Keni Burke - Stay Close To Me

[imbees2]

I remember this song from Keni. Cubie was much more "star like" He had it going on. Don't change your love was one of my favorite Five Stairstep songs. I have their CD. The Stairsteps went "undercover" after Oooh Child. Never heard anything else after that, but they are still one of the best groups I've ever seen live. Cubie was da bomb and he was only about 10 or 12 at the time, back in the 60's.

I went to see them every time they came to town.

[MrNothingbutsoul]

Keni Burke Sounds and looks terrific. I'm definitely looking foward to a reunion. I will be right there.

[Niceonebeats]

wohho ohh man great song ! the good old days

[jdickerson19]

Most of the family is in Atlanta and they had tragedies as you say but they are still doing good when they left music they opened up one of the baddest hair salons Atlanta ever had to offer and they still make me go back and play on music just with them on it.

[ns0710]

Keni Burke! Ian, you never stop to amaze me! I've been coming across your videos for several years. My FAVORITES: Hattie Littles, Lou Johnson, Chuck Jackson, Sammy Ward, several others. I am glad to get to know lesser known Motown acts thanks to you. I even did the "Hattie Littles" wikipedia page. Keep it up!!!

[michaeljulius119]

There is a brother in Chicago that has the only remaining footage of The 5Stairsteps Live at Shea stadium. It was The Isley Bros show called It's Your Thang....The did "Don't Change Your Love" I know he has it because I saw it 3 or 4 times

[michaeljulius119]

Keni is in the studio now recording again...finally. I wouldn't look 2 hard 4 a Stairstep Reunion...thoughClarence and keni might sometime in the future collaborate on a project together, But the newsflash is that Keni and his daughters Asia and Breanna are carrying the serious flavor. Keni has played a few tracks 4 me & they are the truth. Clarence also is creating music as well. They were going to NYC 4 Hal Jackson's bash @ The Apollo but Cubie's injuries squashed that. Hold them all in love

[michaeljulius119]

Keni is in the studio now working on a gorgeous sounding CD. I think that there always remains a chance 4 a Stairstep Reunion...but I wouldn't wait on it. Clarence has a project that he's working on as well. They almost went 2 NYC in Nov. 4 Hal Jackson anniversary bash @ The Apollo. But Cubie's injuries put the brakes on that. I can tell U all this Keni, his daughters Asia and Breanna are magnificently carrying on The Stairstep/Burke tradition as well as "Noone"...lol "Clarence Jr."

[jlomax]

OOOOOOOH HE'S CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

[aRealJawjaPeach]

He IS cute! Wish I was at least 20 years older.

[rhythmbluessoul]

The Sylvers had tragedies but members of the family keep in touch with fans via a fan group. They were as popular as The Burke family. There's a new show on TVOne called Unsung, giving recognition to unsung black artists, DeBarge was featured in one of the episodes, another tragic family. I wonder if the Burkes would appear in an episode. Their not the only musical family to have trials. I think it makes fans appreciate artists music more when we find they've had the same troubles as us.

[allwayssoul]

what a tune, Wigan casino memories!! sigh!!!love it xx

[DyvaNaye]

What about a 5 Stairsteps REUNION, PLEASE???!!!!

[rhythmbluessoul]

Only 3 members of the family would do a reunion and that's Clarence Jr., Keni, and Cubie but Alohe, James, and Dennis wouldn't be apart of it, they put singing behind them. I got this info from friends of the family who are suppose to be protecting their privacy but things get out. For some members of the family singing is a thing of the past but some be on the net saying who they are, they still enjoy being remembered and loved. Would love to see how they look now, they looked good back then.

[KarenPG621]

well i would settle for that i just want to see any performance from that family come on give us one more i wonder if they realize they still have fans out here who miss and love them unconditionally

[LindaGB57]

Mr. Levine, where can I purchase a copy of The Strange World of Northern Soul here in the USA???

[IanLevine]

I'm trying to give you Wienerworld's website but YouTube won't let me - obviously due to spam blocking. But try wienerworld followed by the "." followed by the c word that ends in om.

[LindaGB57]

Thanks, I just placed an order. Can't wait to get it. Another thing, many people who are close to the Burkes are very protective of them and won't give out too much info. I guess that makes them appear more elusive causing many to want to know what's going on with them. I still love them and will continue to listen to their music while respecting their privacy.

[rhythmbluessoul]

I hear some of the members of the family haven't been doing so good and plus they had a lot of tragedies which makes them elusive and private. No one wants to ask them anything real personal. Fans would like to know what are they up to, are they married, have kids. People who use to be stars feel embarrassed that they aren't anymore and they don't want people to know they work a 9 to 5 but I feel they shouldn't be ashamed if they are doing something productive and positive with their lives.

[KarenPG621]

james was supposed to be mtyhusband and clarence was supposed to be my sisters husband lol...

[LindaGB57]

Mr Levine, Thanks for the Keni Burke. I have loved the Stairsteps since the beginning. I used to see them perform at talent shows. Saw & heard them evolve. Someone needs to make a film about the Stairsteps. That would truly make for fascinating viewing. What else do you have on them or Clarence or Keni???

[LindaGB57]

Does anyone have any idea what Keni is working on now? Someone posted that Clarence is playing background for some group in NJ. Grew up in Chgo, saw them at talent shows. They were great.

