothing else.

[keirra69]

WooooW!!

[imbees2]

I saw the Five Stairsteps in person in the 60's. Cuby was unbelievable. He was about 10 or 12 singing lead on "World of Fantasy". The crowd went crazy. Some of them got caught up in drugs, the group disbanded not too much longer after Oooh Child. Cuby was like a "Michael Jackson" type, he could dance his ass off. Was the leader of the group. They were very charismatic as a group. Cuby was the BOMB!!!!! His stage presence was phenomanel. T

[MrBlues2jazz]

Where do you guys get this stuff??? Cubie was not the lead singer on World of Fantasy at anytime in the 60s. Cubie came into the group about 3or 4 years later after this song was realeased. plus, he was quite young in 66 , he was only 3 when he was brought in with the group on a limited basis.

[jazmaan]

This song breaks my heart it's so beautiful.  WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

[nastylefthook1]

sometimes in life you get a break,,,the stairsteps just didnt get proper promtotion,,,when diana ross and motown got behing the jacksons,,,they were on their way,,the stairsteps just faded into rock and roll history

[hork111]

Right on. I'm beginning to think that for every musical act that made it big, there were at least 5 or 6 others equally as talented who never got the breaks. Hard work and talent only take you so far. Luck counts for more than most people realize.

[nastylefthook1]

these guys always had more talent than the jackson five,,just didnt get the promotion,,,,,,lead singer has more range than theat pedophile michael jackson

[kutuku54]

first of all talk like you are somebody. yes they didn't make it for what reason I don't know, but when I was young I had preferred them over the Jackson Five. Both were good. did you graduate yet...

[lyfejay]

they all were so cute

[626bigSGV]

Wow, ders a video 2 dis song. Fuckin bad.

[somersetdc]

Great song. Made me a little tipsy watching their boat roll alongside the pier.

[PuffyCatTail]

oh my, very very beautiful. :)

[jjkklmno]

CLASS!!!!!!!!!!!

[biscayne427]

That was Beautiful

[julianwiley]

Wow.

[tellitlkitis]

What happen 2 them?

[blqceaser]

Salaam!

Tellitlkitis, I don't know exactly but if you recall Keni Burke went on to do 'Rising To The Top' which was a big hit in the 80's. The dad was a Chicago Police officer, their sister Aloha was as you can see quite beautiful....Cubie, Kenneth, etc, I'm told were members of the-then Black P Stone Rangers and after that it's heresay and myth.

[tellitlkitis]

Thank u 4 the info

[djdeitch]

Pure class !!!,.ktf.

[mja1975]

Get down with this soul

[casinosquad]

great band !!!!

[wufwufwufwuf]

FANTASTIC *****

[pharoahsoulero]

cheers bread, adorable stuff, lead singer gettin right amongst it, bet he got a few clips around the lug practicing those moves in the bathroom mirror

[kingkongphoto123]

Yes...a great one...Bread

I would say you tied my girl Maxine on this one...But I already knew about this song..

[mijaoldies]

ONE BADD ASS ROLA ...

[Contessais4u]

I just happen to come accross this song and it is beautiful!!! Just love it!

[50andsmart]

A great group with many hits, would like to know of them now. They would have a large following.

[rhythmbluessoul]

The Five Stairsteps had the smoothest voices of all time, young and old could enjoy their music, they didn't sing bubblegum type songs. They were the first family of soul before The Jacksons. It was ashame how people forgot The Steps when J5 came along. The Steps always seemed like a down to earth bunch who never forgot where they come from. They were such a positive influence on black youths back then. Their song Ooh Child will go down in history as one of the best feel good songs.

[emmyprodr]

Every time I see this video, I lose my mind! I saw The 5 Stairsteps at the Cheetah discotech in NYC back in 1969 on a snowy Easter sunday. I was 16 years old. Was in love with Clarence. I wish they would reunite for a reunion tour.

[catheyeluvsmusic]

Years ago, Jermaine Jackson stated how much he admired the 5 Stairsteps and how heavily they influenced him. If you listen to his early records, that is the solo ones! you will hear quite a similarity between Jermaine's and the Burke family's vocal approach. Seriously-- check it out!

