Emilio Castillo

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Emilio Castillo is an American saxophone player and composer, best known as the founder of the band Tower of Power.

Emilio Castillo took to music after being caught stealing by his father who told him he could stay in his room until he thought of something to 'Keep him off the street'. Castillo chose music.

He took lessons in saxophone, piano, and guitar, and also took tuition in music theory from one time Dave Brubeck bass player Norman Bates. His first musical endeavor was as keyboard player in a British Invasion style group, 'The Gotham City Crimefighters' (see [1]). After seeing Bay Area soul band The Spyders, Castillo switched to saxophone and formed 'The Motowns' playing soul music covers.

After meeting baritone sax player Stephen "Doc" Kupka Castillo switched, on Kupka's suggestion, to performing original material and the band changed its name to The Tower of Power. The band recorded their first album, East Bay Grease, in 1970. Castillo has been with the band ever since, as leader and 2nd tenor saxophonist. He and Kupka are also responsible for writing many of the band's best-known songs.