[soulsue]

one word awesome

[bluesgirl62]

Love this video

[nublackmusic]

I have been on bass for over 30 years and i want to personally thank you for posting this video. This brother was a great inspiration to me as a young bassist in the 70's. Much of my musical writing and arranging was based on curtis and brothers like keni. Me and mine are struggling and fighting to maintain the great legacy laid down by brothers like keni.

All praise is due!!!!

Peace!!!!!!!

[hahabass]

Here Here Bro! Well said.

[PetePeterkin]

Hey Keni I hope you read this. When I tell people that the Stairsteps could out dance the Temptations and the J5 put together it would be great if their was some footage of this SOMEWHERE.I mean don't you guys want the world to know how SUPER BAD you were.

[blackmusiccelebrity]

I miss my friend and our great talks but Memories Linger On  And I still have our few songs we did despite what others say

[grapesfirst90]

Keni's sooooooo fine-as well as all of his brothers! Mercy! When is there EVER going to be a Stairstep reunion? Bring it! Oh yeah; by the way, does anybody have the song from their 2nd Resurrection album: "From Us To You"???? Pllllleeeeeeese play it!

[afloridagal]

Thank you for making this video happen and for posting on youtube! Love it...Would love to see a Stairstep reunion!

[Nanadsyl]

Thanks for this you can tell it is a Curtis Mayfield song!

[mislokai]

Followed you and your family for a long time Keni. Loved your bass playing on Bill Withers Lovely Day.You're probably tired of being asked about it. 2nd Ressurrection, get the masters re-release it. It would be great if you and your brothers could do a one off performance of it live.The demand for this album is going to become greater as time goes on right now it's at cult status. People love things that make them feel good. 2nd.Ressurrection has that vibe it's transcendent and spiritual

[Tchalla77]

Yes totally agree milokai, 2nd Resurrection truly is an unheralded masterpiece.'Pasado'&'Tell Me Why' are just two of many sublimely magical moments.Feel blessed to own a promo copy of this all-time classic.Keni & his brothers have recorded some amazing songs 'Keep On Singing','Never Stop Loving Me','Love Can't Come/Love Has Come', & his awesome bass playing session work is right up there with James Jamerson, Verdine White and Marcus Miller. Respect to all of the family Burke!

[gammypage]

im gonna buy his albums as soon as I Have the money =D

[leanypoo]

love this video of keni..

[leanypoo]

keni burke still sounds & looks fine..it's a shame that the stairsteps should have blown up in the music world more so than the jackson 5..

[startycat]

more like it - you can always rely on keni - love the 60s feel and curtis type vocals and its actually quite a good song wouldn't you say? oh yeah and as rare as shoal of pandas - nice one me old son

[86pimp3]

Didn't Curtis write this.

[olskoolgirl23]

he still looks good! you go keni!! and he still got the voice!:)

[Stairsteps]

No Ian im the younger brother of Keni I didnt play with the group I was too shy back then. now you can chk me out on myspace/dayomusicnj or soundclick dot com/keysoflight to see what I have been up too. peace and im looking for a promoter.

[freein2339]

That's funny , I thought there were only 6 Burke children..The five stairsteps and Cubie...Please correct me if I'm wrong..

[KarenPG621]

I been a Stairstep fan since they came out and I never heard of any younger brother stop lying!

[IanLevine]

I think you need to make it clear here, that you're replying to an earlier posting from someone who claimed to be a younger brother. It makes it look like you're replying to me, who made and shot this video, and I know that you aren't, but anyone else might think you were.

[geosh78]

that's correct!! If you look at other 5 stairstep videos, especially on Ed Sullivan's show, you can clearly see Keni Burke beyond the Shadow of a doubt. He's on all of the album and family photos. His first album named after him, mentions his family music.

[KarenPG621]

And further more Clarence sang lead on some of their hits!!!

[skrfbi]

what happened to Kalvin Bishop!?

[craigblast]

god bless keni.

[Stairsteps]

Nice to see my brother up here nice video too. peace from Len Burke

[IanLevine]

How utterly fabulous and brilliant to hear from you.

Were you in the Stairsteps when they originally recorded this ??

And "Ooooh Child" ??

My influences of my youth.

[Discoboy1974]

Hi, I'm Søren from Denmark. I hope that people who like this music will join up to receive "Reaching For The Best - The IAN LEVINE Newsletter". I'm doing a regular e-mail newsletter for people who are fans of Ian Levine's music, just like myself. If you too are a genuine fan of his productions, and you love seeing these videos, then send me a message with your e-mail address and I'll add you to the list. It's all free, it's with Ian's full co-operation, so please join in!

[victornewman06]

Very "Mayfield-ish" I'm feeling it!!!!!

[wblk]

Thanks Ian. Your the man.

[Soulanddisco]

Just when I think I've seen the best ones, something comes along to top them. There is no-one else in the world who does what you've been doing. The word "thankyou" seems inappropriate. I wish more people recognised your amazing efforts.

[IanLevine]

It was shot in early 1999. Most of the videos for The Strange World Of Northern Soul were shot either in 1998 or 1999.

[madonhifi]

hi ian your doing some great videos for these stars how old is this one