[jazmineb2008]

:) those are my uncles im jus finding out how big they were bak in the day i had no idea :)

[jazmineb2008]

:) those are uncles im jus finding out how big they were bak in the day i had no idea :)

[tedkay]

thanks for this! never saw them perform! Nice! People are comparing them to the Jackson 5! NO COMPARISSON! maybe the Debarge of their time~~Oh! I had this album,all the songs on that album were HOT!! produced by Curtis Mayfield , the Original SUPERFLY!!!~

[mscarol51]

I don't think they ever got the accolades they deserved, thought they were much better than the Jackson 5. I wish someone had the footage of the performing Walk on By.

[npenciso]

This is the soul I love!

[MICKEYSMONKEY]

Yeah...This was real "Cooty-Crawl" music back in the day...Great post...Thanks for the memories.

[luvvyouxo]

what year was this?any one know

[MusicManKevin]

1966

[InnerCityTV]

Now that real music! Thanks

[Grip489]

yea they were bad! total love for this group

[jazzquartetman]

LOL...okay, heard the VERY beginning. they're in minneapolis.

[jazzquartetman]

was this filmed at the south shore country club in chicago?

[PetePeterkin]

I used to play guitar with Curtis Mayfield in the 80's. Could never get much info on them from him.

Fortunately OOh Child has grown in stature through the years..giving them the most meaningful hit of all the family acts from that era...including the J5, The Sylvers and even The Osmonds.

Oh and by the way, The Stairsteps could mop the floor with New Edition in terms of choreography. I just wish someone had footage of them singing "Don't Change Your Love" to prove my point!

[michaeljulius119]

And as I reference New Edition I mean..If It Isn't Love, N.E. heartbreak...adult New Edition Version

[michaeljulius119]

The Jackson 5 used to come to The Regal Theater in Chicago and sit in the audience and take notes from The Stairsteps. I was there.The 5 Stairsteps out choreographed the J5 by light years. As much as the Stairsteps were known for their hits "Danger She's a Stranger" World of Fantasy etc...they were known for their steps. Watching New Edition was like seeing the Stairsteps all over again. Musically, if you listen to the song Big Boy they outclassed The J5 as well. As 2 Motown..well 2 be continued

[jeffmiguel]

Ok....I never went to the Regal...I went to the Capitol Theatre on 79th Halsted...I saw some of the greatest acts of the day. Imagine one dollar for about 9 acts.... God Times have changed...The first time I saw the Jackson 5 in 1971 was at Black expo ticket cost was about 3 or 4 dollars. I saw the stairsteps twice at the Capitol....I wish I could get some more footage of them

[jeffmiguel]

what would be really cool is to get some footage of the old soul train from chicago or some from the big bill hill show...both were on channel 26....now that would be cool.....

[MuzikMichael]

@michaeljulius119 Comparing the 5 Stairsteps to The Jackson 5 is like a team that plays all it's star players and all others ride the bench,looking at the career and all the hits of The Jackson 5 some one else rode the bench.

[rjam1974]

Dammn, at such a young age they were very polished. I didn't realize how young they were. Its very embarrassing that you have groups, singers and such much older than they were at the time who are out now that lack professionalism and class. Look how young those kids were(shaking head in sadness).

[glo1947777]

How in the world were you able to get this footage. This is one of my favorite groups. With voices so rich and way beyond the JFive's time (no offense, because they are a favorite too). I think one of the best discoveries by Curtis Mayfield. Sound of the windy city, unbelieveable!

[mrblue2008]

Just truly fantastic. Smooth and classy

[feeleffect]

Also did the 5 Stairsteps EVER try out with Motown? But this IS a very good song to be written by a teenager.

