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The Five Stairsteps

The Five Stairsteps, often heralded as "The First Family of Soul", were an American Chicago soul group made famous during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Formed in 1965 by Clarence Burke Sr., the group comprised his five children: Alohe Jean, Clarence Jr., James, Dennis, and Kenneth (and briefly, Cubie). They gained recognition for their rich harmonies and blend of soulful vocals, which were compared to the iconic sounds of their contemporaries, such as The Jackson 5.

Their most enduring hit, "O-o-h Child", released in 1970, became a signpost of the era, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and going on to be covered and sampled by numerous artists across various genres. Other notable tracks include "World of Fantasy" and "Something's Missing." While they never replicated the colossal success of "O-o-h Child", the group left a lasting impression with their heartfelt performances and evocative lyricism. Albums such as "Stairsteps (Expanded Edition)", "The Stairsteps", and "Our Family Portrait" encapsulate the essence of The Five Stairsteps — their sound a blend of smooth soul, R&B, and the occasional touch of psychedelia, bringing the fabric of family and musicality tightly together. Their legacy lives on, as they continue to inspire and bring joy to listeners with their timeless music.

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