For 58 years, Tower of Power has delivered the absolute best in funk and soul music, and we are thrilled to bring their legendary energy to The Rhythm and Roots Festival this Labor Day Weekend!

Originally formed as a soul band called The Motowns by Emilio Castillo, his brother, and bass player Rocco Prestia, the group truly found its identity after adding “Doc” Kupka in 1968. To break into the iconic Fillmore Auditorium, they embraced a new look, started writing their own songs, and officially became Tower of Power.

Their debut album, East Bay Grease, defined their signature style and landed them a deal with Warner Brothers. Their 1972 breakthrough, Bump City, dominated the Billboard 200 and R&B charts with hits like “You’re Still A Young Man” and “Down to The Nightclub.” Throughout the ’70s, they ruled the radio with classics like “So Very Hard to Go” and “What Is Hip?”, touring relentlessly and building a reputation for an unparalleled live show.

Over their half-century existence, the band has far surpassed Castillo’s modest early aspirations. They have traveled the globe, enjoyed massive hit singles, and backed legendary artists including Otis Redding, Elton John, Santana, the Grateful Dead, John Lee Hooker, Aerosmith, and Bonnie Raitt. In the process, they defined an “Oakland soul” sound that is just as recognizable as the music from Detroit, Memphis, and Philadelphia.

Following their monumental 50th-anniversary celebration and the release of 50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater, Tower of Power proves that their love for the stage is just as fierce today as it was back in 1968. The future of Tower of Power remains vigorous and dynamic. Get ready for a spectacular performance filled with the window-rattling grooves you crave—don’t miss them at The Rhythm and Roots Festival!