Lots of grey hair in the audience. For some, members go in a different direction, while others have members who passed. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Although the single peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100,[4] it landed in the Top 10 on the surveys of many West Coast Top 40 radio stations, hitting #1 on many of them. All rights reserved. tower of power original members still in band. He started a band called the Motowns, specializing in soul music. In 2003, the band released its first studio album since 1997, Oakland Zone. Originally a guitarist, Prestia played with the band for three decades and developed his own style of bass playing that was described as "FingerStyle Funk." Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Debby Wong/Corbis. "Don't Change Horses (In the Middle of the Stream)," "Soul Vaccination" and "You're Still a Young Man" helped establish Tower Of Power's reputation as one of the genres best groups. Beck. Chicagowas a distant second place. They were also a national TV fixture in the 1980s with frequent appearances on "Late Night With David Letterman. Williams left the band in late 1974, and was replaced as vocalist by Hubert Tubbs. community surgical supply lawsuit; linda smith daughter of joan kroc photos. In 2000, the band went through three more lineup changes: Mike Bogart replaced McGuire early in the year, Adolfo Acosta took over from Churchville in July, and Larry Braggs replaced Carter in November. In 2011, Time Life released TOP's November 10, 1973 Soul Train performance of "What is Hip?" OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- Francis "Rocco" Prestia, the longtime bassist for Oakland funk pioneers Tower Of Power, died overnight Wednesday after a long battle with various illnesses, according to friends and family. The judge urged him to become an evangelist about the dangers of drugs, and, having committed to Christianity partway into his incarceration, he did. October 20, 2021. Castillowrote that Stevens "carried his message of faith and redemption to many. The following year, Richard Elliot replaced Russo. [17] Prestia later died on September 29, 2020. Rick Stevens, a vocalist for the funk-soul band Tower of Power who, after leaving the group, was convicted of killing three men in a drug-addicted haze and served 36 years in prison, died on. I wont forget.. Use one of the services below to sign in to PBS: You've just tried to add this video to My List. He moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1980 and started playing with jazz greats Eddie Marshall, George Marshall, Larry Schneider and Mel Martin. He was 77. In 1973 Andy formed the original Powerhouse band. The band stabilized with its current membership in the 1990s. [12] His place was taken by David Bartlett, before he returned in early 1975. ", Tributes and well wishes were quickly emerging on Twitter, including one from pop star and drummer Sheila E., who tweeted "Pleez pray for my frenz.". Red Hot Chili Peppers While the Peppers are not as . 1. by. SHARES. September 30, 2020 / 9:51 AM "On behalf of Love Power, Tower of Power and all his friends, family, fans, we will love you forever in our hearts.". Grab them here! The number of people in their 20s I could have counted on my . In August 2009, TOP founding member Mic Gillette rejoined the group after 25 years out of the lineup, when Mike Bogart departed "to pursue a career in music education". Born and raised in Amsterdam, Holland, Marc started playing bass guitar at the age of 16. The additions of Milo and Grillo were followed by that of new vocalist Tom Bowes and drummer Russ McKinnon in 1989. Born on March 7, 1951 in Sonora, Prestia's father died when Rocco was just five years old. As an Ashburn GA native, Jerel connects with the hearts of his audience. ", and "Don't Change Horses (in the Middle of a Stream)". It wasn't easy and it still isn't easy! [8] The new lineup released Bump City in 1972. Signup for our newsletter to get notified about our next ride. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Prestia continued to perform on studio recordings, but the band considered van Wageningen their 'official' bassist. I have faith that I'll see him in heaven someday and together we'll worship and glorify God together for eternity. The album spawned their most-successful single "So Very Hard to Go". "When people listened to Tower of Power it was always Rocco that they walked away talking about and he had a major impact on the music world.". Mike was a band member from 2000 to 2009 when, with Emilios blessing he returned to active duty military service in the Navy Music Program. [6] The band agreed on Tower of Power and the name stuck.