# List of Tower of Power members

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 keyboardist Roger Smith (since 1998), trumpeter Adolfo Acosta (since 2000), tenor saxophonist Tom E. Politzer (since 2002), guitarist Jerry Cortez (since 2010), bassist Marc van Wageningen (since 2018), trumpeter Dave Richards (since 2023), drummer Pete Antunes (since 2024), and vocalist Jordan John (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.
Shortly after the release of Bump City, Stevens, Fulton and Mesquite were replaced by Lenny Williams, Bruce Conte and Lenny Pickett, respectively, while Chester Thompson joined as the band's first keyboardist. In 1973 the band released a self-titled album, which was followed in 1974 by Back to Oakland. During the recording of the group's next album Urban Renewal, Garibaldi briefly left due to increasing drug use amongst other members. His place was taken by David Bartlett, before he returned in early 1975. Around the same time, Williams departed to pursue a solo career and Hubert Tubbs took over. Tubbs and Garibaldi left after In the Slot, replaced by Edward McGee and Ron E. Beck. Ain't Nothin' Stoppin' Us Now followed in 1976, before Prestia was fired in late 1977 due to ongoing problems with substance abuse. At the same time, McGee was forced to leave due to vocal problems. The pair were replaced by Victor Conte and Michael Jeffries.
With Jeffries and Conte, TOP released We Came to Play! in 1978, before both Contes and Beck left the band – Garibaldi returned again, while Danny Hoefer and Vito Sanfilippo took over on guitar and bass. After the release of Back on the Streets, Garibaldi left for a third time in 1980. He was replaced by Mark Sanders, while original guitarist Willie Fulton also returned in place of Hoefer. In 1981, the horn section expanded to three trumpeters again with the addition of Rick Waychesko. This 11-piece lineup released Direct that year.

### 1981–1994

Shortly after the release of Direct, long-term lead tenor saxophonist Lenny Pickett was replaced by Marc Russo. Waychesko left in 1982. During this period, TOP recorded an album that went unreleased until 1999, when it was issued as Dinosaur Tracks. After these sessions, in early 1983, keyboardist Chester Thompson left to join Santana. He was replaced by David K. Mathews. Around the same time, Mike Cichowicz took over from Waychesko. In 1984, the band's original bassist Francis Rocco Prestia returned, lead trumpet player Mic Gillette left to spend more time with his family, Ellis Hall replaced Michael Jeffries, and Mark Craney replaced Sanders. The following year, Richard Elliot replaced Russo. Craney remained until the summer of 1986, when he was forced to leave after contracting kidney disease.
In 1986, with Mick Mestek and Lee Thornburg replacing Craney and Cichowicz, the band recorded its first album in five years; the result, T.O.P., received a limited release, before it was edited and issued more widely as Power in 1987. After the album's recording, Fulton was replaced by Danny Jacob. By 1987, Jacob had made way for Frank Biner, while Mestek had been replaced by Steve Monreal. During 1988, Zeke Zirngiebel replaced Biner and Steve Grove replaced Elliot; Hall also left, with Castillo handling the majority of lead vocals, and Nick Milo taking over on keyboards. Later that year, Carmen Grillo took over from Zirngiebel on guitar.
During the tumultuous period following the release of 1987's Power, TOP reportedly came close to disbanding due to ongoing substance issues for leaders Castillo and Kupka, who became clean in 1988 and 1989, respectively. The additions of Milo and Grillo were followed by that of new vocalist Tom Bowes and drummer Russ McKinnon in 1989. Grove left in 1992, replaced by Paul Perez for the recording of 1993's T.O.P. For subsequent tour dates, David Mann took over the position.

### 1994–2009

Early 1994 saw another string of personnel changes in TOP: vocalist Brent Carter replaced Tom Bowes, drummer Herman Matthews replaced Russ McKinnon, and trumpeters Greg Adams and Lee Thornburg were replaced by Bill Churchville and Barry Danelian. Adams, a constant member since the band's formation, later stated about his departure simply that "I was at a point in my life where I needed to do something different. I was stagnating." The new lineup released Souled Out in 1995. The following year, John Scarpulla replaced David Mann. In early 1997, former Starship guitarist Jeff Tamelier replaced Carmen Grillo. After the release of Rhythm & Business that year, Danelien was replaced by Don Harris, who toured with the group from June to December 1997.
At the beginning of 1998, Matthews, Scarpulla and Harris were replaced by David Garibaldi (returning for his fourth tenure), Norbert Stachel and Jesse McGuire, respectively. The group recorded live album Soul Vaccination that October, after which Nick Milo left and Roger Smith took his place. In 2000, the band went through three more lineup changes: Mike Bogart replaced McGuire early in the year, Adolfo Acosta took over from Churchville in July, and Larry Braggs replaced Carter in November. When Stachel left to join Roger Waters' solo touring band in January 2002, Tom E. Politzer took his place in March.
During 2002 and 2003, Rocco Prestia was forced to step back from touring with TOP after having a liver transplant; he was replaced initially by Marc van Wageningen and later by Bobby Vega. In 2003, the band released its first studio album since 1997, Oakland Zone. By early 2006, Tamelier had left the band, replaced in the spring for tour dates by Trey Stone. By June that year, Stone had been replaced by former TOP guitarist Bruce Conte. Within a year he'd been replaced by Charles Spikes, who was replaced in late 2007 by Mark Harper. In 2008, TOP performed a special show to mark the 40th anniversary of its formation, which featured guest appearances by multiple former band members, and was released in 2011. The band issued Great American Soulbook in 2009, featuring Conte and Harper.

