Kenneth M. Burke, born September 28 1951, in Chicago, is an American singer and songwriter who began his career as a member of the 1970s family group The Five Stairsteps, contributing to early hits such as "You Waited Too Long". After the group’s success with "Ooh Child" in 1970, Burke transitioned to a solo path, releasing his self‑titled debut album Keni Burke in 1977 and following it with You're the Best in 1981. His third studio effort, Changes, released in 1982, yielded the single "Risin' to the Top", which achieved significant airplay in Chicago and later became a frequent sample source for hip‑hop artists. In 1983, the track "Risin' to the Top" was reissued, further cementing its influence. Burke continued to produce and collaborate through the 1980s and 1990s, working with artists such as Peabo Bryson and The O'Jays, and released Nothin' but Love in 1998. In 2006, "Risin' to the Top" appeared on the soundtrack of the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. On April 3 2022, Kenneth M. Burke received a Lifetime Achievement Award from The National Rhythm and Blues Music Society, recognizing his enduring contributions to American music.
