Was Lenny Williams a Tower of Power?
Lenny Williams (1945–) Soul singer Lenny Williams is an influential rhythm and blues (R&B) artist who is best known for his time as the lead singer of funk band Tower of Power in the mid-1970s. He pursued a solo career after leaving the band.
Does Tower of Power have a new lead singer?
Politzer (since 2002), guitarist Jerry Cortez (since 2010), vocalist and trombonist Ray Greene (from 2013 to 2016, and since 2021), bassist Marc van Wageningen (since 2018), and trumpeter Mike Bogart (from 2000 to 2009, and since 2021).
Who are the original members of Tower of Power?
Tower of PowerGenresSoul funk R&B jazz jazz-funkYears active1968–presentLabelsWarner Bros. Columbia Epic San Francisco Mack AvenueMembersEmilio Castillo Stephen 'Doc' Kupka David Garibaldi Roger Smith Adolfo Acosta Tom E. Politzer Jerry Cortez Marc van Wageningen Mike Bogart Mike Jerel8 more rows
Where is Lenny Williams from?
Little Rock, ARLenny Williams / Place of birth
What is the biggest hit for Tower of Power?
Tower Of Power's Best SongsWhat Is Hip? Tower Of Power. ... So Very Hard To Go Tower of Power. From 17 people.Soul Vaccination Tower of Power. From 6 people.Oakland Stroke/Havin' Fun Tower of Power. From 1 person.Knock Yourself Out Tower of Power. ... Down To The Nightclub Tower of Power. ... Me & Mrs. ... Squib Cakes Tower of Power.More items...
What happened to the original lead singer of Tower of Power?
OAKLAND, Calif. — Rick Stevens, the former lead singer of Oakland's Tower of Power rhythm and blues band who spent 36 years in prison, has died. He was 77. KTVU-TV reported that Stevens died Tuesday after a short battle with cancer.
Why did Sal Cracchiolo leave Tower of Power?
To All Of The Tower Of Power Fans Everywhere, I am so sorry to have to inform you that I will not be performing with ToP for a while. My best friend and wife, Melanie Jackson Cracchiolo unfortunately was injured in an ice skating accident.
Why did Larry Braggs leave Tower of Power?
After 14 years, countless gigs all around the world, recording CD's and DVD's with TOP, Larry has decided to explore other opportunities in the music industry. Been loving Tower of Power since early 1970 s.
Who were all the lead singers for Tower of Power?
Lenny Williams1972 – 1974Larry BraggsTower of Power/Lead singers
How old is Lenny?
58 years (May 26, 1964)Lenny Kravitz / Age
How old is Lenny Williams?
77 years (February 16, 1945)Lenny Williams / Age
How many children does Lenny Williams have?
one childHe has been married to Deborah Williams since 1983. They have one child.
Who is the singer for Tower of Power?
Lenny WilliamsLarry BraggsTower of Power/Singers
Why did Sal Cracchiolo leave Tower of Power?
To All Of The Tower Of Power Fans Everywhere, I am so sorry to have to inform you that I will not be performing with ToP for a while. My best friend and wife, Melanie Jackson Cracchiolo unfortunately was injured in an ice skating accident.
How old is the lead singer of Tower of Power?
Rick Stevens, who served as lead singer of Tower of Power in its early years, lending his vocals to the East Bay funk group's signature 1972 hit, “You're Still a Young Man,” before serving a lengthy prison sentence for murder, died on Tuesday, Sept. 5. He was 77. Mr.
Who is the bass player for Tower of Power?
Francis Rocco PrestiaTower of Power / BassistFrancis Rocco Prestia Jr. was an American bassist, best known for his work with the funk band Tower of Power. Wikipedia
Early life and career
Williams was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and moved to Oakland, California, at a young age. Learning to play the trumpet in elementary school fueled his interest in music; his skills as a vocalist were first nurtured by singing in gospel choirs and groups around the Bay Area.
Professional recordings
After winning several local talent contests, Williams signed his first recording contract with Fantasy Records. He cut two singles for the label, including "Lisa's Gone" and "Feelin Blue", written by John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival. In 1972, Williams joined the emerging funk band Tower of Power.
Solo works
While still with Tower of Power, he recorded his first solo album Pray for the Lion for Warner Bros. Records in 1974. At the end of 1975, Williams left the band and returned to his solo projects. Initially signing with Motown Records in 1975, he later moved to ABC Records in 1977 (which was then purchased by MCA Records in 1979).
Material loss
Lenny Williams was among hundreds of artists whose material was destroyed in the 2008 Universal fire.
Who is Lenny Williams?
Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to print (Opens in new window) Vocalist Lenny Williams, formerly of the Tower of Power, is photographed on top of the Tribune Tower on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010, in Oakland, Calif. Williams will be performing at Oakland’s Art & Soul festival on Aug. 22. (Jane Tyska/Staff)
What did Williams ask Zaentz for?
