Tower of Power is more than just a band; they’re a soul institution. For over five decades, this pioneering group has laid down some of the most iconic grooves in music history. Their horn section is legendary, instantly recognizable on hits like “What Is Hip?”, “Diggin’ on James Brown,” and “Soul with a Capital ‘S’.” With a vast discography boasting over 30 studio and live albums, Tower of Power’s influence extends far beyond their own releases. They’ve become the go-to horn section for a staggering array of artists across genres.
To truly appreciate Tower of Power’s impact, it’s essential to delve into their incredible collaborations. From rock and soul to funk and even hip-hop, their signature sound has elevated countless tracks. Let’s explore some of the most unforgettable songs featuring the magic of Tower of Power.
1. Santana’s Soulful Synergy: “Everything, Everything,” “Give Me Love,” and More
The 1970s were a golden era for both Santana and Tower of Power. So, when these musical titans joined forces, the result was pure magic. On Santana’s 1971 album Santana III, Tower of Power’s horns explode onto the scene, injecting “Everything, Everything” with an irresistible energy and soulful depth. Their brassy brilliance perfectly complements Santana’s signature Latin-infused rock sound, creating a vibrant and unforgettable track. Beyond studio recordings, Tower of Power’s connection with Santana runs deep. In 1976, prior to the release of Santana’s Festival album, they even graced a PBS special, performing “Give Me Love” with Greg Walker on vocals. This performance further solidified the synergy between these two iconic acts of the era.
2. Little Feat’s Funky Fusion: “Spanish Moon” and Beyond
Little Feat, known for their swampy, groove-laden rock, found the perfect partners in Tower of Power. “Spanish Moon,” from Little Feat’s seminal 1974 album Feats Don’t Fail Me Now, is a testament to this powerful combination. Tower of Power’s horns don’t just accompany the track; they become an integral part of its funky foundation, adding layers of richness and punch. This collaboration was so successful that it blossomed into a long-lasting musical relationship. Tower of Power’s horn arrangements can be heard on several other Little Feat albums, including Time Loves A Hero, the live masterpiece Waiting for Columbus, the compilation Hoy-Hoy (Greatest Hits), and Hotcakes & Outtakes. Their live performance of “Spanish Moon” at London’s Rainbow Theatre in 1977 is a must-see for any fan of funk-infused rock.
3. Elton John’s Rock Anthem: “The Bitch is Back”
Elton John’s Caribou album, recorded in a whirlwind nine days, stands as a testament to his prolific creativity. What many might not know is that Tower of Power played a significant role in shaping the sound of this album, appearing on three of its 14 tracks. Most notably, their horn section elevates “The Bitch is Back” into an absolute anthem. The uplifting and powerful horns are a crucial element in the song’s soaring energy, propelling it to number 4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Interestingly, the track also features John Lennon on tambourine, making it a star-studded affair. Despite initial radio resistance due to its provocative title, the song’s sheer musicality, boosted by Tower of Power’s horns, ensured its widespread popularity.
4. Rod Stewart’s Platinum Sound: “Big Bayou”
Rod Stewart’s album A Night On the Town marked a significant milestone in his career, becoming his first platinum-selling record. Tower of Power played a key part in this success, lending their horn expertise to two tracks, “Pretty Flamingo” and “Big Bayou.” It was “Big Bayou” that truly showcased the band’s ability to infuse iconic big band flavor into Stewart’s rock and roll style. The album reached number 2 on Billboard’s Top 200 album charts, a testament to the compelling blend of Stewart’s vocals and Tower of Power’s dynamic horn arrangements. This collaboration broadened Tower of Power’s reach and introduced their signature sound to a wider rock audience.
5. The Meters’ Funky Finale: “No More Okey Doke” and More
The Meters, New Orleans funk pioneers, chose Tower of Power to add a special touch to their final studio album, New Directions. Appearing on five tracks, Tower of Power’s horn section seamlessly integrated with The Meters’ signature sound, creating a natural and powerful fusion. Tracks like “No More Okey Doke” are prime examples of how Tower of Power’s horns provided a solid foundation and build-up, enhancing the funky New Orleans vibe. This collaboration marked both a fitting end to The Meters’ studio era and a powerful testament to Tower of Power’s versatility and ability to complement diverse musical styles.
