List of Tower of Power members
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Tower of Power (TOP) is an American rhythm and blues band from Oakland, California. Formed in August 1968, the group is centred on a horn section which originally featured tenor saxophonists Emilio "Mimi" Castillo and Steven "Skip" Mesquite, baritone saxophonist Stephen "Doc" Kupka, and trumpeters Greg Adams, David Padron, Mic Gillette and Ken Balzell. The rest of the original lineup included vocalist Rufus Miller, guitarist Willie James Fulton, bassist Francis Rocco Prestia and drummer David Garibaldi.
Castillo and Kupka remain the only constant members of TOP, the current incarnation of which also features trumpeter Adolfo Acosta (since 2000), tenor saxophonist Tom E. Politzer (since 2002), guitarist Jerry Cortez (since 2010), bassist Marc van Wageningen (since 2018), keyboardist/vocalist Michael Jerel (from 2022 to 2024 and since 2025), trumpeter Dave Richards (since 2023), drummer Pete Antunes, and vocalist Jordan John (both since 2024).
History
1968–1981
TOP was formed in August 1968, after Emilio Castillo and Stephen Kupka met for the first time the month before. The original horn section also featured Steven "Skip" Mesquite on lead tenor saxophone, alongside Greg Adams, David Padron, Mic Gillette and Ken Balzell on trumpets and other brass. The rest of the band was filled out by vocalist Rufus Miller, guitarist Willie James Fulton, bassist Rocco Prestia and drummer David Garibaldi. During the recording of the group's debut album East Bay Grease in 1969, Rick Stevens replaced Miller in time to perform lead vocals on one track. Following the release of East Bay Grease, only Adams and Gillette remained on trumpets, while the group had been joined by Brent Byars on additional percussion. The new lineup released Bump City in 1972.
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