Hurting for dough, Williams asked Zaentz for a job as a recording engineer. The producer said no, instructing Williams to focus on songwriting. Williams took the rebuff poorly and soon after cut ties with Fantasy, but he now understands Zaentz’s decision.
What was the name of the song that Williams sang in the 70s?
His hits from that period included “Midnight Girl,” “Love Hurt Me Love Healed Me” and “Choosing You.”.
Who is Larry Graham Jr.?
The singer hooked up with Larry Graham Jr., the pioneering funk bassist who had recently parted ways with Sly Stone, and the two began collaborating. The results turned out to be a game-changer for Williams.
Who was the kid in Creedence Clearwater Revival?
Zaentz, now better known for his film work, invited Williams over to the studio. “I go over there and meet this kid named John Fogerty , who worked in the mailroom,” Williams says of the “kid” that shot to stardom as the singer from Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Will Williams reunite with Tower of Power?
Fans have long clamored for Williams to reunite with Tower of Power (which still tours regularly), but the singer plans to stay focused on his solo career. He does, however, understand why those early ’70s Tower of Power tracks remain dear to so many fans.
Where is Tower of Power from?
Tower of Power is an American R&B -based horn section and band, originating in Oakland, California, that has been performing since 1968. There have been a number of lead vocalists, the most well-known being Lenny Williams, who fronted the band between early 1973 and late 1974, the period of their greatest commercial success.
What year did the Tower of Power come out?
Tower of Power, released in the spring of 1973 , was the third album for the band. It featured soul singer Lenny Williams on lead vocals and Lenny Pickett on lead tenor saxophone. Bruce Conte replaced guitarist Willie Fulton and keyboardist Chester D.Thompson also joined the band during the recording of the album. The album spawned their most-successful single " So Very Hard to Go ". Although the single peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100, it landed in the Top 10 on the surveys of many West Coast Top 40 radio stations, hitting #1 on many of them. The album also charted two other singles on the Billboard Hot 100, "This Time It's Real" and "What Is Hip?"
When did Bruce Conte leave Top?
Bruce Conte joined the band as lead guitar in 1973 and left in 1979 . He rejoined TOP in 2006, touring with them for 14 months, before moving to Cebu in the Philippines. In 2012, Conte announced that he was battling leukemia. He died from the disease in 2021.
When did the band Urban Renewal leave?
On Urban Renewal (1974), the band moved more toward funk than soul; however, they continued recording ballads as well. Williams left the band in late 1974, and was replaced as vocalist by Hubert Tubbs. Though the band remained popular, their days of chart radio airplay declined. During the late 1970s they briefly tried recording disco-sounding material.
What happened to David Garibaldi?
On January 12, 2017, long-time drummer David Garibaldi and bassist Marc Van Wageningen were hit by a train as they walked across tracks before a performance in Oakland. They both survived the accident. According to their manager, Jeremy Westby, they were both “responsive and being treated at a local hospital”. They fully recovered and returned to the active lineup later that year.
What did Tower of Power do in his absence?
Tower of Power, in his absence, went on to produce a string of soul and funk hits.
What is the first hit of Tower of Power?
The set list is expected to include "You're Still a Young Man, " Tower of Power's first big hit before he left the band in a haze of pills, heroin, cocaine and pot.
Is Rick Stevens going back to prison?
Four decades after fallen funk singer Rick Stevens killed three men in a botched drug deal, he is going back to prison. This time, it's to entertain.
Overview
Solo works
While still with Tower of Power, he recorded his first solo album Pray for the Lion for Warner Bros. Records in 1974. At the end of 1975, Williams left the band and returned to his solo projects. Initially signing with Motown Records in 1975, he later moved to ABC Records in 1977 (which was then purchased by MCA Records in 1979). With producer Frank Wilson at the helm and songwriters such as Judy Wieder, Clay Drayton, Terry McFadden, and John Footman, over the next four years…
Early life and career
Williams was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and moved to Oakland, California, before the age of 1. Learning to play the trumpet in elementary school fueled his interest in music; his skills as a vocalist were first nurtured by singing in gospel choirs and groups around the Bay Area. He worked with several notable artists, such as Sly Stone, Andraé Crouch, Billy Preston and members of the Hawkins family, Edwin, Walter and Tramaine.
Professional recordings
After winning several local talent contests, Williams signed his first recording contract with Fantasy Records. He cut two singles for the label, including "Lisa's Gone" and "Feelin Blue", written by John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival. In 1972, Williams joined the emerging funk band Tower of Power. A string of hits followed, including "So Very Hard to Go", "What Is Hip", "Don't Change Horses (In The Middle of the Stream)" and "Willing To Learn". During his two years with the group…
Discography
• 1973: Tower of Power (Warner Bros. Records)
• 1974: Back to Oakland (Warner Bros. Records)
• 1975: Urban Renewal (Warner Bros. Records)
• 1974: Pray for the Lion (Warner Bros. Records)
External links
• Official site
• Artist profile at SoulWalking.com
• Lenny Williams at AllMusic
• Lenny Williams 2012 Audio Interview at Soulinterviews.com