Biography
Keni Burke, born Kenneth M. Burke on September 28, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois, is an American R&B, soul, funk, and jazz singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist[6]. He first gained prominence as the youngest member of the Five Stairsteps, a family soul group best known for their 1970 hit "O-o-h Child," which sold over a million copies[1][6]. Burke wrote the group's first minor hit, "You Waited Too Long," in 1966, and later penned their 1976 hit "From Us to You" after the group signed with George Harrison's Dark Horse Records[1][6]. After the Five Stairsteps disbanded, Burke continued as a session musician for Dark Horse, contributing instrumentation for a diverse array of artists while launching his solo career[1][6].
Burke's solo work is characterized by smooth, post-disco grooves, sophisticated arrangements, and his distinctive bass playing. His 1982 album Changes featured the signature hit "Risin' to the Top," which became a Chicago favorite and a widely sampled track in hip hop[1][6]. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Burke remained active as a session player and producer, working with major R&B and soul acts. His 1998 album Nothin' but Love included the UK hit "Indigenous Love." Burke's legacy lies in his seamless blend of soul, funk, and jazz, his influential bass lines, and his enduring impact on both R&B and hip hop music[1][6].
Fun Facts
- Keni Burke is the only member of the original Five Stairsteps still actively involved in music today[2].
- His song "Risin' to the Top" was featured in the soundtrack of the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories in 2006[1][6].
- Burke received a Lifetime Achievement Award from The National Rhythm and Blues Music Society in 2022[1].
- Despite his influence, Burke's 1981 album You're the Best was largely overlooked by RCA, which focused promotion on only a few tracks[2].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Curtis Mayfield - collaborated on songwriting and production ("Never Stop Loving Me") [1980s]
- Bill Withers - co-wrote songs with Burke ("Gotta Find My Way Back to Your Heart") [1980s]
Key Collaborators
- Five Stairsteps - founding member and primary songwriter ("O-o-h Child," "From Us to You") [1960s–1970s]
- Sly & the Family Stone - session musician (various recordings) [1970s]
- Natalie Cole - session musician (various recordings) [1970s–1980s]
- Billy Preston - session musician (various recordings) [1970s–1980s]
- Dusty Springfield - session musician (various recordings) [1970s–1980s]
- Diana Ross - session musician (various recordings) [1970s–1980s]
- Gladys Knight - session musician (various recordings) [1970s–1980s]
- Peabo Bryson - production and session work (various recordings) [1980s–1990s]
- The O'Jays - production and session work (various recordings) [1980s–1990s]
- The Jones Girls - production and session work (various recordings) [1980s–1990s]
- Keith Sweat - production and session work (various recordings) [1980s–1990s]
Artists Influenced
- Doug E. Fresh - sampled "Risin' to the Top" ("Keep Risin' to the Top") [1980s]
- Big Daddy Kane - sampled "Risin' to the Top" ("Smooth Operator") [1980s]
- LL Cool J - sampled "Risin' to the Top" ("Around the Way Girl," "Paradise") [1980s–2000s]
- Pete Rock & CL Smooth - sampled "Risin' to the Top" ("Take You There") [1990s]
- Mary J. Blige - sampled "Risin' to the Top" ("Love No Limit") [1990s]
- O.C. - sampled "Risin' to the Top" ("Born 2 Live") [1990s]
- Sean Price - sampled "Risin' to the Top" ("Sabado Gigante") [2000s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Changes (Expanded Edition) | 2014-06-27 | Album |
| You're the Best (Expanded) | 2014-06-27 | Album |
| The Mix Tape - Volume II 60 Minutes of Funk (Explicit) | 1997-10-14 | Album |
| Nothin' But Love | 2007 | Album |
| Keni Burke (2022 Remaster) | 1977-08-16 | Album |
| Glitterbox - This Ain't No Disco | 2018-06-08 | Album |
| Glitterbox - This Ain't No Disco | 2018-06-08 | Album |
| Glitterbox - This Ain't No Disco | 2018-06-08 | Album |
| Superconductor | 2015-06-01 | Album |
| You're the Best | 2014-09-19 | Album |
| Changes | 2014-08-15 | Album |
| Gravy | 2007-01-01 | Album |
| Gravy | 2007-01-01 | Album |
| Gravy | 2007-01-01 | Album |
| Billion Pound Project | 2006 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Risin' to the Top (Changes (Expanded Edition))
- Risin' to the Top - 7" Version (Changes (Expanded Edition))
- So Real
- Let Somebody Love You (You're the Best (Expanded))
- Hang Tight (Changes (Expanded Edition))
- Indigenous Love (Nothin' But Love)
- All Night (Changes (Expanded Edition))
- One Minute More (Changes (Expanded Edition))
- Risin' to the Top
- Tell Me You Want My Love (Nothin' But Love)
External Links
Tags: #r&b
References
Heard on WWOZ
Keni Burke has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 4, 2025 | 14:45 | Risin' to the Top | Bluesw/ DJ Giant | |
| Oct 13, 2025 | 22:12 | All Night | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman | |
| Sep 27, 2025 | 20:52 | Keep on Singingfrom Keni Burke | Soul Powerw/ Soul Sister |