6. Jefferson Starship’s Rock Staple: “Jane”
Jefferson Starship, evolving from Jefferson Airplane, carved their own path in rock history. Their 1979 album Freedom at Point Zero achieved gold status, largely thanks to the hit single “Jane.” This hard-hitting rock tune, which reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, owes part of its driving energy to Tower of Power’s bombastic horn section. The horns add a layer of intensity and dynamism that propelled the song forward, making it a rock radio staple. “Jane” remains Jefferson Starship’s most streamed song on Spotify, with over 13 million plays, a testament to its enduring appeal and the impactful contribution of Tower of Power.
7. Heart’s Chart-Topping Covers: “Even it Up” and “Tell It Like It Is”
Heart, the iconic rock band fronted by the Wilson sisters, incorporated Tower of Power’s horns into their sound for a touch of soul. After touring extensively for their Bebe le Strange album, Heart returned to the studio and recorded “Tell It Like It Is,” a cover that became their highest-charting single at the time. Tower of Power’s horns infused this slow, romantic cover with a soulful warmth that resonated with audiences. The subsequent Greatest Hits/Live album included both “Tell It Like It Is” and “Even It Up” from Bebe le Strange. “Even It Up” marked the first collaboration between Heart and Tower of Power, paving the way for their successful partnership.
8. Grateful Dead’s Blues Infusion: “Hard to Handle (with Etta James)” Live
When the Grateful Dead shared the stage with soul legend Etta James and Tower of Power at the Oakland Auditorium, musical history was made. Their rendition of Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle” is unlike any other Grateful Dead live version, thanks to the electrifying presence of Tower of Power’s horns and Etta James’ powerhouse vocals. Tower of Power’s swaggering horns ignite the tune, adding a level of energy rarely heard in Grateful Dead’s performances. This collaboration was a unique tribute to Otis Redding, bringing together multiple legendary acts in a powerful display of musical synergy.
9. The Simpsons’ Bluesy Fun: “Born Under a Bad Sign” and “Moanin’ Lisa Blues”
Even animated icons The Simpsons have experienced the Tower of Power touch. For Sing the Blues, an album featuring the cast of The Simpsons, Tower of Power lent their horns to “Born Under a Bad Sign.” This Albert King cover featured Homer Simpson on vocals, B.B. King on guitar, and, of course, Tower of Power’s soulful horn section. The track is brimming with soul and showcases the horn solos that are a hallmark of Tower of Power’s sound. They also contributed to “Moanin’ Lisa Blues,” a song that even made its way into a Season 1 episode, featuring an improvisation with Bleeding Gums Murphy and Lisa Simpson. This quirky collaboration demonstrates Tower of Power’s appeal across generations and genres.
10. Bonnie Raitt’s Grammy Winner: “Tangled and Dark”
Bonnie Raitt’s Luck of the Draw album was a career-defining success, earning her three Grammy Awards and becoming one of her best-selling records. On the track “Tangled and Dark,” Tower of Power members added their signature touch with slow, swelling horns. These subtle yet powerful horn arrangements enhance the emotional depth of the song, showcasing Tower of Power’s ability to contribute to diverse musical landscapes, from rock and funk to blues and beyond.
11. Phish’s Jam Band Soul: “Julius” and “Wolfman’s Brother”
Jam band giants Phish tapped into Tower of Power’s horn magic for their best-selling studio album, Hoist. The instantly recognizable, blasting horns on “Julius” are unmistakably Tower of Power. They also added their soulful flavor to the Phish classic “Wolfman’s Brother.” Video footage from the Hoist tracking sessions provides a glimpse into this collaboration, showing Tower of Power laying down their horn parts on “Julius.” This unexpected pairing highlights Tower of Power’s appeal to diverse musical communities and their ability to elevate any genre with their signature sound.
12. P. Diddy’s Hip-Hop Groove: “We Gon’ Make It”
In the early 2000s, Tower of Power ventured into the world of hip-hop, collaborating with P. Diddy on his Press Play album. Their horns feature on three tracks, most notably “We Gon’ Make It.” The crisp, energetic horns immediately boost the track’s intensity, adding a layer of funk and soul to the hip-hop beat. Tower of Power’s horns also enrich “I Am (Interlude)” and “Everything I Love,” which features Cee-Lo Green and Nas. This unexpected foray into hip-hop solidified Tower of Power’s reputation as musical chameleons, capable of enhancing any genre with their iconic horn sound.
Tower of Power’s legacy is built not only on their own incredible songs but also on their remarkable ability to collaborate and elevate the music of others. From rock and soul to funk, blues, and even hip-hop, their horn section has left an indelible mark on the landscape of popular music. Exploring these collaborations is a journey through diverse genres, all united by the unmistakable and unforgettable sound of Tower of Power.
