Tower of Power Biography
After four decades as a successful recording and touring act, Tower of Power is an American musical institution. A classically-styled horn-driven funk-soul juggernaut, the band rose to prominence in the early ’70s, and has maintained its sound in the decades since, persevering through various personnel changes without diverging from its original musical mission.
Tower of Power was formed in Oakland, California in the late ’60s by Detroit-born tenor saxophonist Emilio Castillo, evolving from his early outfit the Motowns. The band became a popular live attraction in the Bay Area, with a solid ten-piece lineup that included such long-term members as baritone saxophonist Stephen “Doc” Kupka (with whom Castillo would co-write many of the band’s original tunes), trumpeter Greg Adams and bassist Rocco Prestia.
By 1970, Tower of Power had begun recording for Bill Graham’s San Francisco Records. The band hit its stride in the early ’70s, releasing a string of well-received albums and gaining a reputation for its powerful stage act. Meanwhile, ToP’s world-class horn section became a busy session unit, providing studio backup for such artists as Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, Little Feat, Santana, Huey Lewis, Aerosmith, Rod Stewart and John Lee Hooker.
Four decades after its formation, with over 60 musicians having passed through the band’s ranks over the years, Tower of Power continues to preach the funk-soul gospel, continuing to record while maintaining a large and loyal audience as a live act.
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