[7]. [2] During the recording of the group's debut album East Bay Grease in 1969, Rick Stevens replaced Miller in time to perform lead vocals on one track. All our content comes from Wikipedia and under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. tower of power original members still in bandasterisk sip reload not working. Powerhouse was hired to open up for the famous "Tower of Power Band" in 1978 and other prestigious events. In early 2022, Greene once again departed for Santana, and was replaced by former The Voice contestant Mike Jerel. His mother, Jewell Hunter Derouen, was the sister of the rhythm-and-blues singer Ivory Joe Hunter. [1] There have been a number of lead vocalists, the best-known being Lenny Williams, who fronted the band between early 1973 and late 1974, the period of their greatest commercial success. A big band of scorching funk, Tower of Power traces its roots to 1968 Oakland, where it flourished in a thicket of sound tearing at industry barriers. Review and photos by Fred Kuhlman. Tommy fills that role totally, not only as an outstanding soloist, but also as a part of the five piece Tower of Power horn section. I felt like I was the engineer of a roaring train, going full throttle., Rick Stevens, Funk-Soul Singer Convicted of Murder, Dies at 77, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/08/arts/music/rick-stevens-dead-tower-of-power-singer-convicted-of-murder.html. During this period, TOP recorded an album that went unreleased until 1999, when it was issued as Dinosaur Tracks. Adams, a constant member since the band's formation, later stated about his departure simply that "I was at a point in my life where I needed to do something different. Van Wageningen is substituting as bass player. NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES - MAY 1: Francis Rocco Prestia performing with Tower of Power at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on May 1, 2008. GUITARIST WHO AVOIDED BUDDY HOLLY PLANE CRASH DIES AT 85. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The renowned horn-driven soul/RnB/rock/pop/funk group Tower of Power (or TOP , as it is more often referred to by its global legion of fans), has been rocking their sound since 1968 - infusing Soul (with a capital S) into the music industry for 52 years. [56], During 2002 and 2003, Rocco Prestia was forced to step back from touring with TOP after having a liver transplant; he was replaced initially by Marc van Wageningen and later by Bobby Vega. The group and its rotating. Tower of Power (TOP) is an American rhythm and blues band from Oakland, California. [15][16] Ain't Nothin' Stoppin' Us Now followed in 1976, before Prestia was fired in late 1977 due to ongoing problems with substance abuse. When Mr. Stevens was a teenager, the family moved to Oakland, where he began singing in bands, among them Rick and the Ravens and Four of a Kind. [17][18] At the same time, McGee was forced to leave due to vocal problems. Gillette left again in February 2011, temporarily replaced by the returning Lee Thornburg before Sal Cracchiolo took over that August. Fast . During the recording of the group's debut album East Bay Grease in 1969, Rick Stevens replaced Miller in time to perform lead vocals on one track. Former lead vocalist Rick Stevens (real name Donald Stevenson) was sentenced to life in prison on three counts of first-degree murder relating to a botched drug deal, crimes committed after leaving the band. He always . bands during that time the Motowns - an East Bay band - played soul music instead of psychedelic music. In 1988, Tower of Power returned to the studio for the album Power, and in 1991 they signed with Epic Records, where they released five albums by the end of the decade. OAKLAND, Calif. Rick Stevens, the former lead singer of Oakland's Tower of Power rhythm and blues band who spent 36 years in prison, has died. Garcia, who owned the Malo name, then moved to New York and formed a new version of the band with a set of New York players. Tower of Power is an American R&B-based horn section and band, originating in Oakland, California, that has been performing since 1968. By 1970, the funk outfit had inked a recording contract with Bill Graham's San Francisco Records, resulting in the group's debut the same year, East Bay Grease, which failed to make an impression on the charts as Tower of Power were still trying to find their own sound. "), 1974's Back to Oakland, and 1975's Urban Renewal and In the Slot. Craney remained until the summer of 1986, when he was forced to leave after contracting kidney disease. A separate Facebook page for Stevens and another Oakland-area band, Love Power, also confirmed the musician's death. The latest Arizona headlines, breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, and local community stories that matter to you. During the tumultuous period following the release of 1987's Power, TOP reportedly came close to disbanding due to ongoing substance issues for leaders Castillo and Kupka, who became clean in 1988 and 1989, respectively. [19] The pair were replaced by Victor Conte and Michael Jeffries. In 2013, Tower of Power took a look back with the release of Hipper Than Hip: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow, which documented a live radio broadcast from 1974. