Clarence Burke Sr. and The Five Stairsteps on "To Tell the Truth" (February 27, 1967)

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8 жыл бұрын

Clarence Burke Sr., father of the soul group The Five Stairsteps, appears as a contestant on this segment from a 1967 episode of "To Tell the Truth" with host Bud Collyer and panelists Tom Poston, Peggy Cass, Larry Blyden, and Kitty Carlisle.
After the game The Five Stairsteps (Clarence Jr., Kenneth, James, Dennis, and Alohe) accompanied by Charles Smith (drums), Greg Fowler (guitar), and Clarence Burke Sr. (guitar), perform "Danger, She's a Stranger".

Пікірлер: 193

@denisemitchell8477 6 жыл бұрын

ooh child set the tone for turbulent times then remember it all so well that's my jam listen to it everyday

@eastlynburkholder3559 4 жыл бұрын

I listen to it often.

@jeffhoffmann6810 2 жыл бұрын

Godspeed Clarence. I was honored to know you.

@hopediamond4real 7 жыл бұрын

They were such cute and talented kids, and their dad--what a handsome man!!!

@maverick744 3 жыл бұрын

Was from a time where parents really knew how to raise children.. Joe Jackson should have taken notes..

@claystevenson1821 2 жыл бұрын

@@maverick744 shutup

@MusicandDancing4Ever 2 жыл бұрын

@@maverick744 yup from what I learned. He believed in teaching his kids respect and discipline but he was loving, attentive, warm to his kids. He didn’t intimidate, make his kids fear him, nor beat them into music to make them perfect. He encouraged and supported them and they were just naturally good and he didn’t have to push and abuse like joe Jackson.

@JeremyForest 8 жыл бұрын

This is awesome! I too am amazed that this footage survived. The Five Stairsteps aka "The First Family Of Soul" are from my hometown of Chicago. One of the pioneers of family acts to make it into show business. The harmonies they had was just pure amazing and in the era of Soul music. Major respect to the Burke Family!

@jj5307 6 жыл бұрын

Yes.

@denisemitchell8477 6 жыл бұрын

agree

@sonjamarshall8738 4 жыл бұрын

This was super cool choreography by the Stairsteps. From about the age of 5, they seemed like my older cousins or older siblings I wish I had.

@PetePeterkin 3 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bMqiq8KZmNTVcps.html

@JeremyForest 3 жыл бұрын

@@PetePeterkin YES! I absolutely remember seeing the video tribute of the "First Family of Soul." It was awesome and well deserve work.

@raymondjefferson2514 8 жыл бұрын

My older brothers and sisters went to burnside elementary school in they are in class pictures with some of the older burks. My oldest sister Carla was Aloahs friend and was in the same class.they lived very close to us and we went to the same catholic church. then my sister carla graduated in went to Harlan H.S.with Aloah.then we moved from 92nd Evans to 69th in Harverd Carla transfered to Parker H.S. My sister tride to start her own group in the old neighborhood 92nd evans. When Carla was in parker her roommate was either Sheila or Wanda of the Emotions. I used to see them sing comercials on the front steps of the school later on we saw their concerts at the old ChicagoTeachers College which was conected to the parker Elementary. Around 1967or 69 My sister took me an my other family to see the Stairsteps at the Capital Theater. man that was a good show even thow Aloah was not there,they had moves all over the stage, When they sang (Baby make me fill so good),my sis sang Aloahs part in the audience in the people liked her sound. later down the way me my yunger brother became musical in out of 8 siblings 4 could sing very good. we woud allways have family jams later I played with Redd holt Sons and his two nefews in two different Groups and many other groups from around where the Stairsteps started out. I played with Dorthy hays or Williams of the (Sequens.the Holt Brothes Band,The band Tight, Far Star, APO,and other groups around Chi.

@MrQuaazga 5 жыл бұрын

Carla me and Catherine Woods in Sara Rogers, the teacher class at Burnside?

