Tower of Power is a horn-based funk/soul band from Oakland, California. In … Read Full Bio ↴Tower of Power is a horn-based funk/soul band from Oakland, California. In the mid-1960s, 17-year-old tenor saxophonist Emilio Castillo moved from Detroit, Michigan, to Fremont, California. He started a band called the Motowns, specializing in soul music. In 1968, Castillo teamed up with baritone saxophonist Stephen "The Funky Doctor" Kupka and trumpet/trombone player Mic Gillette, moved to Oakland, and began writing original material. They changed the band's name to Tower of Power and began playing frequently in the Bay Area.

In 1970, TOP signed a recording contract with Bill Graham's San Francisco Records and quickly released its first album, East Bay Grease. 1972's Bump City and 1973's self-titled release were breakout albums for the band; the latter included possibly their most enduring song, What is Hip?.

Tower of Power has remained active throughout the 1970s, '80s, '90s, and into the 21st century, and is still touring in 2010. Personnel changes have been part of the history and evolution of the band; at least 60 musicians have performed, toured, and/or recorded with the band through the years, including Saturday Night Live musical director Lenny Pickett, drummer David Garibaldi, bassist Rocco Prestia, and bassist and BALCO founder Victor Conte. (His brother Bruce Conte played guitar in the band as well.) Lenny Williams served as lead singer for several years after one of the original singers, Rick Stevens was imprisoned. Rufus Miller performed most of the lead vocals on "East Bay Grease." Former lead vocalist Rick Stevens (real name Donald Stevenson) was sentenced to life in prison on three counts of first-degree murder relating to a botched drug deal, crimes committed after leaving the band. Stevens was paroled on July 20, 2012 after 36 years in prison. Rick Stevens died on September 5th, 2017.
TOP has released 15 albums over the years, the latest being 2003's The Oakland Zone. In addition, the horn section has become well-known as a backing horn section for other artists. The TOP horn section has appeared on many recordings, including some made by the Monkees, Santana, Elton John, John Lee Hooker, Rod Stewart, Jefferson Starship, Heart, Huey Lewis and the News, Lyle Lovett, Poison, Phish, Pharoahe Monch, and Aerosmith.

Official Website

(2) The renowned horn-driven funk outfit Tower of Power have been issuing albums and touring the world steadily since the early '70s, in addition to backing up countless other musicians. The group's leader since the beginning has always been tenor saxophonist Emilio Castillo, who was born in Detroit but opted to pursue his musical dreams in Oakland, California. It was in Oakland that Castillo put together a group called the Motowns, which, as their name suggested, specialized in '60s-era soul. In 1967, Castillo teamed up with baritone sax player Stephen "Doc" Kupka, and soon the Motowns were transformed into Tower of Power. (One of the first tunes the duo penned together was "You're Still a Young Man," which would eventually go on to be one of Tower of Power's signature compositions.)

Tower of Power played regularly in the Bay Area throughout the late '60s, as their lineup often swelled up to ten members, including such other mainstays as Greg Adams on trumpet and vocals, Lenny Pickett on sax, and Rocco Prestia on bass. By 1970, the funk outfit had inked a recording contract with Bill Graham's San Francisco Records, resulting in the group's debut the same year, East Bay Grease, which failed to make an impression on the charts as Tower of Power were still trying to find their own sound.

But it soon came together for the group, as 1972's Bump City would touch off a string of classic hit albums, including 1973's self-titled release (which introduced vocalist Lenny Williams and included another of the group's most enduring tunes, "What Is Hip?"), 1974's Back to Oakland, and 1975's Urban Renewal and In the Slot. While Tower of Power remained a must-see live act, as disco became the new trend in R&B the group's original funk-laden style fell out of favor, and disco-oriented albums like 1978's We Came to Play and 1979's Back on the Streets didn't please critics or fans, and the band would go nine years without releasing an album.

Despite it all, Tower of Power -- in particular their horn section -- remained a much in-demand backing group for some of pop/rock's biggest names, including Elton John, Santana, Bonnie Raitt, Huey Lewis, Little Feat, David Sanborn, Michelle Shocked, Paula Abdul, Aaron Neville, Aerosmith, Public Image Ltd., and many others. In 1988, Tower of Power returned to the studio for the album Power, and in 1991 they signed with Epic Records, where they released five albums by the end of the decade.

