Tower of Power has solidified their place as titans of soul music for over half a century. Known for their explosive horn section and infectious grooves, they’ve gifted the world with iconic tracks like “What Is Hip?” and “Soul Vaccination.” But beyond their own incredible catalog, Tower of Power’s signature sound has elevated countless songs across genres through collaborations with some of music’s biggest names. With a discography boasting over 30 albums and contributions to countless others, the impact of Tower Of Power Songs is undeniable. Let’s delve into some standout collaborations that showcase the magic of Tower of Power’s horn section and their enduring influence on music.
1. Santana’s Soulful Synergy: “Everything, Everything,” “Give Me Love,” and More
The 1970s witnessed the rise of two musical powerhouses: Santana and Tower of Power. Their collaboration was a natural fit, blending Santana’s Latin-infused rock with Tower of Power’s vibrant soul. On Santana’s seminal 1971 album, Santana III, Tower of Power’s horns erupt on “Everything, Everything,” injecting a potent dose of soul into Santana’s signature sound. This dynamic partnership extended beyond studio recordings. In 1976, prior to Santana’s Festival album, Tower of Power joined Santana for a PBS special, delivering a memorable performance of “Give Me Love” with Greg Walker on vocals. These early collaborations cemented the powerful synergy between Santana’s band and Tower of Power songs.
2. Little Feat’s Funky Fusion: “Spanish Moon” and Beyond
When funk met rock and roll, magic happened, especially when Tower of Power joined forces with Little Feat. Their collaboration on “Spanish Moon” from Little Feat’s 1974 album Feats Don’t Fail Me Now is a masterclass in musical chemistry. Tower of Power’s horn arrangements seamlessly intertwined with Little Feat’s swampy, groove-laden sound, creating a truly irresistible track. This wasn’t a one-off event; their musical connection was so strong that Tower of Power contributed to several other Little Feat projects, including albums like Time Loves A Hero, the live classic Waiting for Columbus, Hoy-Hoy! (Greatest Hits), and Hotcakes & Outtakes. Their 1977 performance of “Spanish Moon” at London’s Rainbow Theatre further exemplifies this enduring partnership and the impact of Tower of Power songs on the rock scene.
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 and features a surprising soul injection courtesy of Tower of Power. The album’s standout track, “The Bitch is Back,” owes much of its infectious energy to Tower of Power’s horn section. Their punchy and uplifting arrangements propelled the song to number 4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, proving the power of their collaboration. Adding another layer of musical history, John Lennon even contributed tambourine to this iconic track. Despite initial radio resistance due to its provocative title, “The Bitch is Back” became a massive hit, showcasing how Tower of Power songs could elevate even the biggest rock anthems.
4. Rod Stewart’s Platinum Sound: “Big Bayou” and “Pretty Flamingo”
Rod Stewart’s album A Night on the Town marked a significant milestone, becoming his first platinum-selling record, and Tower of Power played a part in its success. Contributing to two tracks, “Pretty Flamingo” and “Big Bayou,” Tower of Power infused their signature big band flavor into Stewart’s rock and roll sound. Their horns added depth and dynamism, helping the album reach number 2 on the Billboard Top 200 charts. This collaboration highlighted how Tower of Power songs could enhance the work of established artists and contribute to chart-topping success.
5. The Meters’ New Orleans Funk Finale: “No More Okey Doke” and More
In a fitting culmination, Tower of Power joined forces with funk pioneers The Meters for their final studio album, New Directions. Appearing on five tracks, the collaboration felt remarkably organic, blending The Meters’ New Orleans funk with Tower of Power’s Oakland soul. Tracks like “No More Okey Doke” exemplify this seamless fusion, with Tower of Power’s horns providing a solid foundation and dynamic backing. This partnership marked both a powerful final statement for The Meters and a testament to the versatility of Tower of Power songs in complementing diverse musical styles.