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. [1] The original horn section also featured Steven "Skip" Mesquite on lead tenor saxophone, alongside Greg Adams, David Padron, Mic Gillette and Ken Balzell on trumpets and other brass. Tower of Power is an American R&B and funk based band and horn section, originating in Oakland, California, that has been performing since 1968. Tower of Power is an American R&B-based horn section and band, originating in Oakland, California, that has been performing since 1968. . [23] This 11-piece lineup released Direct that year. Since his release from prison, Mr. Stevens had recorded the four-song EP Back on the Streets Again Vol. Mic Gillette Of Tower of Power 1951-2016", "Ellis Hall ('The Ambassador Of Soul') New Album 'Let's Make An Arrangement' Out Now", "Tower of Power - What Is Hip: Live at Iowa State University", "Power Tower of Power: Songs, Reviews, Credits", "Tower of Power 1988-08-04 CD Houston Soundboard", "Versatile musician, producer and engineer Carmen Grillo talks about the rawness of the music of past", "Tower Of Power, AWB Blast Back From The Past", "The Oakland Zone Tower of Power: Songs, Reviews, Credits", "Bruce Conte Rejoins Tower Of Power; 2006 Tour Schedule Updated", "Great American Soulbook Tower of Power: Credits", "Mike Bogart Will Be Leaving Tower of Power this Summer", "Interview with trumpet and trombone player Mic Gillette of Tower of Power, a world-renowned musician", "Before European tour, Tower of Power pays soulful visit to Tahoe", "Tower of Power Confirm 45th Anniversary Plans, Larry Braggs to Leave Band", "Ray Greene of Santana and Tower of Power: The Albums That Shaped My Career", "Tower of Power Names Ray Greene as New Lead Singer", "Rocco Prestia, Tower of Power Bassist, Dies at 69", "Tower of Power Announce New Live Record '50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater', "Tower of Power has a new lead trumpet and vocalist", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Tower_of_Power_members&oldid=1142536584, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Skip Mesquite tenor saxophone, backing vocals, Stephen "Doc" Kupka baritone saxophone, backing vocals, Greg Adams trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals, Willie James Fulton guitar, backing vocals, Emilio Castillo tenor saxophone, backing vocals, Mic Gillette trumpet, trombone, backing vocals, David Garibaldi drums, percussion, vocals, Lenny Pickett saxophones, flute, backing vocals, Chester Thompson keyboards, backing vocals, Michael Jeffries lead and backing vocals, Lenny "Doc" Pickett saxophones, flute, backing vocals, Stephen Kupka baritone saxophone, backing vocals, Ellis Hall lead vocals, keyboards, guitar, Lee Thornburg trumpet, trombone, vocals, Emilio Castillo lead vocals, tenor saxophone, Bill Churchville trumpet, trombone, backing vocals, Mike Bogart trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone, Adolfo Acosta trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals, Tom E. Politzer tenor saxophone, flute, vocals, Sal Cracchiolo trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals, This page was last edited on 2 March 2023, at 23:52. KTVU-TV reported that Stevens died . [6] Following the release of East Bay Grease, only Adams and Gillette remained on trumpets,[7] while the group had been joined by Brent Byars on additional percussion. Blog Home Uncategorized tower of power original members still in band. [47] In early 1997, former Starship guitarist Jeff Tamelier replaced Carmen Grillo. Chamberlin left Corgan's employ in 2009, leaving Corgan to carry on the name. Hipper Than Hip: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow, 50 Years of Funk and Soul: Live at the Fox Theater, Album Premiere: Tower of Power, 'Soul Side of Town'. Frequently bought together Total price: His syncopated style would prove to be a substantial influence on other bass players during the 1970s, most prominently Jaco Pastorious, who incorporated Prestia's approach in his own busy contrapuntal playing. Powerhouse was booked solid and well known throughout Southern California. "DG" was selected as the Modern Drummer Readers Roll 