@enliteus027 4 жыл бұрын

I love and met the Five Stairsteps when they lived on 92nd. Also, I was very good friends with Shelia of the Emotions and I also sang background with a group called the femininicks and was married to James from the group Heaven And Earth with there hit single Guess Who's Back In Town. Those were the good old days. ❤

@PetePeterkin 3 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bMqiq8KZmNTVcps.html

@donaldmcclurejr.494 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing performance by the Five Stairsteps! One of my personal favorite groups of all time! I thought the short light skin Burke brother was Dennis the whole time. I didn't know he was James.

@kennethcraddock2313 7 жыл бұрын

Before J5, I saw them many times,they were hooked up with Curtis Mayfield. Better than J5 to me truly talented played instruments and family harmony second to none!

@yug08 7 жыл бұрын

Ya got that right! They are truly the first family of song!

@jj5307 6 жыл бұрын

Yes.

@debalvarez3 4 жыл бұрын

Just as good as Jackson 5 back then but when Michael grew up as a whole different story

@lwmson 4 жыл бұрын

With the exception of Michael, I would agree that they were just as talented as the J-5. But the reason why they were not as successful was because in contrast to the J-5 they had poor musical direction. And their father's constant intervention into the group's agenda was also detriment.

@alexisewing53 3 жыл бұрын

RIP James Burke😞another stairstep has gained their wings today (2/19/2021)

@beverlyhoward3512 Жыл бұрын

What a treat one of my favorite song, a huge talent♥️♥️♥️

@rogerwinters9856 5 жыл бұрын

Their father is a handsome man and I mean man with a beautiful family love them on soul train "Ooh Child" great group.

@jimmyhendrixs2799 3 жыл бұрын

Dam this group was cold them and the slyvers!

@soulfoodie1 4 жыл бұрын

Such an amazing group . And great footage

@renaissanceman165 4 жыл бұрын

The Five Stairsteps burst on the scene with their hit song "World of Fantasy" released around 1967, along with other hits such as "You Waited Too Long", and "Come Back". Their last big hit, with all five original members was "Ooh Child", in 1970. After sister, Aloha, left the group to start a family, the four brothers continued as "The Stairsteps" throughout the early to mid 70s. They later resurfaced in 1980 as the "Invisible Man's Band" with their hit single "All Night Thing". Kenny (Keni) Burke continued as a soloist a few years later, with his hit "Keep Rising To The Top". Check it Out! Ciao!!!

@edwinmartinez9787 7 ай бұрын

You nailed it we were lucky to experience this great group.

@havplenty 7 жыл бұрын

Gotta love those original moves. The Five Stairsteps did set the standard for family groups.

@alexisewing53 3 жыл бұрын

R.I.P Clarence Sr. (Papa Burke), who died last month & a day before his 91st birthday (July 17th). Which is very odd because Clarence Jr. died a day after his 64th birthday & their younger brother cubie died around the same time a year later.

@amornaocorrespondido6879 2 жыл бұрын

It was very painful to Clarence Sr. to see the death of his two sons

@jeffhoffmann6810 2 жыл бұрын

Did Clarence Sr live in NJ?

@MusicandDancing4Ever 2 жыл бұрын

Clarence Burke Sr is a father to admire. From what I learned. He believed in teaching his kids respect and discipline but he was loving, attentive, and warm to his kids. He didn’t intimidate, make his kids fear him, nor beat them into music to make them perfect. He encouraged and supported them and they were just naturally good and he didn’t have to push and abuse like joe Jackson.

@DavidRoss-lo7kz 10 ай бұрын

Excellent footage

@justpde 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this. I caught the attention of Clarence Jr. after show and almost fainted. Major crush on him. And what a handsome father. RIP Clarence Jr. and Cubie.

@latteliz1944 2 жыл бұрын

What a beautiful 👪 family love it 💗💗💗💗💗

@surfboy5 4 ай бұрын

Fantastic. Just saw the show on KZfaq. Wow!

@tonyrossbackinthedaymusicv3107 4 жыл бұрын

They were INCREDIBLE.