Into the new millennium, Tower of Power kept up their reputation as a strong live band, maintaining a steady touring schedule, and in 2009 they launched their own TOP Records label with The Great American Soulbook, in which they covered a dozen soul and R&B classics in the trademark Tower of Power style. In 2007, Tower of Power celebrated their fourth decade together with a special concert at San Francisco's Fillmore Auditorium, and a year later the show was issued in a special CD/DVD package, simply titled 40th Anniversary. In 2013, Tower of Power took a look back with the release of Hipper Than Hip: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow, which documented a live radio broadcast from 1974. The bandmembers also announced they would be touring in 2013 and 2014 with two other iconic acts from Northern California, Journey and the Steve Miller Band. ~ Greg Prato & Steve Leggett, Rovi

Soul With a Capital "S"
Tower of Power Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

(The only thing that turns me on)
Is when I hear a soulful song

I like soul with a capital S
Soul with a capital S
Sweet soul music, that's the best
Soul with a capital S

Music makes you happy, thinking makes you sad
It can do the worst thing to the best you ever had
For entertainment found you if you had to choose
You and me might disagree, 'cause I like rhythm and blues
Now I'm not missin' disco, I'm not saying punk is bunk
I can't settle for heavy metal, 'cause I got to have that funk

(The only thing that turns me on)
Is when I hear a soulful song

I like soul with a capital S
Soul with a capital S
Sweet soul music, that's the best
Soul with a capital S

Oh, there's people who tell you to get in with the times
It doesn't even matter that if your poem rimes
But I'm here to tell you, whatever comes along
There's something that gave up everyone
And there ain't no right or wrong

Some rock makes you lazy
Highschool leaves you flat
And fusion drives you crazy
That's now funk is where it's at

(The only thing that turns me on)
Is when I hear a soulful song

I like soul with a capital S
Soul with a capital S
Sweet soul music, that's the best
Soul with a capital S

Oh, I like soul with a capital S
Soul with a capital S
Sweet soul music, that's the best
(Soul) with a capital S
(With a capital S)
(With a capital S)
(With a capital S)

Oh, I like soul with a capital S
Don't you know that I like soul (with a capital S)
You gotta give some of that soul (with the capital S)
Yes I like soul
(With the capital S)
(With the capital S)
(With the capital S)
(With the capital S)
(With the capital S)
Yey yeah
Yo old fellas
Sounds like some of that Oakland music
You know what I talking about?
(Play that funky groove)
????
Play that funky groove
????

(Soul with the capital S)
Oh give some of that Soul
(With the capital S)
Oh I got to have that Soul
(With the capital S)
(With the capital S)
(With the capital S)
(With the capital S)
(With the capital S)
(With the capital S)

(With the capital S)
(With the capital S)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Tower of Power's "Soul with a Capital "S"" is about the power of music and the preference for soulful music. The song starts by acknowledging the diversity in people's musical tastes, but the singer declares his love for soul music. The lyrics talk about how music can affect one's emotions, from making you happy to making you sad. The singer admits that there are music genres he may not prefer, like country or punk, but soulful music is what turns him on. He loves soul with a capital "S," and he believes it's the best music out there.

The lyrics emphasize how important soulful music is to the singer. It's his preferred genre because it's engaging and makes him feel alive. He admits that there is no right or wrong music and that everyone has their preferences, but he loves soulful music. The song's final part talks about how old-school Oakland music has a unique sound that he appreciates, it's the soundtrack of his life. He ends by requesting to play some funky music and groove to that soulful rhythm.

The song's lyrics are simple and straightforward, but they convey a powerful message about music's impact. The lyrics reveal the singer's deep connection to soulful music and how it moves him emotionally. The song's rhythm and music (which includes a horn section) reinforce the message of the lyrics, making it a memorable and enjoyable song to listen to repeatedly.

Line by Line Meaning

There's all kinds of music, everywhere you go
Music can be found in various genres and styles, regardless of your location

Some folks like it fast, and some like it slow
Music preferences can differ from person to person; some people like upbeat songs, and others prefer slower tempos

Some like it hot, some like it blue
There are different emotions that can be associated with music, with some people preferring passionate music and others liking more melancholic tunes

Uh some like it old, and some like it new
Music can also be split between older, classic styles and more modern sounds

Now I'm not liking country, and I'm not rappin' rap
The singer's music preferences exclude country and rap genres

You can make a man swing, just say my thing
Certain types of music have the power to make people spontaneously dance or move to the beat

No, I'm talkin' to dig, my step
The singer is expressing his love for music that has a good rhythm and groove, which makes him want to dance

(The only thing that turns me on) Is when I hear a soulful song
The singer is unequivocally passionate about soulful music, and it's the only genre that truly excites him

I like soul with a capital S Soul with a capital S Sweet soul music, that's the best Soul with a capital S
The singer affirms his love for soul music and emphasizes its importance with a capital S, claiming that it's the best kind of music out there

