Emilio Castillo (Tower of Power) Interview

Emilio Castillo is the soulful saxophone maestro who co-founded the legendary funk-soul powerhouse Tower of Power in 1968. Raised in Fremont, California, Castillo was drawn from a young age to the rich rhythms of R&B, guided by early musical mentors and inspired by Bay Area soul bands. As the band’s co-leader, second tenor saxophonist, and prolific songwriter alongside Stephen “Doc” Kupka, Castillo helped shape iconic tracks like "You’re Still a Young Man, " "What Is Hip?", and "So Very Hard to Go." Over the past five decades, Tower of Power has earned worldwide acclaim for its tight, horn-driven grooves, blending funk, jazz, soul, and R&B into an irresistible sound. Their enduring popularity has led to collaborations with Santana, Elton John, Aerosmith, and countless others, while their signature “Oakland soul” continues to inspire new generations of musicians.