@edinny8001 Жыл бұрын

What an amazing time tunnel and what a great family, I definitely picked #2 immediately before any questions were asked and was surprised that everyone didn't after the responses to the questions . Thanks for taking the time to share this!

@ゆしもし 11 ай бұрын

Amazing stairsteps ❤

@PetePeterkin 8 жыл бұрын

I been waiting 40 years to see some footage like this// I talked to Clarence Jr before he died and he did not have a clue as to where to find footage of the group at this stage /

@wblk 8 жыл бұрын

Aloha radio interview from the only female member of the group. ALOHE BURKE 2011 beta.prx.org/stories/61791

@Exiles800 5 жыл бұрын

@@wblk Great radio show...Good to hear about this little 60's treasure of a band...

@draydayj1 5 жыл бұрын

Know they were very talented and the song Clarence is singing was b4 it's time. Very good looking family! But will someone tell Google to remove June Pointer's image when Alohe is googled!! Sweethearts, that's not her!!! Lol

@PetePeterkin 4 жыл бұрын

@@wblk kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bMqiq8KZmNTVcps.html

@wblk 4 жыл бұрын

@@PetePeterkin thanks for the link

@gregfoles5480 3 жыл бұрын

Before The Jacksons, The Sylvers and The DeBarges, there were The Burkes: The Five Stairsteps.

@sharon18334 3 ай бұрын

First remarkable family group. Self taught and 17 year old wrote all the songs. They started very young.

@erictucker4412 2 жыл бұрын

And as if they couldn’t get any better…. The Invisible Mans Band!!!!! “All Night Thang”

@worldheatpodcastwithjasonl2323 2 жыл бұрын

Wow 🤩 amazing

@dishyaboy 4 жыл бұрын

"#1 looked like a good father and a good cop" "#1 looks like a man who is so responsible"

@namersongs 4 жыл бұрын

Check this kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bMqiq8KZmNTVcps.html

@chariotwofilthy8374 3 жыл бұрын

Hi edagdwg thanks for sharing this story life is real being yourself is how you are God is always around pray changes everything and people show up for yourself and ☮️☮️☮️🦋🌹🦋🌈

@ChinatownTim 2 жыл бұрын

Great group... One of my favorites!

@kengore5627 Жыл бұрын

This is class!

@sonet1231 8 жыл бұрын

Real cool since I had never see his dad I enjoyed the show. I thought it was number 3. Had me full for the whole show thanks for sharing

@elizabethdixon6472 7 ай бұрын

Wow! I loved this. The Stairsteps was soo underrated. They was out before the J/5. Continue to R.I.P., Clarance.

@Lisa-di1wi 7 жыл бұрын

I first heard World of Fantasy on Harvey Holiday's Sunday night oldies show on WDAS here in Philly back in the late 70's. They sounded like they were from Philly and I thought that the song first came out in 1968. But it's a great song and I like it.

@renaissanceman165 4 жыл бұрын

You are pretty much spot on. Harvey Holiday was already playing oldies music back in the late 70s, which then consisted of a lot of music from the 50s, and 60s. He played doo wop, soul, and tons of Motown music. Still going strong, he now works for WOGL 98.1, and has been playing oldies for the past 30 years. Regarding The Five Stairsteps song "World of Fantasy" it was released around 1967, along with other hits such as "You Waited Too Long", and "Come Back". Their last big hit, with all five original members was "Ooh Child", in 1970. After sister, Aloha, left the group to start a family, the four brothers continued as "The Stairsteps" throughout the early to mid 70s. They later resurfaced in 1980 as the "Invisible Man's Band" with their hit single "All Night Thing". Kenny (Keni) Burke continued as a soloist a few years later, with his hit "Keep Rising To The Top". Check it Out! Ciao!!!

@chuckdieselkicksdisks2380 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for posting this big fan of this group since I was about 10 years old, I've tried to collect as many of their records as I can and to see this rare performance, their dad participating in this show this is so awesome thank you very much. Have a great holiday and a great New Year Best wishes from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

@ingridfraser3884 4 жыл бұрын

Chuck Diese

@samthesham5294 4 жыл бұрын

Clarence jr voice is Awesome. He out sings Jermaine Jackson here.

