Tower of Power Tower of Power (or TOP for short) is an American Ryhthm & Blues based horn section and band, originating in Oakland, California, that has been performing for over 44 years. They are best known for their funky soul sound highlighted by a powerful horn section and precisely syncopated bass-guitar lines. There have been several lead vocalists, the most famous being Lenny Williams, who fronted the band between early 1973 and late 1974, the period of their greatest commercial success. Their biggest hits include "You're Still A Young Man", "So Very Hard To Go","Soul With a Capital S", "Soul Vaccination", "What Is Hip?", and "Don't Change Horses (In the Middle of a Stream)." In the summer of 1968, tenor saxophonist/vocalist Emilio Castillo met Stephen "Doc" Kupka, who played baritone sax. Castillo had played in several bands, but it was Castillo's father who told his son to "hire that guy" after a home audition. Together, they would become the backbone of Tower of Power. Within months, the group, known as The Motowns at the time, began playing various "gigs" around Oakland and Berkeley, their soul sound relating to both minority and rebellious listeners. By 1970, the now renamed Tower of Power (including trumpet/arranger Greg Adams, first trumpet Mic Gillette, first saxophone Skip Mesquite, Francis "Rocco" Prestia on bass, Willie Fulton on guitar, and drummer David Garibaldi) signed a recording contract with Bill Graham's San Francisco Records and released their first album, East Bay Grease. Rufus Miller performed most of the lead vocals on this debut album. The group was first introduced to the SF Bay area by the radio station KSAN, which played a variety of artist such as Cold Blood, Eric Mercury and Marvin Gaye's album "What's Goin On" in its entirety before the bay area's soul and R&B; stations became aware. Dusty Street of the "Fly Low Radio show and on Sirius XM radio was a DJ there in the late 60s/early 70s. The single "Sparkling In The Sand" then received airplay on famed Bay Area soul station KDIA. Augmented by percussionist/conga/bongo player Brent Byars, Tower of Power was released from its' San Francisco label contract and moved to Warner Brothers Records. With Rick Stevens now singing lead, 1972's Bump City gave the band its first national exposure. This album included the hit single "You're Still a Young Man", which peaked at #29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was Stevens' pinnacle vocal performance before leaving the band. Emilio Castillo, who, along with Stephen Kupka, co-wrote "You're Still a Young Man," told Songfacts that the song was based on a true story concerning a former girlfriend who was six years older than him. Though not a big hit single "Down to the Nightclub" received heavy airplay on West Coast FM stations and several AM stations. Both songs still get substantial airplay on oldies radio and remain fan favorites. What Is Hip? Lyrics: So you wanna jump out yo trick bag, Ease on into a hip bag. But you ain't just exactly sure what's hip. So you start to let your hair grow. Spent big bucks on your wardrobe. But somehow you know there's much more to the trip. What is hip? Tell me tell me, if you think ya know. What is hip? And if you're really hip, the passing years will show, You into a hip trip, maybe hipper than hip. But what is hip? So you became part of the new breed. Been smoking only the best weed. Hanging out with so-called hippest set. Been seen in all the right places, Seen with just the right faces. You should be satisfied, But still it ain't quite right. What is hip? Tell me tell me if you think you know. What is hip? And if you're really hip. The passing years would show, You into a hip trip, maybe hipper than hip. What is hip? Hipness is what it is! Hipness is what it is! Hipness is what it is! Sometimes hipness is what it ain't! You done went and found you a guru, In an effort to find you a new you. And maybe even managed to raise your conscience level. As you're striving to find the right road, There's one thing you should know: What's hip today might become passe'. What is hip? Tell me tell me if you think you know. What is hip? And if you're really hip, the passing years would show That you into a hip trip. Maybe hipper than hip. WHAT IS HIP? Think about it y'all!

• published: 25 Feb 2013
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