Clarence Burke Jr- Five Stairsteps RIP

**paladin** · 05-26-2013, 03:08 PM

His brother Keni has posted the sad news, no details are available at this time. This has been a terrible week for Chicago Soul Fans.

**jboy88** · 05-26-2013, 03:32 PM

REALLY?! I was just playing there stuff on spotify this morning. Very shocking news.

**Soul Sister** · 05-26-2013, 03:56 PM

OH NO, Kdub!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so sorry to hear this, this saddens me, I was backstage on shows with them in the 60's. Clarence was one of my favorite lead singers.
He looked so healthy and strong, what could have happened to him. I'm going to Keni's page now.

My heart goes out to the whole Burke Family, may he rest on peace.
Thanks for all the beautiful music Clarence. We will all miss you.

S.S.
***

**marv2** · 05-26-2013, 04:04 PM

This is terrible news! I just got the news. I was always hoping that Clarence Burke would make a comeback in front of the mic with another extraordinary production. Years go by so quickly. Whatever happened I pray he did not suffer and went peacefully. His and his family's music has provided me and countless others hours of pleasure. God Bless him and Burke Family. Rest in peace Clarence......................thanks man!

Marv

**JIVE FIVE Mary G.** · 05-26-2013, 04:13 PM

Too, too SAD!!! I'm so sorry to hear the news. Felix Hernandez did a birthday tribute to him on Rhythm Revue yesterday and I posted 3 of his songs.

My condolences to his family and friends. Thank you for all the wonderful music.

It's getting beyond depressing hearing of those who are ill and those who have passed.

May Clarence Rest In Peace...

~~Mary~~

**splanky** · 05-26-2013, 04:29 PM

Just thought I'd peek in again before I start dinner and watch a movie when I saw this..
Way too sad for me. RIP, Clarence....Damn....no more to say today...

**midnightman** · 05-26-2013, 04:31 PM

Yeah I read the news on Facebook like "what?" Whatever happened, may he rest in peace. Long live the Stairsteps.

**REDHOT** · 05-26-2013, 07:36 PM

Clarence Burke Jr of The Stairsteps was The Best of The Best.R.I.P My Brother.

**tallone** · 05-26-2013, 11:25 PM

Just saw the news on Facebook and I was shocked. I was just thinking about the honor I had of speaking with him on a radio broadcast about two or three years ago. I was just playing "All night thing" on Friday.
WOW!!! I'm still in shock.
My most sincere and deepest condolences to the Burke Family.

**nysister** · 05-27-2013, 01:57 AM

Such sad news....Rest In Peace Clarence.

**nosey** · 05-27-2013, 12:09 PM

Tallone, I spoke with him on that show as well. One of my favorite groups and I kept hinting to TJ to get the 5 Stairsteps on PBS while they were still alive. I too was playing a compilation CD of theirs that had Danger, She's a Stranger on it. This really saddens me as the 5 Stairsteps really represented my teen years.

**Kamasu_Jr** · 05-27-2013, 12:26 PM

Very sad news. Another one gone to Soul Heaven. RIP Clarence Burke Jr.

**marv2** · 05-27-2013, 07:58 PM

Here's a glimpse of just how bad Clarence Burke was......check this out:

**tallone** · 05-27-2013, 09:52 PM

Hey Nosey.....
I remember hearing you on that show as well. I will always remember how humble and down to earth he was and how he made you feel that you were real important and a friend. We even kept in touch for awhile by email. Clarence Burke, Jr. is indeed one to be remembered always.

**Soul Sister** · 05-27-2013, 10:24 PM

Junior could sing anything and he was fly too!!

S.S.
***

**rrussi** · 05-28-2013, 11:44 AM

I saw the group perform twice in the 60s--
*in the spring of 68 with Jackie Wilson, Impressions, Barbara Mason,
Peaches & Herb, etc.
*in 69 with Ben E. King, Tyrone Davis, Bettye Swann, etc.

They were a great group!