@oldsoulgit 7 жыл бұрын

Love the stairsteps, I still have the 45 Danger !!!

@medusabrown420 5 жыл бұрын

Jr. has got Smokey Robinson moves!

@dennislee4868 3 жыл бұрын

Yes. What a wonderful man and friend. I never forget them in school. And there father he said to me one day you look like ond of my boys man that wad and honer cause alot of people told me that but coming from him I took pride l will miss daddy burke may he. R.I.H. thank so much peace brotha!!!!

@capcitymediagroup831 8 жыл бұрын

all i can say is wow

@jj5307 6 жыл бұрын

Yes.

@jdthomas4027 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting. I was a member of the fan club in the Bronx. And went to every show at the Apollo.

@veltlewis76 7 жыл бұрын

Went to school with them and remember them when they lived close Burnside school.Classic music

@edwinmartinez9787 7 ай бұрын

Pave the way for the Jackson five they were great

@christiancreech6894 5 жыл бұрын

just come across these, what a group and what a great upload!

@wblk 8 жыл бұрын

dang how rear is this, I'm surprised this film survived. thanks for the post.

@kathieadams9271 8 жыл бұрын

Good Memories

@hisbeautifultruth5931 Жыл бұрын

Wow, i was born 4 months later! Something about the passage of time...

@JJJBRICE 6 жыл бұрын

Nice of TTTT to give them this plug. Anyone who has seen pictures of the Stairsteps would know at the beginning who the daddy was , a handsome police detective like Ron Glass of Barney Miller .Aloha was a pretty girl.

@faith9150 Жыл бұрын

Love that song in 2023

@Gump-tion 7 жыл бұрын

Classic Man! Thanks for the upload!

@nyronut 8 ай бұрын

GREATEST KIDDIE GROUP OF ALL TIME !!

@namersongs 8 жыл бұрын

This is awesome....great! Terrific! ///Now if we could just get the footage from that TV show SOUL starring Ellis Hazlip that would be truly awesome! The Stairsteps had the whole hour!!! I remember them turning that show out!!! We all LOVE The Jackson 5.....but let us never forget the World Of Fantasy created by the music of this amazing group! (Can you BELIEVE how cute little Keni Burke was back then?...I mean what was he....like 6 years old??? LOL)

@KennedyMusicTheories 4 жыл бұрын

And that smile...Wow

@mrmaxxx94 3 жыл бұрын

One of the greatest family acts ever, respect and props they are underrated and have never gotten their true due,great footage thank you

@michellekirkendall818 Жыл бұрын

@Mr Maxxx: They were NOT "unsung" and "underrated" they were played on black radio. A Chicago group, they were played on WVON-AM 1450. Their songs were written and produced by the one and only Curtis Mayfield. Clarence Burke, Jr, and Greg Fowler wrote songs as well. At this point, the group WAS NOT CROSSOVER. In 1970, their only million seller was "O-o-h Child." Their non-crossover work was excellent. They had the full support from the black community. What else did they need?

@mrmaxxx94 Жыл бұрын

@@michellekirkendall818 you missed the point and were they as highlighted as the jackson 5? The Isley Brothers? Debarge? The Sylvers? I stand by what I said. Thank you. Chicago doesn't represent the whole world of R&B. Now talent wise they hang with any family act.

