My Remembering MR. CLARENCE BURKE, JR., of The Five Stairsteps

Clarence Newton Burke, Jr.

1949 - 2013

One of the most gifted music artists in the country transitioned Sunday morning, the day after his 64th birthday.  Clarence Burke, Jr. projected such amazing propensity for melodic and poetic creativity.

Clarence Jr., (back center) with Dennis (left), Kenneth (front center), & James (right)

Being reminded of fond moments, during my childhood days of the 1960s, in the music world, there was a plethora of various doo-wop and harmonious singing groups, whether all-girl or male, providing sounds of love and romance, or fun in the sun.  Being a church baby myself, I was also kept abreast of who the best artists were, and their creativity, helping to enhance their quality.

In 1965, a family from Chicago, Illinois, formed a group of extremely talented youth.  The Five Stairsteps, the children of Clarence, Sr. and Betty Burke, showed incredible flair at early ages.  Ultimately considered the "First Family of Soul," they entered a local contest, winning first prize.  When asked why the group was named specifically, their mother, Betty, insinuated that her children, when standing together in a line,  resembled a visual staircase.

Many offers came flooding through to them from different directions.  Fred Cash, member of singing trio, The Impressions, caught their performance, and made mention of their awesomely mature showmanship to Curtis Mayfield, who was immediately introduced to them.  The youthful quintet, consisting of oldest sister Alohe, brothers Clarence Jr., James, Dennis, and Kenneth ("Keni"), who were signed to Mr. Mayfield's company, Windy City Records, in 1966.

The Five Stairsteps - clockwise - Sister Alohe, brothers James, Kenneth, Dennis, and Clarence Jr., center

From the beginning, even though he was a teenager, Clarence Jr., along with his father, collaborated with Gregory Fowler, penning the majority of the Stairsteps' tunes.  

Growing up in Manhattan, I was 8-years-old at the time, remembering my dad coming home from work, mentioning there was a new group of siblings, that the record store was blasting their premiere single, and he decided to surprise me with a copy.  The soft ballad, "You Waited Too Long," with the B-side being "Don't Waste Your Time," an upbeat number, was extraordinary!  Needless to say, I fell in love with the 45 rpm record, flipping it over and over, playing it, wearing it out! 

In 1966, I was able to watch them do their thing in person, on stage at the Apollo Theater, and boy, they were absolutely incredible!   

Below is a video of The Five Stairsteps being showcased on a Virginia variety show, with Clarence Jr. leading their first release, You Waited Too Long:

 

Early 1967, their first album, "The Five Stairsteps," proved to reveal their magnificence, in many ways.  Filled with several titles, with a romantic flair, tunes like "Come Back," "Danger, She's A Stranger," as well as other monumental favorites, such as "World of Fantasy" and Smokey Robinson's "Ooh, Baby Baby," put them on the map, especially in the Northeast.  Even Clarence's lead vocal delivery was so unbelievable, you'd forget he was only 17!  

I was fortunate to see them at the Apollo again, during the early part of the year.  I just loved watching them, as they kept me mesmerized, with their harmony, style, and words of loving emotion.

The Five Stairsteps and Cubie (top)

By the time I heard their hit, "Something's Missing," a mere shifting had taken place in their music style, as well as including an additional member of their family, little brother Cubie, who was only 1 1/2 years of age, and so adorable.  

This time at the Apollo, even though it would be my last opportunity to see them live on stage, that performance made an incredible impression that  was thoroughly epic to me, for many years to come! 

The guys were playing instruments with excellence - Clarence Jr. playing guitar, leading songs with so much power, and Kenneth working that bass like he was born with it in his hand!  There was more impeccable choreographic movement, and they continued to dazzle us, right before our eyes.  

I was totally fascinated with their rendition of "A Million To One," and the showstopper, "Don't Change Your Love," was so captivating, actually seeing them glide, kick, dip, pop!  JUMP BACK!!!

 

Still continuing to record with Curtis Mayfield's company, the label changed to Buddah, and their album, "Family Portrait," was one of their awe-inspired masterpieces, given the fact they received more autonomy, including the whole family, with Mom and Papa Burke lending their voices in the studio.

My life took on a somewhat strange turn, when my family ended up moving to the South, where my conversation of being in the presence of greatness, did not seem to transfer to Greenvillians.  The kids there were not familiar with the great Stairsteps.  In school there, I would play a few of their songs, assured minds would be triggered, yet everyone would just stare and shake their heads.  

What an awkward, depressing time for me.  My dad would mention how the group appeared at the Apollo, during 1969, on the same lineup as The Jackson 5, and I truly hated missing that particular night.

But, lo and behold, - 1970!  "OOH, OOH, CHILD" - on the SC radio stations, and I heard that name of the illustrious group!  For a brief moment, I finally had something to smile about again!  That tune was played on every station in the country, placing The Five Stairsteps on a new stratosphere, and I so appreciated every time I encountered it!

 

Another fantastic moment for me, I nearly screamed when Clarence Jr. and the group appeared on Soul Train!  Wow, what a difference two years can make!  I was extremely elated, seeing them again, and recall mentioning to as many mortals that I came in contact with, how I had the opportunity to see them on stage live during their early years, while being surprised that they were finally receiving worldwide recognition. 

Years moved along, and I constantly wondered where they were, and of course, the internet wasn't in existence during that time.  It wasn't until I was in New York City again, that one day, while taking the subway train home from high school, I overheard "From Us To You" over the intercom, thinking the vocals sounded somewhat familiar to my ears.  

Surprisingly enough, it was The Stairsteps!!! 

As The Invisible Man's Band - 
Dennis, James (back), Keni and Clarence Jr.

I immediately found myself going out to search for their 1976 album release on Dark Horse Records, "2nd Resurrection," and wore the biggest smile on my face!  All four of the brothers had original material they contributed, along with their superb musicianship, and production savvy.  And their tune "Pasado" reached deep down, waking up that Salsa-like, rhythmic music savor.   What an immensely delectable treat!

Upon later trying to make some drastic changes in my life, I didn't allow myself to purchase any secular music for several years, hence was not aware of The Stairsteps disbanding, or the newly created Invisible Man's Band.  But any time I would be shopping, as popular tunes were used as entertainment, I would hear their dance jam, "All Night Long," a combined  flavor of old and more current bravado groove.

Such simpler times those years were, and if it hadn't been for that period of music, we kids who are now aged adults, would not have learned to be as ad versed, with a great appreciation for supreme artistry.  Actually visualizing The Five Stairsteps, a bona fide entity, creatively self-contained in every area.  However, Clarence Burke, Jr. will be truly missed.  He exemplified what being an esteemed music artist is all about, in that his sense of individualism, ingenuity, compassion in his lyrical content, as well as his humbleness of heart, continued to shine brightly throughout his life.  

The video below remains absolute, revealing the brilliance of Mr. Clarence Newton Burke, Jr. that will forever be impressed on our minds.  Love to you always, and Rest Peacefully!