Five Stairsteps
Formed in 1965 in Chicago, Illinois, The Five Stairsteps was a soul group best
known for their 1970 hit “O-o-h Child”. Nicknamed the ‘First Family of Soul’,
the vocal quintet featured five (of six) Burke siblings - Keni, Alohe Jean,
Dennis, James, and Clarence Jr. - all of whom were still in their teens. Their
father, Clarence Burke, Sr., was originally a detective for the Chicago Police
Department, but focused his attention on managing his children, playing bass,
and co-writing songs. After winning a talent show, they were eventually signed
to Curtis Mayfield’s Windy City label,...