@michellekirkendall818 Жыл бұрын

@@mrmaxxx94 It doesn't matter. They were where they were supposed to be. You weren't born in Chicago, and, you WEREN'T BORN when the Five Stairsteps performed. So, naturally you can't feel what I am feeling. You're seeing "who is famous," who had gold records, or who was highly publicized. There are local groups in EVERY CITY that weren't huge, but leave a lasting impact on its citizens. The Stairsteps were that group. Whether you understand or not. I know every group you named. Big deal. All of them were before your time. Did you ever purchase "Diana Ross Presents The Jackson Five" (1969)? I did. And, it was before your time. I could say more, but choose not to. You can't feel what I feel. Success means gold records, Soul Train, or if they're not playing your song in the "big time" you don't matter. I know about more music than you'll EVER KNOW, buddy. Clarence, Jr, James, Dennis, Kenneth and Aloha were where they should have been. Produced by the illustrious songwriter Curtis Mayfield, the kid's dad, Clarence, Sr and Greg Fowler. You can't touch what I felt. Don't try.

@mitchharrelson7439 7 жыл бұрын

Fantastic!!!!

@evatorres2214 3 жыл бұрын

Omg. I'm getting chills. Classic Chicago. Tyty

@smileyladyT 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful performance

@imbees2 9 ай бұрын

That's what I' talking bout!!!!

@jhonezcronic 5 жыл бұрын

this is so unbelievably great .... thats about it as far as words can go on this clip....

@paulflanagan5395 Жыл бұрын

CHICAGO, OH YEAH

@cherrellboston3410 7 жыл бұрын

Great Post!

@Brickcitygirl 3 жыл бұрын

everybody knows who he is

@havplenty 7 жыл бұрын

...and more live Stairsteps footage

@chuckdieselkicksdisks2380 6 жыл бұрын

havplenty awesome ain't it not a lip sync a live performance it's great, if you know where any other live performances or even videos of them syncing or let me know

@deloresgasque2358 3 жыл бұрын

The Five Stair Steps never got their props

@dme1016 5 жыл бұрын

Without watching the full clip, I pick #2 as the real Clarence Burke Sr. He looks lije those handsome Burke offspring.

@irenebrito3975 7 жыл бұрын

oldie's would always be my number one... d

@BizzyTren 6 жыл бұрын

The eyes

@robertvelez8485 7 жыл бұрын

Wow, I don't believe it! Watching this clip from To Tell The Truth on the 5 Stairsteps from 1967 is a dream come true! Where can I get this on DVD for my personal collection? Truly magnificent and hoping and praying that there are more video clips out there for the "First Family Of Soul!"

@jj5307 6 жыл бұрын

Yes.

@imbees2 6 жыл бұрын

The Five Stairsteps were second to none. I saw them in person at the Uptown in Philadelphia. Cubie, sang lead! It's just a Playgirl's Love, It's just a playgirl's love!! yeah. I have the 45s of all their songs. World of Fantasy!!!

@freein2339 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the upload....not much live footage of the 5 stairsteps...

@CSltz 7 жыл бұрын

Wholly Cow you people amaze me with these clips... I thought it was # The bartender..

@imbees2 3 жыл бұрын

This was during the time of world of fantasy.

@martinduboise1522 5 жыл бұрын

The best love song🎶

@bp5269 4 жыл бұрын

Luv.It!!!

@petercallaway3376 8 жыл бұрын

I actually saw this 49 years ago and wondered when it was going to emerge on KZfaq.. I went to the same high school John Marshall Harlan on the South side of Chicago. The Steps lived on 99th in South Park across from the DMV renamed KIng Drive. Amazing! Clarence and Kenny were superb guitarist and bassist respectably. Does anyone have any info on Gregory Fowler the guitarist? Great musician and songwriter.

@michaeljulius119 8 жыл бұрын

Greg Fowler died approximately 3 months ago.

@petercallaway3376 8 жыл бұрын

+Michael Julius thanks I wondered for 30 years. Do you have an obituary or any other info? Was he still playing guitar? How old was he? etc Please post a link.

@michaeljulius119 8 жыл бұрын

No I'm sorry I don't. To my knowledge Greg had been ill and hadn't played for awhile. Of course Clarence and Cube have also passed. Keni and everyone else is well and still in metro Atlanta.

@petercallaway3376 8 жыл бұрын

+Michael Julius how did you come by the info on Gregory Fowler?

