Address:
237 W. 42nd St.
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-997-4144
Website: www.bbkingblues.com
Description: For over 40 years, Tower of Power has been creating its own brand of soul music. Since 1968, the band has delivered infectious jams to fans, appearing before sold-out crowds in an annual world tour. TOP's odyssey began in California in 1968 when Emilio Castillo met Stephen "Doc" Kupka. When Doc auditioned during a band rehearsal at Castillio's house, Castillio's father called him into the kitchen and offered the following advice: "Hire that guy, he's got something." Doc and his signature baritone sax sound were now in the band, and on August 13, 1968, Tower of Power, as the world knows it today, began playing gigs and soon became very well known in the Oakland area.
After playing at a Tuesday night audition at the Fillmore in 1970, TOP signed to Bill Graham's San Francisco records and recorded its first album East Bay Grease. The band's next album Bump City (1972) was recorded on the Warner Brothers label, and this disc led to a string of hits and memorable albums that include many of the songs that TOP fans come out in force to hear, even to this day: "You're Still A Young Man," "So Very Hard To Go," "Don't Change Horses (In the Middle of the Stream)," "What Is Hip?" and more. In addition, over the years the Tower of Power horns have recorded with hundreds of artists as diverse as Aerosmith, Elton John, Little Feat, Phish, Santana, Heart, and many others, forever infusing the radio airwaves with TOP's musical DNA.
Tower of Power celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2008 at a very special reunion show at the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco, recorded and released as a commemorative live DVD. The performance featured four original band members: Emilio Castillo, Rocco Prestia, Stephen Kupka, and David Garibaldi. To this day, TOP tours the United States, Japan, and Europe every year, playing to sold-out crowds. The band has never been busier or more in demand. New generations continue to come see the band perform as its timeless music never fails to excite fans of all ages.
Upcoming Events at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill:
