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. (2) The renowned horn-driven funk outfit Tower of Power have been issuing albums and touring the world steadily since the early ’70s, in addition to backing up countless other musicians. The TOP horn section has appeared on many recordings, including some made by the Monkees, Santana, Elton John, John Lee Hooker, Rod Stewart, Jefferson Starship, Heart, Huey Lewis and the News, Lyle Lovett, Poison, Phish, Pharoahe Monch, and Aerosmith. In addition, the horn section has become well-known as a backing horn section for other artists. TOP has released 15 albums over the years, the latest being 2003’s The Oakland Zone. Rick Stevens died on September 5th, 2017. Stevens was paroled on Jafter 36 years in prison. Rufus Miller performed most of the lead vocals on “East Bay Grease.” 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. (His brother Bruce Conte played guitar in the band as well.) Lenny Williams served as lead singer for several years after one of the original singers, Rick Stevens was imprisoned. Personnel changes have been part of the history and evolution of the band at least 60 musicians have performed, toured, and/or recorded with the band through the years, including Saturday Night Live musical director Lenny Pickett, drummer David Garibaldi, bassist Rocco Prestia, and bassist and BALCO founder Victor Conte. Tower of Power has remained active throughout the 1970s, ’80s, ’90s, and into the 21st century, and is still touring in 2010. 1972’s Bump City and 1973’s self-titled release were breakout albums for the band the latter included possibly their most enduring song, What is Hip?. In 1970, TOP signed a recording contract with Bill Graham’s San Francisco Records and quickly released its first album, East Bay Grease. They changed the band’s name to Tower of Power and began playing frequently in the Bay Area. 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. He started a band called the Motowns, specializing in soul music. In the mid-1960s, 17-year-old tenor saxophonist Emilio Castillo moved from Detroit, Michigan, to Fremont, California. Rest in peace, Bruce.Tower of Power is a horn-based funk/soul band from Oakland, California. The sadness of this day is offset by the memory of the joy that Conte gave to millions of music fans over the past half century. Unfortunately, Conte was reportedly ill with both diabetes and leukemia for the last decade of his life. That lineup became iconic, issuing over a half dozen now-classic albums and helping solidify the group’s reputation on radio and in concerts around the world.Ĭonte left the group in 1979 and issued a handful of solo albums over the years, as well as joining Al McKay’s All-Stars, an Earth Wind & Fire spinoff group. The Fresno, California native was adept at both R&B and jazz, and was a staple in the Bay Area when Castillo shuffled the lineup of Tower of Power in 1972, adding Conte and lead singer Lenny Williams. He also performed with the band at its recent 50 th Anniversary concert. He’s gone on to be with Rocco, Mic, Skip, and the others.Įmilio Castillo - Bandleader for Tower of PowerĪ renowned guitarist, Conte was part of Tower of Power from 1972-79 – arguably the band’s Imperial Period - and again in the early 2000s. We will all miss laughing and playing with him. He was known as having a totally unique signature sound to his playing and was absolutely one of the funniest guys ever. Bruce performed with us at our 50 Year Anniversary celebration and over the years we’ve played together and laughed together many times. We in the Tower of Power family are sad to acknowledge that our dear brother, Bruce Conte, has passed. (August 10, 2021) With a social media post this morning, Tower of Power leader Emilio Castillo gave fans bad news about Bruce Conte, a longtime member of the legendary band:
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