Music makes you happy, thinking makes you sad It can do the worst thing to the best you ever had
Music has the power to bring joy, but also has the ability to induce sadness and even worsen it in some cases

For entertainment found you if you had to choose You and me might disagree, 'cause I like rhythm and blues
The singer believes that music is essential for entertainment, but acknowledges that everyone's tastes differ, and he particularly enjoys rhythm and blues

Now I'm not missin' disco, I'm not saying punk is bunk I can't settle for heavy metal, 'cause I got to have that funk
The singer is not nostalgic about disco, thinks punk is not to his taste, and can't enjoy heavy metal because it lacks the funk element that he loves

Some rock makes you lazy Highschool leaves you flat And fusion drives you crazy That's now funk is where it's at
The singer believes that some rock music can make you lethargic, high school music leaves you uninterested, and fusion drives you mad. The only genre where it's at for him is funk

Oh, there's people who tell you to get in with the times It doesn't even matter that if your poem rimes
There are people who are simply keen on following trends, even in music, regardless of the quality or style

But I'm here to tell you, whatever comes along There's something that gave up everyone And there ain't no right or wrong
The singer believes that everyone has a personal music preference, and there's no right or wrong in the type of music you listen to whether it's mainstream or not

(Play that funky groove) ???? Play that funky groove ????
The singer is urging the band to play some funky music with a great groove, which is his favorite type of music

(Soul with the capital S) Oh give some of that Soul (With the capital S) Oh I got to have that Soul
The singer is pleading with the band to play more soulful music with a capital S, and he simply can't get enough of it

(With the capital S) (With the capital S) (With the capital S) (With the capital S) (With the capital S) (With the capital S) (With the capital S) (With the capital S)
The capital S is an emphatic way of expressing how essential and significant soulful music is to the singer, who can't get enough of it

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG Rights Management
Written by: EMILIO CASTILLO, STEPHEN M. KUPKA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@e.amanzhol1

21w

There's all kinds of music, everywhere you go
Some folks like it fast, and some like it slow
Some like it hot, some like it blue
Uh some like it old, and some like it new
Now I'm not liking country, and I'm not rappin' rap
You can make a man swing, just say my thing
No, I'm talkin' to dig, my step
Is when I hear a soulful song
I like soul with a capital S
Soul with a capital S
Sweet soul music, that's the best
Soul with a capital S
Music makes you happy, thinking makes you sad
It can do the worst thing to the best you ever had
For entertainment found you if you had to choose
You and me might disagree, 'cause I like rhythm and blues
Now I'm not missin' disco, I'm not saying punk is bunk
I can't settle for heavy metal, 'cause I got to have that funk
Is when I hear a soulful song
I like soul with a capital S
Soul with a capital S
Sweet soul music, that's the best
Soul with a capital S
Oh, there's people who tell you to get in with the times
It doesn't even matter that if your poem rimes
But I'm here to tell you, whatever comes along
There's something that gave up everyone
And there ain't no right or wrong
Some rock makes you lazy
Highschool leaves you flat
And fusion drives you crazy
That's now funk is where it's at
Is when I hear a soulful song
I like soul with a capital S
Soul with a capital S
Sweet soul music, that's the best
Soul with a capital S
Oh, I like soul with a capital S
Soul with a capital S
Sweet soul music, that's the best
(Soul) with a capital S
(With a capital S)
(With a capital S)
(With a capital S)
Oh, I like soul with a capital S
Don't you know that I like soul (with a capital S)
You gotta give some of that soul (with the capital S)
Yes I like soul
(With the capital S)
(With the capital S)
(With the capital S)
(With the capital S)
(With the capital S)
Yey yeah
Yo old fellas
Sounds like some of that Oakland music
You know what I talking about?
(Play that funky groove)
????
Play that funky groove
????
Oh give some of that Soul
(With the capital S)
Oh I got to have that Soul
(With the capital S)
(With the capital S)
(With the capital S)
(With the capital S)
(With the capital S)
(With the capital S)
(With the capital S)
(With the capital S)

@pipepost64

5y↑11

There's all kinds of music, everywhere you go
Some folks like it fast,. and some like it slow
Some like it hot, some like it blue
Some like it old, and some like it new

Now I'm not liking country, and I'm not rappin' rap
You man swing, just say my thing
No, I'm talkin' to dig, my step

The only thing that turns me on

is when I hear a soulful song

I like... ….soul…. with a capital S
like this...Soul …..with a capital S
Sweet…...sweet soul music,.. that's the best
Soul……………… with a capital S

Music makes you happy,..... thinking makes you sad
It can do the worst thing…. to the best you ever had

entertainment found you…. if I had to choose
You and me might disagree ,......cause I like rythm and blues