6. Jefferson Starship’s Rock Staple: “Jane”
Jefferson Starship’s “Jane,” from their 1979 album Freedom at Point Zero, became a rock radio staple, and Tower of Power’s contribution added an undeniable punch. The song’s hard-hitting energy is amplified by Tower of Power’s bombastic horn arrangements, propelling it to number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying its place as a rock anthem. “Jane” remains Jefferson Starship’s most streamed song on Spotify, with over 13 million plays, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this collaboration and the impact of Tower of Power songs on rock classics.
7. Heart’s Chart-Topping Covers: “Even It Up” and “Tell It Like It Is”
Heart, known for their powerful rock anthems, explored new sonic territory by collaborating with Tower of Power. After touring extensively, Heart recorded “Tell It Like It Is,” a cover that became their highest-charting single at the time. Tower of Power’s soulful horns perfectly complemented the romantic ballad, adding depth and emotion. Their collaboration extended to “Even It Up,” featured on the Greatest Hits/Live album, further cementing their successful partnership and showcasing the versatility of Tower of Power songs in enhancing different genres.
8. Grateful Dead’s Bluesy Jam: “Hard to Handle (with Etta James)”
The legendary Grateful Dead, known for their improvisational live performances, took a soulful turn with Tower of Power and blues icon Etta James. Their rendition of Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle,” recorded live at the Oakland Auditorium, is a unique and electrifying performance. Tower of Power’s swaggering horns ignite the track, adding a level of energy rarely heard in Grateful Dead’s live sets. This collaboration was a rare meeting of musical giants, paying homage to a soul pioneer and highlighting the dynamic range of Tower of Power songs in a live setting.
9. The Simpsons’ Animated Blues: “Born Under a Bad Sign” and “Moanin’ Lisa Blues”
Tower of Power’s reach extends even into the realm of animation, lending their talents to The Simpsons album Sing the Blues. On “Born Under a Bad Sign,” Homer Simpson’s vocals are joined by B.B. King’s guitar and, crucially, Tower of Power’s horn section. The track is infused with soul, showcasing Tower of Power’s signature horn solos. They also contributed to “Moanin’ Lisa Blues,” further demonstrating the unexpected and delightful presence of Tower of Power songs in popular culture.
10. Bonnie Raitt’s Grammy Winner: “Tangled and Dark”
Bonnie Raitt’s Luck of the Draw album, a commercial and critical triumph, features the subtle yet powerful contribution of Tower of Power. On “Tangled and Dark,” Tower of Power’s horns provide slow-swelling, atmospheric textures, adding depth to Raitt’s songwriting. The album’s success, including three Grammy Awards, highlights the diverse contexts in which Tower of Power songs have enhanced acclaimed musical works.
11. Phish’s Jam Band Grooves: “Julius” and “Wolfman’s Brother”
Jam band favorites Phish incorporated Tower of Power’s energy into their best-selling studio album, Hoist. The explosive horns heard on “Julius” are unmistakably Tower of Power, injecting their signature spontaneity and power into Phish’s sound. They also added soulful flavor to “Wolfman’s Brother,” demonstrating the cross-genre appeal of Tower of Power songs. Footage from the Hoist recording sessions captures Tower of Power’s dynamic presence and their contribution to Phish’s musical landscape.
12. P. Diddy’s Hip-Hop Infusion: “We Gon’ Make It”
Venturing into hip-hop in the early 2000s, Tower of Power collaborated with P. Diddy on his Press Play album. “We Gon’ Make It” immediately bursts forth with Tower of Power’s crisp horns, elevating the track’s energy. Their horns also enrich tracks like “I Am (Interlude)” and “Everything I Love” featuring Cee-Lo Green and Nas. This unexpected pairing showcased the adaptability of Tower of Power songs, bridging soul traditions with contemporary hip-hop.
Tower of Power’s legacy extends far beyond their own discography. These collaborations are a testament to their enduring musicality, their ability to enhance songs across genres, and the timeless appeal of Tower of Power songs. From soul and funk to rock, blues, animation, and hip-hop, their horn section has left an indelible mark on music history, making every collaboration a testament to their legendary status.