@michaeljulius119 8 жыл бұрын

+Peter Callaway I've known the Burke's

@raymondjefferson2514 8 жыл бұрын

I did see the Stair Steps on American Band Stand back in the day, so I no that show is out there, And a show that I saw in 2003 at the Blues Museum a traveling museum in Chicago with film of old Regal shows from the 50s, 60s 70s And a show FROM THE ISLEY BRO.ITS YOUR THING CONCERT 1971FEATURING THE STAIRSTEPS lookin to see both of them again.

@rexxgarvin5313 8 жыл бұрын

+Raymond Jefferson They are the first family! Underrated!!

@maryschlenker3244 5 жыл бұрын

Best kiddie group of the 60s

@mauriciobeltre14 6 жыл бұрын

Wow.....this was nice. Alohe was a cuttie eh?

@OpentoPublic 8 жыл бұрын

Nice

@jeffkatt 2 жыл бұрын

They came before The Jackson 5 and The Sylvers

@lifeworksndhenterprisesllc6597 4 жыл бұрын

I knew the Burke family performing on soul train ,soul and Barbara McNair show, Della Reese show. but not in public arenas like regal,the Apollo and Howard theaters but I got to get copyright permission to make thier life story as a play or film.

@michellekirkendall818 Жыл бұрын

Yet, you didn't know they played at the Regal or Apollo? And you're doing a screenplay? They are Chicagoans, like I am; they played at The Regal Theater, 47th and King Drive (then called South Parkway) in 1966. I was in eighth grade.

@charlenem.jacksonismrs.mic1660 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, this happened on my date of birth. Very Interesting!

@sweetwildangel1 4 жыл бұрын

💖

@richardmorris7063 6 жыл бұрын

Don't know if you can compare them to j5 but ooh child was as memorable and in step with the time as any song i can remember

@jamalgraham4561 8 жыл бұрын

One of their best sings was "you make me so mad;

@lifeworksndhenterprisesllc6597 4 жыл бұрын

I love clarence ,sr.'s song what about your wife, he has a sensual baritone even Brook Benton give him a pass.

@martinduboise1522 6 жыл бұрын

Rip

@cityrayman 7 жыл бұрын

Has anyone found any video of the Stairsteps performing at the "Its Your Thing" concert in New York circa 1970??? I have been told it is on video but can't find any evidence of it anywhere!

@chariotwofilthy8374 4 жыл бұрын

Gm edagdwg thanks You Tube for this history so nice to know they were on a game show Linda j peace ❤️ 💯🌈 🌈🦅 🦅🦅 free

@havplenty 7 жыл бұрын

If we could see the Berry Gordy Jr. episode...

@francespowell3696 7 жыл бұрын

How much hooky and money l spent chasing the first family of soul.. from the Apollo to the Chita. Saw Clarence @the Sugar Bar ..Where are they now

@ACCOMPLISHEDSHEIS 7 жыл бұрын

Clarence Jr. passed few years ago long with their baby brother Cubie. Keni still make music, but the rest of the family is living low key. Aloha, their sister is a muslim whom changed her name to Rami Aslam, something....

@lifeworksndhenterprisesllc6597 5 жыл бұрын

ME-Tube Your Space! she's still a scientist for Emory university in Atlanta GA

@molinalong3468 3 жыл бұрын

The five stairsteps song named ooo child in nineteen seventy

@craigdavis5407 Жыл бұрын

At 7:53✊✊✊

@gladysrodgers4015 6 жыл бұрын

@jimervin1637 3 жыл бұрын

1967? I almost thought that was 1957 and a mistake had been made on the year. But they didn't have soul music in '57, I realize. But we never did hear of the group here on the west coast, not that I'm aware of at least.

@michellekirkendall818 Жыл бұрын

They are a Chicago group, they recorded on the "Windy C" imprint (Cameo-Parkway) under the direction of Curtis Mayfield and Clarence Burke, Sr. Their first song was "You Waited Too Long," the "B" side was a hit in the black community, "Don't Waste Your Time" (1966). The group's only crossover hit was "O-o-h Child" in 1970.