Now I'm not missing disco, ..I'm not saying punk is bunk
I can't settle for heavy metal cause I got to have that funk

The only thing that turns me on

is when I hear a soulful song

I like... ….soul…. with a capital S
like this...Soul …..with a capital S
Sweet…...sweet soul music,.. that's the best
Soul……………… with a capital S

Oh, there's people who tell you….. to get in with the times
It doesn't even matter …...that if your poem rimes
But I'm here to tell you,...... whatever comes along
There's something that gave up everyone
And there ain't no right or wrong

some rock makes you lazy…….... highschool leaves you flat
If fusion drives you crazy that's ….now funk is where it's at

The only thing that turns me on

is when I hear a soulful song

I like... ….soul…. with a capital S
like this...Soul …..with a capital S
Sweet…...sweet soul music,.. that's the best
Soul……………… with a capital S

.soul…. with a capital S
like this...Soul …..with a capital S
Sweet…...sweet soul music,.. that's the best
Soul……………… with a capital S

(With a capital S)

(With a capital S)

(With a capital S)

Solo. …….

The only thing that turns me on

is when I hear a soulful song

I like... ….soul…. with a capital S
like this...Soul …..with a capital S
Sweet…...sweet soul music,.. that's the best
Soul……………… with a capital S

(With a capital S)

(With a capital S)

(With a capital S)

@pipepost64

5y↑45

There's all kinds of music, everywhere you go
Some folks like it fast, and some like it slow
Some like it hot, some like it blue
Some like it old, and some like it new

Now I'm not liking country, and I'm not rappin' rap
You can make a man swing, just say my thing
No, I'm talkin' to dig, my step
The only thing that turns me on is when I hear a soulful song

I like soul with a capital S
Soul with a capital S
Sweet soul music, that's the best
Soul with a capital S

Music makes you happy, thinking makes you sad
It can do the worst thing to the best you ever had
For entertainment found you if I had to choose
You and me might disagree cause I like rythm and blues

Now I'm not missing disco, I'm not saying punk is bunk
I can't settle for heavy metal cause I got to have that funk
The only thing that turns me on is when I hear a soulful song

I like soul with a capital S
Soul with a capital S
Sweet soul music, that's the best
Soul with a capital S

Oh, there's people who tell you to get in with the times
It doesn't even matter that if your poem rimes
But I'm here to tell you, whatever comes along
There's something that gave up everyone
And there ain't no right or wrong

If some rock makes you lazy highschool leaves you flat
If fusion drives you crazy that's now funk is where it's at
The only thing that turns me on is when I hear a soulful song

I like soul with a capital S
Soul with a capital S
Sweet soul music, that's the best
Soul with a capital S

I like soul with a capital S
Soul with a capital S
Sweet soul music, that's the best
Soul with a capital S, with a capital S
With a capital S, with a capital S

Soul with a capital S
Don't you know I like Soul
(With a capital S)
Gotta give me some of that soul
(With a capital S)

Yes I like soul
(With a capital S)
(With a capital S, with a capital S)
(With a capital S, with a capital S)

Yo fellas sounds like that Oaklands soul music
You know what I'm talking about

(They done found the stroke
Done found the Oakland stroke
They done found the stroke
Done found the Oakland stroke)

(Soul with a capital S)
Give me some of that soul
(With a capital S)
I gotta have that soul
(With a capital S)
(With a capital S)

That's what I like
(With a capital 'S')
Sweet soul music
(With a capital 'S')
(With a capital S)
(With a capital S)

@s9uarewave155

3y↑1

@s9uarewave155

Oh, there's people who tell you to get in with the times
It doesn't even matter that if your poem rimes
But I'm here to tell you, whatever comes along
There's something that gave up everyone
And there ain't no right or wrong

If some rock makes you lazy highschool leaves you flat
If fusion drives you crazy that's now funk is where it's at
The only thing that turns me on is when I hear a soulful song

I like soul with a capital S
Soul with a capital S
Sweet soul music, that's the best
Soul with a capital S

I like soul with a capital S
Soul with a capital S
Sweet soul music, that's the best
Soul with a capital S, with a capital S
With a capital S, with a capital S

Soul with a capital S
Don't you know I like Soul
(With a capital S)
Gotta give me some of that soul
(With a capital S)

All comments from YouTube:

@Helga2408

4y↑35

Soul with a capital S, Funk with a capital F, Tower Of Power with capitals T, O and P! Guys, you’re the best! These marvellous, delicious harmonies including Beta-chords make me full of energy and positive emotions! Keep up the good work!