Includes live concert recordings. Tower of Power is an American R&B and funk band that has been active since 1968. The band is known for its powerful horn section, soulful vocals, and groovy rhythms.
If you are a fan of soul music, chances are you have heard of Tower of Power, the legendary band that has been delivering funky grooves and soulful horns for over 50 years. Tower of Power is one of the most influential and enduring bands in the history of soul music, with a loyal fan base and a legacy of classic songs.
Tower of Power was formed in 1968 in Oakland, California, by Emilio Castillo and Stephen "Doc" Kupka, two young saxophonists who shared a love for soul music. They recruited other musicians and started playing gigs around the Bay Area, developing a distinctive sound that blended funk, R&B, jazz and rock. The band soon caught the attention of Bill Graham, the legendary concert promoter who signed them to his label and gave them exposure to larger audiences.
Tower of Power's breakthrough came in 1972, when they released their third album, Bump City, which featured their first hit single, "You're Still a Young Man". The song showcased the band's powerful horn section, which became their trademark sound. The band followed up with more successful albums and singles, such as "So Very Hard to Go", "What Is Hip?" and "Don't Change Horses (in the Middle of a Stream)". Tower of Power also became in-demand as session musicians, collaborating with artists such as Santana, Elton John, Aerosmith and Huey Lewis and the News.
Tower of Power has gone through many personnel changes over the years, but they have never lost their passion for soul music. The band still tours regularly and releases new albums, such as their latest one, Step Up, which came out in 2020. The band's current lineup includes founding members Castillo and Kupka, along with longtime members David Garibaldi (drums), Francis Rocco Prestia (bass) and Roger Smith (keyboards), as well as newer additions Tom Politzer (saxophone), Adolfo Acosta (trumpet), Sal Cracchiolo (trumpet), Jerry Cortez (guitar) and Marcus Scott (vocals).
Tower of Power is more than just a band; they are a musical institution that has inspired generations of soul fans and musicians. They have proven that soul music is timeless and universal, and that they can still groove like no other. As they say in their motto: "There's only so much oil in the ground. Make it last 'til they find another sound".
Rick Stevens was the original lead singer of the band Tower of Power, a soul and funk group from Oakland, California. He joined the band in 1969 and sang on their first album, East Bay Grease, as well as their second album, Bump City, which featured their hit song "You're Still a Young Man". Stevens left the band in 1973 and was later convicted of murder. He spent 36 years in prison before being released in 2012. He died of cancer in 2017 at the age of 77.
Lenny Williams is a soul singer who is best known for his work with the band Tower of Power in the mid-1970s. He joined the band in 1972 and sang lead vocals on several of their hit songs, such as "So Very Hard to Go", "What Is Hip?" and "Don't Change Horses (in the Middle of a Stream)". He left the band in 1975 to pursue a solo career, but he has occasionally reunited with them for live performances and recordings.
The band has had many lead singers over the years, but in 1992, the role was filled by Tom Bowes. Bowes joined the band after auditioning for Emilio Castillo, the founder and leader of Tower of Power. He sang on the album T.O.P., which was released in 1993 and featured the hit single "Soul with a Capital 'S'". Bowes left the band in 1994 to pursue a solo career.
Larry Braggs is a soul singer who has performed with several renowned bands and artists. He was Tower of Power's lead singer for 13 years, from 1999 to 2012, and currently is lead singer for the Temptations. He joined Tower of Power after impressing them with his powerful voice and soulful style. He recorded several albums and DVDs with them, and toured extensively around the world. He left Tower of Power to pursue other musical opportunities and challenges.
Quality Live Concert Recordings: use menu to select concert.
One of the members of the band is Emilio Castillo, who plays the tenor saxophone and sings vocals. Castillo is also one of the founders and leaders of the band, along with Stephen "Doc" Kupka, who plays the baritone saxophone. Castillo has been with Tower of Power for more than 50 years, and has contributed to many of their hit songs, such as "What Is Hip?" and "You're Still a Young Man". | The current member of the band Tower of Power are: - Emilio Castillo: tenor saxophone, vocals - Stephen "Doc" Kupka: baritone saxophone - David Garibaldi: drums - Roger Smith: keyboards - Jerry Cortez: guitar - Marc van Wageningen: bass - Tom Politzer: lead tenor saxophone - Adolfo Acosta: trumpet, flugelhorn - Sal Cracchiolo: trumpet, flugelhorn - Marcus Scott: lead vocals |
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