Died On This Date (May 26, 2013) Clarence Burke, Jr / The Five Stairsteps; Had Hit With “O-o-h Child”
themusicsover Clarence Burke, Jr.
May 25, 1949 – May 26, 2013
Clarence Burke, Jr. was the front man for the legendary soul group, the Five Stairsteps. Formed by five siblings in 1965, the “First Family of Soul,” as they were known, is perhaps best remembered for their Top 10 single, “O-o-h Child,” which was released in 1970. Throughout the years, the song has been covered, sampled and used in films and television countless times. Burke was not only the lead singer of the group, but was also their guitar player, choreographer and primary songwriter. During the mid ’70s, the Stairsteps, as they were then known, were introduced to the George Harrison by Billy Preston. Harrison soon signed them to his Dark Horse Records who released their final hit, “From Us To You,” in 1976. The group soon broke up so Burke formed the Invisible Man’s Band who had a minor disco hit with “All Night Thing” in 1980. That band split up the following year after which Burke continued on as a solo artist for the remainder of his life. Clarence Burke Jr. was 64 when he passed away on May 26, 2013. Cause of death was not immediately released.
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