2007 Best Traditional R&B Drummer. This evening he peacefully passed away," the post read. Tower of Power played regularly in the Bay Area throughout the late '60s, as their lineup often swelled up to ten members, including such other mainstays as Greg Adams on trumpet and vocals, Lenny Pickett on sax, and Rocco Prestia on bass. Share. In the mid-1960s, 17-year-old tenor saxophonist Emilio Castillo moved from Detroit, Michigan, to Fremont, California. The cause was liver cancer, the son, Clarence C. Maloney, said. In 1984, the band's original bassist Francis Rocco Prestia returned, lead trumpet player Mic Gillette left to spend more time with his family, Ellis Hall replaced Michael Jeffries, and Mark Craney replaced Sanders. As the Rolling Stones tour North America this summer, only three . "), 1974's Back to Oakland, and 1975's Urban Renewal and In the Slot. By early 2006, Tamelier had left the band, replaced in the spring for tour dates by Trey Stone. He was 69. David Garibaldi is TOP's drummer. Tower Of Power Members of The Band Paul Munsterman 523 subscribers 84K views 6 years ago From The California State Fair July 13, 2016.Tower Of Power..Members: EMILIO CASTILLO -. KTVU-TV reported that Stevens died Tuesday after a short battle with cancer. Banks was the first one to leave, followed by Kaye and then Bruford in . Earlier. After the release of Back on the Streets, Garibaldi left for a third time in 1980. Dave's head and face were pretty swollen and bruised but he was lucid and expected to recover. He remained remorseful for the deadly events of 1976, which he said occurred during a time in his life when he was going from one drug high to another and not thinking clearly a jackass in a jumpsuit, he would describe himself years later. Early 1994 saw another string of personnel changes in TOP: vocalist Brent Carter replaced Tom Bowes, drummer Herman Matthews replaced Russ McKinnon, and trumpeters Greg Adams and Lee Thornburg were replaced by Bill Churchville and Barry Danelian. Read Full Biography. Adolfo Acosta, Bob Coassin, Brandon Fields, Brent Byars, Bruce Conte, Carmen Grillo, Chester Thompson (2), David Bartlett, David Garibaldi, David K. Mathews, Don Wise, Edward McGee, Ellis Hall, Emilio Castillo, Francis Rocco Prestia, Greg Adams, Hubert Tubbs, Jeff Tamelier, Jerry Cortez, Larry Braggs, Lawrence Lopez, Lee Thornburg, Lenny Pickett, Shortly after the release of Bump City, Stevens, Fulton and Mesquite were replaced by Lenny Williams, Bruce Conte and Lenny Pickett, respectively, while Chester Thompson joined as the band's first keyboardist. at the end of the 60s. Tower Of Power. 1,779 Concerts Tower of Power is a horn-based funk/soul band from Oakland, California. Most band only last a few years before they either fade away or breakup. In 2007, Tower of Power celebrated their fourth decade together with a special concert at San Francisco's Fillmore Auditorium, and a year later the show was issued in a special CD/DVD package, simply titled 40th Anniversary. in 1978, before both Contes and Beck left the band Garibaldi returned again, while Danny Hoefer and Vito Sanfilippo took over on guitar and bass. Though the band remained popular, their days of chart radio airplay declined. (Laughs.) 1", "R.I.P. Despite it all, Tower of Power in particular their horn section remained a much in-demand backing group for some of pop/rock's biggest names, including Elton John, Santana, Bonnie Raitt, Huey Lewis, Little Feat, David Sanborn, Michelle Shocked, Paula Abdul, Aaron Neville, Aerosmith, Public Image Ltd., and many others. Before he died, Prestia spent a short time in hospice, according to Prestia's Facebook page. 50 km distance from my location tower of power original members still in band on June 23, 2022 [2][3] The rest of the band was filled out by vocalist Rufus Miller,[4] guitarist Willie James Fulton,[5] bassist Rocco Prestia and drummer David Garibaldi. Scott joined the band in 2016 and has since been traveling the world with the group, playing upward of 150 dates a year. Tower of Powerwas the runaway winner, with more than 50% of the votes. He was paroled in 2012. The bandmembers also announced they would be touring in 2013 and 2014 with two other iconic acts from Northern California, Journey and the Steve Miller Band. The group's leader since the beginning has always been tenor saxophonist Emilio Castillo, who was born in Detroit but opted to pursue his musical dreams in Oakland, California. 10. 414. