STAIRSTEPS Stories! VOL. 1 (Part A): The Untold Story of the Five Stairsteps
Series: The Funk Show
From: Howard Burchette
Length: 00:59:04
The Five Stairsteps is a R&B family group which was founded by husband and wife, Clarence Burke, Sr. and Betty Burke, Their six children Alohe (Rami), Clarence Jr., James III, Dennis, Kenny and Cubie made up the group. A total of six albums were recorded as Stairsteps, two albums as The Invisible Mans Band and four solo albums for Keni Burke.
They are know as The First Family of Soul!.
SEGMENT ONE: Introductions of Clarence Burke Jr, Clarence Burke, Sr. (Papa Stairsteps) and Betty Burke (Mama Stairsteps), concept of forming the group, early talent shows and then 16 month old Cubie added to the group.
SEGMENT TWO: Early Chicago talent shows, The Impressions, Curtis Mayfield, Mrs. Betty Burke tribute, Howard Burchette dinner at Mrs. Betty Burke's home, meeting Burke family in 1970 at Tads Steakhouse (NYC), mention of Curtis Pope (Midnight Movers).
SEGMENT THREE: Mrs. Betty Burke’s sister danced with Katherine Dunham, story of Mr. Clarence Burke Sr. as a Chicago detective, Clarence Burke, Jr. mentions new stage act, possibility of a new Stairsteps album and reunion.
Click on this link to get to Clarence Burke, Jr.'s official WEB page:
www.clarenceburkejr.com
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Piece Description
The Five Stairsteps is a R&B family group which was founded by husband and wife, Clarence Burke, Sr. and Betty Burke, Their six children Alohe (Rami), Clarence Jr., James III, Dennis, Kenny and Cubie made up the group. A total of six albums were recorded as Stairsteps, two albums as The Invisible Mans Band and four solo albums for Keni Burke.
They are know as The First Family of Soul!.
SEGMENT ONE: Introductions of Clarence Burke Jr, Clarence Burke, Sr. (Papa Stairsteps) and Betty Burke (Mama Stairsteps), concept of forming the group, early talent shows and then 16 month old Cubie added to the group.
SEGMENT TWO: Early Chicago talent shows, The Impressions, Curtis Mayfield, Mrs. Betty Burke tribute, Howard Burchette dinner at Mrs. Betty Burke's home, meeting Burke family in 1970 at Tads Steakhouse (NYC), mention of Curtis Pope (Midnight Movers).
SEGMENT THREE: Mrs. Betty Burke’s sister danced with Katherine Dunham, story of Mr. Clarence Burke Sr. as a Chicago detective, Clarence Burke, Jr. mentions new stage act, possibility of a new Stairsteps album and reunion.
Click on this link to get to Clarence Burke, Jr.'s official WEB page:
www.clarenceburkejr.com
3 Comments
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STAIRSTEPS Stories! VOL. 1 (PART ONE): The Untold Story of the Five StairstepsI signed up with this website just because I saw this item! I am NOT disappointed, and I will explore more items here. Peace and Blessings... |
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The Funk Show Stairsteps StoryThank you so much for making this interview available as a podcast. :-) I listened to the show last Saturday afternoon,when it aired on WNCU. Howard Burchette did a excellent job interviewing the Burkes. (Clarence Sr.,Betty and Clarence Jr.) It was great to hear them tell their story. I will be glad to hear the rest of the interview,with the rest of the family. Thanks again,and continue keep doing a fantastic job ! :-) Gary
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Broadcast History
2010, 2011
Musical Works
| Title | Artist | Album | Label | Year | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World on Fantasy | The Five Stairsteps | The First Family of Soul: The Best of the Five Stairsteps. | Sbme Special Mkts. | 2008 | 03:04 |
| Far East | Stairsteps | Second Resurrection . | Dark Horse | 1976 | 03:00 |
| Salaam | Stairsteps | Second Resurrection. | Dark Horse | 1976 | 03:00 |
| Don't Waste Your Time | The Stairsteps | Jimmy Bishop On Stage Live At the Nixon Theatre. | Meka | 1967 | 03:00 |
| Don't Waste Your Time | The Five Stairsteps | The First Family of Soul: The Best of the Five Stairsteps. | Sbme Special Mkts. | 2008 | 02:19 |
| You Waited Too Long | The Five Stairsteps | The First Family of Soul: The Best of the Five Stairsteps. | Sbme Special Mkts. | 2008 | 02:55 |
| We're A Winner | Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions | The Anthology 1961-1977. | Geffen | 1992 | 02:22 |
| I Made A Mistake | The Five Stairsteps & Cubie | Loves Happening. | Collector's Choice | 2010 | 03:00 |
| Stay Close To Me | The Five Stairsteps & Cubie | The First Family of Soul: The Best of the Five Stairsteps. | Sbme Special Mkts. | 2008 | 03:00 |
| Day | Keni Burke | Keni Burke. | Dark Horse | 1977 | 03:00 |
| Follow The Wind | Midnight Movers Unlimited | Follow The Wind. | Buddah | 1974 | 03:00 |
| Superstition | Quincy Jones | I Heard That. | A&M | 1976 | 05:00 |
| Come Back | The Five Stairsteps | OOh Child . | Unidisc | 1999 | 02:51 |
| Don't Change Your Love | The Five Stairsteps & Cubie | Loves Happening. | Collector's Choice | 2010 | 02:46 |
| Full Moon | The Invisible Mans Band | The Invisible Mans Band . | Mango | 1980 | 04:53 |
| The Shadow of Your Love | The Five Stairsteps & Cubie Featuring Clarence Jr. | 45 RPM Side B BDA-35. | Buddah | 1968 | 03:00 |
| Dear Prudence | The Five Stairsteps | The First Family of Soul: The Best of the Five Stairsteps. | Sbme Special Mkts. | 2010 | 03:32 |
| All Night Thing (Instrumental) | The Invisible Mans Band | All Night Thing (12") Side B . | Mango | 1979 | 08:00 |
| Change Of Pace | The Five Stairsteps | 45 RPM Side B WC-608. | Windy C | 1967 | 02:55 |
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Pamela Kennebrew
Posted on April 04, 2011 at 07:59 PM | Permalink
The Five Stairsteps
Thank you so much for doing such an excellent job!