[ghines44]

Feeleffect i guess I am not the only one to feel that way.Tajwhite I could not have said it better myself. The 5 Stairs Steps came first and I do not beleive they ever tried out for Motown but a poster in the music business claimed the Jackson 5 tried out for the Stair Steps people.Clarence Burke was older like 14 when they came out in the mid 1960's with a maturer voice.Michael was like 11 or 12 and sounded like it.But I love both groups.Check out some more Stair Steps and you will hear it

[ghines44]

The Jackson 5 took notes from the 5 Stair Steps because they came 1st.Both groups played instruments and could dance,but to me the Jacksons danced better.Also they had better people behind them.That Motown machine was no joke.That is why they were more succesfull. I just think the Burkes had better voices.Listen to the 2 groups and if you can't here it you must be tone death.I love Micheal but his voice was not all that.Now I do think Jimmy Briscoe voice was better than both. Does any agree ?

[Heartbear]

Jimmy Briscoe's Voice Had More Range for Sure!! I am of the Hip Hop Generation but have studied music for many years.

The Motown Marketing Machine was quite Phenominal -Michael & The Brotha's were/are quite talented. The 5 Stairsteps vocally & musically -OUTSTANDING!!

Jimmy Briscoe Voice -Unbelievably Beautiful Range & Articulation is Commanding. The Beavers Just Need More Will Known Distributors & Agents.

Ebony Princess Brings Tears to My Eyes:)

[MusicManKevin]

Comparing the Stairsteps to the Jacksons and vice versa is like comparing apples to oranges - different styles and approaches. And yes, Curtis did indeed produce the Stairsteps but let's give props to Clarence Burke Jr for showing some mighty fine MATURE songwriting & singing skills for a teenager at this time. BTW - according to Eddie Thomas (Curtis' manager), the Jacksons did audition for Mayfield but were turned down because he was already successful with the Stairsteps.

[feeleffect]

We will FOREVER disagree on this. Out blow Michael? COME ON!!!To each his own ghines44. You are among a minority and I know your cool with that.

[mrblue2008]

Right on Jeff but the Stairsteps had a smoother sound . If you can find and post great music like this Jeff, I agree with you. Close you're eyes all and you can just hear my man Curtis singing this or in the back ground. He is not but imagine. Who influenced the Jackson 5...well supposedly the Stairsteps.

[feeleffect]

It's not fair to compare them to the Jackson 5. The five stairseps are good but the Jackson 5 are the Greatest Boy group EVER! Come on Michael could flat out BLOW! as a child. No contest!

[jeffmiguel]

I beg to differ..Both of these groups had their own distinct and special brand of magic...The jacksons got a break that the stairsteps did'nt....thats all...

[feeleffect]

Jackson 5 were better talent. Singing AND dancing, no contest. You see what happened to Michael. I predicted back in 1972 one day he would be the BIGGEST STAR in the world.Maybe they were influenced by them with all due respect but The Five Stairsteps at Motown would have NOT been as suceesful as the Jacksons.My opinion is backed by the Numbers and Mass Appeal. I like the Five Stairsteps but they were just another good R&B group,not exceptional like the Jacksons were.

[ghines44]

Feeleffect in my opinion what you say is part true. I think the 5 Stairs Steps would have done better at Motown. With all their great song writers. Plus Motown was a well oiled machine. They would have polished them boys to a spit shine.Even though both groups played instruments and in my opinion the 5 Stairs Steps had better voices ; no one could mess with the J- 5 when it came to dancing and showmanship.But like I stated before Jimmy Briscoe from Little Beavers could out sing them both .

[ghines44]

I agree with you . On a whole the Jackson 5 was better because of their dancing. I think the 5 Stair Steps had better voices. But I think Jimmy Briscoe voice was better than any one in both groups and they got even less exposure than the 5 Stair steps.

[hiptojive]

This song is beyond heaven!! These guys are way better than the Jackson's!

[feeleffect]

You must be crazy!

[tajwhite]

Hey Mr. Effect, I think NOT. Don't get me wrong the Jackson 5 was a fantastic group, their performances were phenomenal, they straight out put on a great show. Michael Jackson was the heart of the teenage girls and the boys that wished they could be like him. However if you were to really listen to the harmonies, the Five Stairsteps are way, way better vocally. Please step outside the Numbers and Mass appeal box and really listen to the sound of the voices. You may recognize there is a contest!