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Mic Gillette, Rocco Prestia & Rufus Miller, all original members and all on the 1st album are all dead. "[3], 1974's Back to Oakland spawned another hit, "Don't Change Horses (in the Middle of a Stream)", that reached #26 on the Billboard Hot 100, and "Time Will Tell", which charted at #69. We appreciate the responses and prayers from our former bandmates, friends, and fans and we all remain hopeful and in prayer.". Ronnie Wood (far left) has taken on the role in Rolling Stones originally filled by Brian Jones. [57] In 2003, the band released its first studio album since 1997, Oakland Zone. Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. Soon the band changed its name to Tower of Power - basically . Thus, we asked Tower of Power bandleader Emilio Castillo to name some of his favorite lesser-known tunes from the band's songbook. Oakland, Alameda County, California, United States. In 2018, they celebrated their 50th anniversary with the Joe Vannelli-produced studio album Soul Side of Town on Mack Avenue Records. tower of power original members still in band. His mother remarried and moved the family to Fremont not long after. Stevens joined the band in 1969 and sang lead on some of the band's biggest hits. Tower of Power, a horn band from Oakland, Calif., is famously known for having a large and rotating cast of musicians. The band's newest vocalist is another Memphian, Marcus Scott. Thats what he told me.. Powerhouse music was energetic, powerful and creative. The band issued Great American Soulbook in 2009, featuring Conte and Harper. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Almost every day, people come up to Emilio Castillo and tell him they can't believe Tower of Power, the Oakland funk band he co-founded in 1968, has been around for 50 years. [21] After the release of Back on the Streets, Garibaldi left for a third time in 1980. Pense suspended her music career in the early 1980s to raise her daughter Danielle, before re-forming the group in 1988. During the late 1970s they briefly tried recording disco-sounding material.[3]. [39][40] Grove left in 1992, replaced by Paul Perez for the recording of 1993's T.O.P. At the same time, McGee was forced to leave due to vocal problems. Years later, Gonzalez recruited Garcia to join a revamped San Francisco version of Malo for a 1985 show at one of the piers at Fort Mason, on a bill with Tower of Power, Pete Escovedo and Bandido. [31] Craney remained until the summer of 1986, when he was forced to leave after contracting kidney disease. [73][74] Also in 2018, the group performed a 50th anniversary show which was released as an album in 2021, featuring former members including tenor saxophonist Lenny Pickett, keyboardist Chester Thompson, guitarist Bruce Conte and vocalist Greene, who played trombone.[75]. [10], On Urban Renewal (1974), the band moved more toward funk than soul; however, they continued recording ballads as well. Marc "VW" became a full-time member of Tower of Power in 2018. Mr. Stevens was convicted of murder in the first two killings and manslaughter in the third and found eligible for the death penalty. Here are his picks and comments: "Of the Earth" (from . Marc came through surgery well; his internal bleeding was stopped and they were waiting for him to stabilize in order to do further testing. [72] The band released Soul Side of Town in 2018 followed by Step Up in 2020, both of which featured recordings by the Greene- and Scott-fronted incarnations of the band. In 1968, Castillo teamed up with baritone saxophonist Stephen "The Funky Doctor" Kupka and trumpet/trombone player Mic Gillette, moved to Oakland, and began writing original material. [61] In 2008, TOP performed a special show to mark the 40th anniversary of its formation, which featured guest appearances by multiple former band members, and was released in 2011. [9][10] In 1973 the band released a self-titled album, which was followed in 1974 by Back to Oakland. Garabaldi posted a tribute to Prestia on his Facebook page: "My brother Francis Rocco Prestia has gone to be with the Lord. In 1967, Castillo teamed up with baritone sax player Stephen "Doc" Kupka, and soon the Motowns were transformed into Tower of Power. His funky rhythm style and blazing leads are a perfect fit for TOP, and the fans are hitting the message board with many compliments. The group recorded live album Soul Vaccination that October, after which Nick Milo left and Roger Smith took his place. Mr. Stevens was known especially for the Tower of Power song Youre Still a Young Man, on which he sang lead. "[46] The new lineup released Souled Out in 1995. Yes. Around the same time, Mike Cichowicz took over from Waychesko. Grove left in 1992, replaced by Paul Perez for the recording of 1993's T.O.P. I was stagnating." Tower's sound can be hard to categorize, but the band's leader and founding member, Emilio Castillo, has labeled their sound as "Urban Soul Music." The accident was near Yoshi's, a jazz and R&B club where the group had been scheduled to play two shows Thursday night. In January 2010, Jerry Cortez replaced Mark Harper on guitar. But first, we need you to sign in to . 