The iconic Tower of Power, a legendary American R&B, soul, and funk band, has been entertaining audiences for over five decades. With their unique blend of soulful music, powerful horn section, and energetic live performances, they have become one of the most beloved and respected bands in the music industry. Over the years, the band has undergone several lineup changes, but their core sound and spirit have remained intact. Let’s take a closer look at the current and past members of this incredible band.
Current Members:
- Emilio Castillo - Co-founder, Lead Vocals, Tenor Saxophone: Emilio is one of the founding members of Tower of Power and has been the driving force behind the band’s success. His soulful voice and charismatic stage presence have made him a fan favorite.
- Stephen “Doc” Kupka - Co-founder, Baritone Saxophone: Doc is the other founding member of Tower of Power and has been instrumental in shaping the band’s sound. His baritone saxophone playing is unmistakable and adds depth to the band’s music.
- David Garibaldi - Drums: David has been the band’s drummer since 1970 and has played on many of their most iconic recordings. His dynamic drumming style has been a key element in Tower of Power’s sound.
- Francis “Rocco” Prestia - Bass: Rocco has been the band’s bassist since 1968 and has been an integral part of their rhythm section. His melodic bass lines have become a hallmark of Tower of Power’s music.
- Roger Smith - Keyboards: Roger has been the band’s keyboardist since 1998 and has brought a new level of sophistication to their sound. His playing style is deeply rooted in soul, R&B, and funk.
- Adolfo Acosta - Trumpet: Adolfo joined the band in 2011 and has been an excellent addition to their horn section. His trumpet playing has added a new level of excitement to their live performances.
- Sal Cracchiolo - Trumpet: Sal has been with the band since 2017 and has quickly become an integral part of their sound. His trumpet playing has brought a new level of energy to their music.
- Tom E. Politzer - Tenor Saxophone: Tom has been the band’s tenor saxophonist since 2013 and has been a great addition to their horn section. His playing style is deeply rooted in jazz and R&B.
Past Members:
- Greg Adams - Trumpet: Greg was a founding member of Tower of Power and played with the band from 1968 to 1995. His trumpet playing was a key element in their early sound.
- Lenny Pickett - Tenor Saxophone: Lenny was a member of the band from 1972 to 1981 and played on many of their most iconic recordings. His tenor saxophone playing is still widely admired today.
- Mic Gillette - Trumpet, Trombone: Mic was a founding member of Tower of Power and played with the band from 1968 to 2014. His trumpet and trombone playing were a key part of their sound.
- Lee Michaels - Keyboards: Lee was a member of the band from 1974 to 1976 and played on several of their albums. His keyboard playing added a new level of sophistication to their sound.
Tower of Power’s music has been a staple of American R&B and funk for over five decades, and their current lineup continues to tour and record, entertaining audiences around the world with their unique sound and energetic live performances.
In addition to their musical influences, Tower of Power has also been influenced by the social and cultural changes of the 1960s and 1970s. Their music reflects the tumultuous times in which they lived, with songs that addressed issues such as racism, inequality, and social justice.
The band’s legacy extends beyond their music, as well. They have been an inspiration to many other musicians, and their influence can be heard in a wide range of musical genres. Tower of Power’s music has been sampled by numerous artists, and their songs have been covered by many other bands.
What is Tower of Power's most popular song?
+Tower of Power's most popular song is "What Is Hip?", which was released in 1973 and has become one of their signature tunes.
Overall, Tower of Power is a truly iconic band that has made a lasting impact on the music world. Their unique sound, energetic live performances, and social commentary have made them a beloved and respected band for over five decades.
- Check out their official website for tour dates, music, and merchandise.
- Listen to their music on streaming platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music.
- Watch their live performances on YouTube or other video platforms.
- Read about their history and legacy in music books or online articles.
By following these steps, you can gain a deeper understanding of Tower of Power’s music and legacy, and appreciate the impact they have had on the music world.