LOS ANGELES (AP) — Clarence Burke Jr., lead singer of the group the Five Stairsteps that sang the 1970 hit “O-o-h Child,” (see video below) has died. He was 64.
His manager, Joe Marno, says Burke died Sunday in Marietta, Georgia, where he lived. The cause of his death was not disclosed. Formed in Chicago in 1965, the Five Stairsteps included Burke and four siblings.
The group had several hits in the 1960s and ’70s, including “You Waited Too Long,” ”World of Fantasy,” and “Don’t Change Your Love.”
The Los Angeles Times says the group disbanded in the late 1970s but the brothers briefly reformed as the Invisible Man’s Band and had a 1980 success with the dance single “All Night Thing.” His family says in recent years, Burke performed solo concerts and continued to record.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrotsEzgEpg&w=420&h=315]
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press via thegrio.com
R.I.P. Clarence Burke Jr., Lead Singer of the Five Stairsteps
Published in Commemorations, Crossovers, Entertainment, Music and Pop/R&B/Dance
All these years I thought this talented group consisted only of men, boy was I stunned.. I just discovered there was a women in the group,, beautiful and sexy” oohh what sweet memories- rest in peace Clarence Burke, RIP