Remembering The Five Stairsteps — Chicago’s First Family of Soul
RET CULTURE SPOTLIGHT Chicago’s First Family
They came to mind today after I realized March 28th is the birthday of the late Clarence Burke Jr., the group’s lead singer and eldest brother. That little reminder opened the floodgates.
Before The Jackson 5 moonwalked into America's heart, there was The Five Stairsteps — five siblings from Chicago’s South Side, blending gospel roots, tight harmonies, and Curtis Mayfield–shaped soul into something special. Long before the term “boy band” even existed, these kids were carving out their own space in the sound of Black America. Their story isn’t just about hits — it’s about family, foundation, and a sound that sits right in the sweet spot between doo-wop innocence and funk-era sophistication. It’s been a minute since I revisited the Five Stairsteps, but man… they always tug at my heartstrings. They give me that strange, sweet nostalgia for a time I never actually lived through — and that’s not something every group can do. I first discovered them through old records I’d inherited as a kid. One of the first tracks I remember was Playgirl’s Love. I remember the Windy C label, I always paid close attention to record labels. I didn’t think much of the song at the time. Just became another familiar record and group name that I would occasionally come across. But once I truly discovered Curtis Mayfield — the producer, the writer, the soul architect — that's when I truly discovered the Five Stairsteps. And they’ve stayed with me ever since.
They always felt like a baby version of The Miracles: tight harmonies, that lone female voice cutting through just enough to sweeten the blend — only this time the voices were kids, ranging from grade school to 16. Pure charm. Pure soul. Some of you remember them. Some of you probably don’t. But if you’re into harmonies, family groups, Chicago soul, or that golden window before bubblegum took over... lean in.
Where It All Began
They were a sibling act — five kids (later six) from the Burke family, molded into a serious soul group by their parents. Their mother, Betty Burke, once looked at them lined up by height and said, “Y’all look like stair steps.” And just like that, the name stuck.
They were performing professionally before the Jackson 5 ever hit a Motown mic. Okay, maybe that’s a stretch — but it’s fun to say. And don’t argue with me on this: the Stairsteps’ sound was tighter, and their lyrics ran deeper. They were cute, but they were serious about soul. Chicago soul, to be exact.
And what got me thinking about them again? A Facebook post reminded me it was Clarence Burke Jr.’s birthday. The oldest brother. The brains behind the group. I remembered how bummed I was when he passed in 2013 — I’d always hoped to talk to him one day. This post isn’t just a tribute. They’ve been on my mind.
Pops, Smokey & Curtis
Their dad, Clarence Burke Sr., was a Chicago police detective by day and full-time manager by night. Not a Joe Jackson type — more like a firm but fair captain. Betty was the soulful glue, even singing on a few tracks.
In 1965, after winning a talent show at the Regal Theater, Papa Burke met Smokey Robinson backstage. He asked whether to sign the kids to Motown. Smokey said they'd be on salary — that ended the conversation.
Instead, Burke Sr. called an old neighbor — Fred Cash of the Impressions — which led to an audition with Curtis Mayfield. And just like that, the Five Stairsteps were signed to Windy C Records.
The Windy C Era (1966–1968)
Clarence Jr. was only 16 — already leading, writing, arranging, and choreographing. The group featured James, Dennis, Kenneth, and their sister Alohe (pronounced "Aloha"). The oldest two were still attending Harlan High.
Enter George Fowler — a behind-the-scenes influence. A neighborhood teen who mentored Clarence. According to a Blog Talk Radio interview Clarence gave years later, George helped shape their early sound and even co-wrote several songs.
Their first single, Don’t Waste Your Time, produced by Curtis, was paired with You’ve Waited Too Long, written by Fowler and Clarence. It was the B-side that charted — hitting #16 R&B in March 1966.
They followed it up with World of Fantasy b/w Playgirl’s Love (July ’66), and Come Back b/w You Don’t Love Me (October ’66). These records define 1960s teen Chicago soul.
One rare find I treasure: Ain’t Gonna Rest Until I Have You — released the same month as their debut album, the self titled Windy C debut, The Five Stairsteps but mysteriously not included on it. Bizarre, brilliant, and weird in all the right ways. The B-side, You Can’t See, is equally stunning.
Their final Windy C single? The Touch of You b/w Change of Pace — a touching soul ballad backed with a slab of Chicago groove magic.
Our Family Portrait (1968) & Black Respectability
After Windy C folded, Buddah Records signed them directly and released Our Family Portrait. Enter Cubie, the toddler brother — heard only on The New Dance Craze. But visually? He gave them that aww-factor.
The Five Stairsteps 1968 performance for servicemen starting off their short set with personal favorite, “Change Of Pace” then are joined by Cubie who takes the lead on “Don’t Waste Your Time” 1968
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=bnN7ejqhbqo
This album feels buttoned-up. Stylish. Black bourgeoisie at its finest. It even features the parents singing duets. But in post-MLK America, that image — pressed suits, clean harmonies — began to feel out of touch. Revolution was in the air. And respectability was losing its sheen.
