Alohe Jean Burke, eldest from Chicago family soul group The Five Stairsteps (1965 - 1971)

 Alohe Jean Burke is the eldest child and only female member of The Five Stairsteps, the Chicago family soul group often called "The First Family of Soul" (1965–1971+). Renowned for her deep, heavy contralto voice, she provided a grounded, gritty soul foundation to their harmonies.

Key details regarding Alohe Jean Burke and the group include:

• Role & Sound: As the eldest sister, Alohe provided a distinct, mature vocal counterpoint to her brothers (Clarence Jr., James, Dennis, and Keni) on hits like "O-o-h Child".
• Background: The group was formed in Chicago and discovered by Fred Cash of The Impressions, leading them to work with Curtis Mayfield.
• Career & Departure: She recorded with the group through their transition to Buddah Records and later Dark Horse Records (signed by George Harrison) before leaving in 1972.
• Post-Music: After leaving the group, she embarked on a spiritual journey, later graduating and working at Emory University. 

The Five Stairsteps, frequently managed and backed by their father, Clarence Burke Sr., were recognized for their unique family harmony and Chicago soul sound from 1965 until the mid-1970s.

Alohe Jean Burke

 (now known as Alohe Rami) was the eldest sibling and only sister in the legendary Chicago soul group The Five Stairsteps. Her vocal presence was a cornerstone of the group's "First Family of Soul" sound, often described as a deep-and-throaty contralto. 

Vocal Profile & Role

• Signature Sound: Her heavy, rich contralto range provided a low-end vocal texture that many listeners felt gave the group a "soul brother" grit.
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• Lead Vocals: While Clarence Jr. was the primary lead, Alohe’s distinct voice shared lead duties on several tracks, most famously providing the soulful opening and key verses of their million-selling hit, "O-o-h Child".
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• Musicianship: Beyond her vocals, she was a versatile musician who played trumpet in her school's concert orchestra and later incorporated drums into her musical repertoire. 

Life & Legacy

• Post-Stairsteps: She left the group in 1972 to pursue a spiritual journey. She eventually moved to Atlanta, where she graduated from college and worked as a scientist at Emory University.
• Family Connection: As of 2025, Alohe and her brother Dennis are the group's surviving original members following the passing of Clarence Jr. (2013), Cubie (2014), and James (2021).
• Insights: You can hear more of her perspective on the group’s rise in the interview series STAIRSTEPS Stories! VOL. 2 on PRX. 

While Alohe's heavy contralto provided the foundational low end for many of the group's harmonies, there are a few standout moments where her "soul brother" depth takes center stage.

Primary Showcases

• "The Look of Love" (from Our Family Portrait, 1968): This is arguably her most definitive lead vocal. She delivers a deep, smoky, and jazz-inflected interpretation of the Burt Bacharach classic Last.fm. Her register here is so low and rich that it perfectly captures the "womanish" grit you mentioned YouTube.
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• "O-o-h Child" (1970): Though a group effort, Alohe is the one who opens the song and carries several key lead lines alongside Clarence Jr. and Keni Facebook. Many listeners are often surprised to learn that the "soulful brother" voice starting the track is actually the eldest sister Facebook.
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• "Something's Missing" (1967): On this track, she is explicitly credited with shared lead vocals alongside Clarence Burke Jr. Spotify.

Notable Performance

• "Danger! She's A Stranger" (Live on To Tell the Truth, 1967): The group performed this "slinky, exotic" track live on national television, showcasing their tight family harmonies with Alohe’s deep voice anchoring the lower parts Wikipedia.