11,201. Emilio Castillo plays second tenor sax, as well as providing background and lead vocals. For subsequent tour dates, David Mann took over the position. In the mid-1960s, 17-year-old tenor saxophonist Emilio Castillo moved from Detroit, Michigan, to Fremont, California. In 2013, Tower of Power took a look back with the release of Hipper Than Hip: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow, which documented a live radio broadcast from 1974. In the summer of 2013, vocalist Larry Braggs announced that he would be leaving TOP at the end of the year. This page was last updated at 2023-03-01 05:22 UTC. Jerels music touches the soul. When they returned to touring in 2021 after a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the lineup of TOP featured Greene returning on lead vocals and Harry Kim in place of trumpeter Cracchiolo. Along with the similarly inclined Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears, Tower of Power helped push the sound of brass-infused music into the rock era. These bands have lost multiple band members as a result of everything from fatal accidents to overdoses to egos. / CBS San Francisco. The group and its rotating cast of musicians have recorded behind many far more famous names including Elton John, Otis Redding, Aerosmith and Santana. In 2008, TOP performed a special show to mark the 40th anniversary of its formation, which featured guest appearances by multiple former band members, and was released in 2011. View original page. The group played regularly in the Bay Area throughout the late '60s, as their lineup often swelled up to ten members, including such other mainstays as Greg Adams on trumpet and vocals, Lenny Pickett on sax, and Rocco Prestia on bass. [22] In 1981, the horn section expanded to three trumpeters again with the addition of Rick Waychesko. But Stevens was convicted of murder for killing three people in 1976 during a drug deal gone wrong. (Photo by Clayton Call/Redferns), Rocco Prestia of Tower of Power: Oakland Stroke, posted a tribute to Prestia on his Facebook page, Interview with Tower of Power bass player Rocco Prestia, Public File for KBCW-TV / KBCW 44 Cable 12. Without identifying them, the Oakland Fire Department said earlier that two pedestrians were hit by a passenger train at Jack London Square about 7:30 p.m. and taken to a hospital. ~ Greg Prato & Steve Leggett, Rovi. Started 54 years ago by Emilio Castillo and Doc Kupka, Tower is complemented by longtime colleagues who have helped anchor the R&B funk band at least 10 years Adolfo Acosta on trumpet,. Please enter valid email address to continue. ed bicknell wife; can i take melatonin during colonoscopy prep This Aug. 2016 photo provided by courtesy of Tower of Power/Webster Public Relations, shows the band members from Tower of Power, from left, Rocco Prestia, Roger Smith, Sal Cracchiolo, Adolfo Acosta, Stephen "Doc" Kupka, Marcus Scott, Tom E. Politzer, Emilio Castillo, David Garibaldi, and Jerry Cortez. Stevens was paroled on July 20, 2012 after 36 years in prison. Following the release of East Bay Grease, only Adams and Gillette remained on trumpets, while the group had been joined by Brent Byars on additional percussion. Unlike most of the other S.F. A day and a half later, the authorities said, Mr. Stevens killed Elliot Wickliffe, who he said had pulled a gun on him. Now he's finally getting his chance to do just that as the new lead singer of . The rest of the original lineup included vocalist Rufus Miller, guitarist Willie James Fulton, bassist Francis Rocco Prestia and drummer David Garibaldi. separate Facebook page for Stevens and another Oakland-area band, Love Power, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. But it soon came together for the group, as 1972's Bump City would touch off a string of classic hit albums, including 1973's self-titled release (which introduced vocalist Lenny Williams and included another of the group's most enduring tunes, "What Is Hip? Posted by Official Tower of Power Band on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. Stephen "Doc" Kupka baritone saxophone, backing vocals, Adolfo Acosta trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals, Tom E. Politzer tenor, alto and baritone saxophones, clarinet, flute, backing vocals, Jerry Cortez guitar, sitar, backing vocals, Mike Bogart trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone, backing vocals, Mike Jerel lead vocals, occasional keyboards, occasional trumpet, This page was last edited on 1 November 2022, at 15:32.