Still… I love this album. I even like the mom-and-pop duet.
Love’s Happening (1969)
Curtis launched Curtom Records and brought the group over. The album Love’s Happening was released as the Five Stairsteps & Cubie. Curtis produced it, though much of the material had already been cut by the Impressions.
The Stairsteps gave it their all. The harmonies. The heart. But I do wish Curtis had written more just for them.
Notably, George Fowler disappears after this point. His absence is felt.
O-o-h Child & The Buddah Comeback
In 1970, they rejoined Buddah and released Stairsteps. The B-side, O-o-h Child, became their breakout smash. DJs flipped it. And boom — #8 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The album also included gems like Because I Love You and Didn’t It Look So Easy. But sustaining that momentum? That was harder.
Cubie Out, Dad In
Here’s where it gets… different.
By 1971, Cubie was out. And Dad? All the way in. Literally.
I saw the Love’s Happening cover and thought maybe it was symbolic — just the manager pictured with the kids. Nope. Clarence Sr. had officially joined the group.
He was in the press shots. In the lineup. Funked out and fringed up like Sly Stone’s uncle.
Say what you want about Joe Jackson — at least he never joined his boys group.
Joe Jackson pictured with Clarence Burke Sr. and some members of The Jackson Five and Five Stairsteps.
What Happened After?
In 1975, four brothers recorded 2nd Resurrection on George Harrison’s Dark Horse Records. The single From Us to You hit the R&B Top 10.
Clarence Jr. later formed the Invisible Man’s Band, scoring with All Night Thing in 1980.
The others moved on:
Keni Burke went solo — Risin’ to the Top remains a hip-hop staple.
Cubie became a professional dancer.
Alohe raised a family.
James, Dennis, Kenneth pursued art, bookstores, hair styling… life.
Why Tell This Story?
Because this is where the family band blueprint came from.
Before the Jacksons. Before the Sylvers. Before the DeBarges. There were… the Five Stairsteps.
Start at Windy C. Picture Clarence Jr. leading tight harmonies. George Fowler coaching from the side. Cubie in diapers. Pops posing like Bootsy Collins before Bootsy was Bootsy.
And behind it all? Curtis Mayfield. Cool. Quiet. Brilliant.
Because that all happened. And it’s part of the story.
Easter Sunday, 1961
Papa Burke joins the lineup.
Clarence Burke Sr. with wife Betty Burke.
Salute to Clarence Burke Jr, gone but not forgotten.
Salute to Clarence Burke Jr, gone but not forgotten.
The Burke Family’s appearance on To Tell The Truth
RET-Selected
6 Essential Five Stairsteps Must-Have 45s
Retro-rooted. Culture-approved.
• O-o-h Child b/w Who Do You Belong To — Buddah
The classic smash single b/w my favorite “Who Do You Belong To.” I resist playing it because I can’t help but put it on repeat. Another that highlights the genius of every element involved.
• Something’s Missing b/w Tell Me Who — Buddah Double-sided psychedelic pop soul.
• Stay Close To Me b/w I Made A Mistake — Windy C
Northern Soul floor-filler backed with a sweet soul ballad.
• Don’t Waste Your Time b/w You’ve Waited Too Long — Windy C
The Stairsteps’ debut single, written and produced by mentor Curtis Mayfield. A true-to-heart classic Chicago soul foot-stomper, backed with a sweet teen soul ballad that can only be described as “perfect.”
• Shadow Of Your Love b/w Bad News — Buddah
A-side is middle-of-the-road crossover soul; B-side is the abstract and personal favorite “Bad News”—the only independent Clarence Burke Jr. composition and production. A bold, forward-thinking piece that should’ve been the A-side, IMO. It’s the reason this 45 makes the essential list. Of the five RET-Selected, this A-side is the only one I like but don’t love. The others—both A and B sides—are in constant rotation when I’m on a Stairsteps kick.
• Come Back b/w You Don’t Love Me — Windy C
A brilliant double-sided George Fowler–Clarence Burke Jr. collab. The A-side is a blue light basement ballad; the flip, a mid-tempo Chicago soul slayer. A true reflection of their synergy.
LISTEN: You Don't Love Me (Buddha Remastered 2001) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TuXLLm3S40
Honorable Mentions: Windy C Final Singles
• Ain’t Gonna Rest (Till I Get You) b/w You Can’t See
• The Touch of You b/w Change of Pace
These final Windy C releases capture the group in a transitional moment—experimenting with tighter grooves, deeper harmonies, and a touch of grit. While not essential for every crate, completists and collectors will hear the seeds of what was coming next.
3 Essential Five Stairsteps Must-Have LPs
Crate-tested. Album-approved.
The Five Stairsteps — Windy C debut LP
Our Family Portrait — Buddah Records release
Love’s Happening — Return to Curtis Mayfield under his new Curtom imprint
#RETBackstory #FiveStairsteps #ClarenceBurkeJr #GeorgeFowler #ChicagoSoul #OohChild #RETTV #FamilyBands #CurtisMayfield