[jeffmiguel]

Ok....I never went to the Regal...I went to the Capitol Theatre on 79th Halsted...I saw some of the greatest acts of the day. Imagine one dollar for about 9 acts.... God Times have changed...The first time I saw the Jackson 5 in 1971 was at Black expo ticket cost was about 3 or 4 dollars. I saw the stairsteps twice at the Capitol....I wish I could get some more footage of them

[robbyroc31]

@tajwhite I agree with you on this. The problem with the Five Stairsteps was, that they sound a lot older. Curtis Mayfield who signed the group also wrote for them. He actually wrote grown up love songs for a teenage group. They pull it off quite well but probably is the main reason why they did not have mass appeal. Even so I love their vocals and music.

[MuzikMichael]

@robbyroc31 Very good point you made and Motown groom The Jackson 5 for what they become that's why they had a mass appeal.

[emmyprodr]

@MuzikMichael

The Jacksons used to idolize The 5 Stairsteps

[toicannon]

@tajwhite Tell the real, this group could flat out sing. I love the Jackson Five, but this group harmonies was tight!!!

[robleejay]

These Five Inspired "My World of Fantasy" at the Uptown Theater in Philly (1960's), before the J5!

[byronbenguche]

I'm 37 years old and i love this music.My sister Gail played this song all the time and it's a great slow jam.Thanks jeffmiguel for playing i hope you have some more slow jams.

[waltersboy]

would you listen to that? OH MY MY MY! a true slow jam

[qwaazga]

Great group, great vocals and always great harmony.

[lanainfla]

Jangadas ,,DONT E V E R COMPARE THESE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE WITH THAT SKUM, OBAMA....

.N E V E R !!

[Jangadas]

Looks like young crooner Obama... Great clip though, thanks for sharing!

[PetePeterkin]

If I had Oprah bank I would pay these cats a million apiece to re-unite just for 5 or 6 songs!!!!

[heyroz27]

Thanks for posting! I love watching the retro performance clips. You can tell that this was the earlier Stairsteps before the 70's emerge with experimental sound that they began using for their songs.

[browngal1709]

they were so young and talented

[hbarber]

All I can say is wow! That was my favorite cut. The harmonies are fantastic!

[flyingshrapnel09]

Mistake me if i'm wrong but those lyrics are a bit mature for those lil whippersnappers. It has the lofty poetic signature of Curtis Mayfield throughout the song.. He had to have written that! LOL. Beautifully executed though by the legendary Burke family!!

[isbadu]

Nope, sorry but Clarence Burke Jr wrote that song, as young as he was! Curtis produced it.

[chestmary]

nice tight family harmony

[Pittsburghese]

Thank-you for posting, this is a treat.

[19spartan84]

WOW, what a voice!..Priceless video aswell..

[leecool1956]

Thank you so much for posting this priceless video clip. their harmonies were tight I really wish these groups could do it again. This is real music.

[WayOutWardell]

This aired 8/22/66. We need more music like this today!

[SoulTooSoul]

You can hear the Chicago and Curtis Mayfield sound, throughout this song. They appear to be a typical soul or doo wop group. Even in their early career they were singing very mature songs. It is very interesting watching this obvious young family sing in a very polished and poised manner. The Burke family aka The Five Stairsteps made great music.

[Nanadsyl]

Southside and Harlan High STAND UP!!

[freein2339]

Nice lead singer , but they could have done more with the harmony...

[afloridagal]

As you offer your critique,please keep in mind that this is from 1965-66 era & audio quality was significantly different. I think that it is wonderful that someone took the time and effort to post this treasure. I have been a fan of the Stairsteps from the beginning and this looks and sounds wonderful to me! Thank you for posting!

[freein2339]

I have several of their 45s and their first two albums. But with the talent they had , someone should have expanded their background harmonies. And I agree that it is wonderful to see them again on video.

[86pimp3]

What show is this?

[MusicManKevin]

Listen closely to the announcer at the beginning and the end of this clip....It was from one of his TV shows.

[ljonesluv]

Thank you so much for locating this priceless video. I have been wondering for years where and how the members are doing. This really takes me back to when I saw them in person at the Apollo Theater! Memories!