### Since 2009

In August 2009, TOP founding member Mic Gillette rejoined the group after 25 years out of the lineup, when Mike Bogart departed "to pursue a career in music education". In January 2010, Jerry Cortez replaced Mark Harper on guitar. Gillette left again in February 2011, temporarily replaced by the returning Lee Thornburg before Sal Cracchiolo took over that August. In the summer of 2013, vocalist Larry Braggs announced that he would be leaving TOP at the end of the year. He was temporarily replaced starting in September by Ray Greene, who later became an official member when Braggs left in December. By April 2016, Marcus Scott had taken over the role of TOP's lead vocalist, after Greene left to join Santana in February.
During 2018, Rocco Prestia was forced to retire permanently from touring with TOP due to ongoing health issues, with former stand-in Marc van Wageningen taking his place again. Prestia continued to perform on studio recordings, but the band considered van Wageningen their 'official' bassist. Prestia later died on September 29, 2020. The band released Soul Side of Town in 2018 followed by Step Up in 2020, both of which featured recordings by the Greene- and Scott-fronted incarnations of the band. Also in 2018, the group performed a 50th anniversary show which was released as an album in 2021, featuring former members including tenor saxophonist Lenny Pickett, keyboardist Chester Thompson, guitarist Bruce Conte and vocalist Greene, who played trombone.
When they returned to touring in 2021 after a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the lineup of TOP featured Greene returning on lead vocals and Harry Kim in place of trumpeter Cracchiolo. Due in part to Kim's busy schedule, he was soon replaced by Mike Bogart, who played lead trumpet with the band from 2000 to 2009. In early 2022, Greene once again departed for Santana, and was replaced by former The Voice contestant Mike Jerel. In 2023, Bogart left for a second time and was replaced by Dave Richards.
In January of 2024, David Garibaldi announced his retirement from the band, and Jerel departed soon after. After brief stints by former members Herman Matthews (drums) and Ray Greene (vocals), Pete Antunes joined the band on drums and Jordan John took over on vocals.

## Members
### Current

| Name | Years active | Instruments | Release contributions |
| Emilio "Mimi" Castillo | 1968–present | tenor saxophonebacking and occasional lead vocals | all Tower of Power (TOP) releases |
| Stephen "Doc" Kupka | 1968–present | baritone saxophoneoboebacking vocals | all Tower of Power (TOP) releases |
| Roger Smith | 1998–present | keyboardsbacking vocals | Oakland Zone (2003)Great American Soulbook (2009)40th Anniversary (2011)Soul Side of Town (2018)Step Up (2020)50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater, Oakland CA (2021) |
| Adolfo Acosta | 2000–present | trumpetflugelhornbacking vocals | Oakland Zone (2003)Great American Soulbook (2009)40th Anniversary (2011)Soul Side of Town (2018)Step Up (2020)50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater, Oakland CA (2021) |
| Tom E. Politzer | 2002–present | tenor, alto and baritone saxophonesclarinetsflutesbacking vocals | Oakland Zone (2003)Great American Soulbook (2009)40th Anniversary (2011)Soul Side of Town (2018)Step Up (2020)50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater, Oakland CA (2021) |
| Jerry Cortez | 2010–present | guitarbacking vocals | Soul Side of Town (2018)Step Up (2020)50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater, Oakland CA (2021) |
| Marc van Wageningen | 2018–present (touring only 2018–2020; plus touring appearances beforehand) | bass | Soul Side of Town (2018)Step Up (2020)50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater, Oakland CA (2021) |
| Dave Richards | 2023–present | trumpetflugelhorntrombonebacking vocals | none |
| Pete Antunes | 2024–present | drumspercussion | none |
| Jordan John | 2024–present | lead vocals | none |

### Former

| Name | Years active | Instruments | Release contributions |
| Greg Adams | 1968–1994 | trumpetflugelhornFrench hornbacking vocals | all TOP releases from East Bay Grease (1970) to T.O.P. (1993)Dinosaur Tracks (1999)The East Bay Archive Volume 1 (2008)40th Anniversary (2011)Hipper Than Hip (2013)Live at Calderone Concert Hall (2015) |
| Mic Gillette | 1968–19842009–2011 (died 2016) | trumpettromboneflugelhornFrench hornbacking vocals | all TOP releases from East Bay Grease (1970) to Direct (1981)Rhythm & Business (1997)Dinosaur Tracks (1999)The East Bay Archive Volume 1 (2008)40th Anniversary (2011)Hipper Than Hip (2013)Live at Calderone Concert Hall (2015) |
| Francis Rocco Prestia | 1968–19771984–2020 (studio member only 2018–2020, until his death) | bass | all TOP releases from East Bay Grease (1970) to Ain't Nothin' Stoppin' Us Now (1976), and from T.O.P. (1986) to Step Up (2020) (except Dinosaur Tracks) |
| David Garibaldi | 1968–19741975–19761979–19801998–2024 | drumspercussionbacking vocals | all TOP releases from East Bay Grease (1970) to Live and in Living Color (1976), and from Oakland Zone (2003) to 50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater, Oakland CA (2021)We Came to Play! (1978)Back on the Streets (1979)Soul Vaccination (1999) |
| Willie James Fulton | 1968–19721980–1986 | guitarbacking and occasional lead vocals | East Bay Grease (1970)Bump City (1972)Direct (1981)T.O.P. (1986)What Is Hip: Live at Iowa State University (1987)Dinosaur Tracks (1999) |
| Steven "Skip" Mesquite | 1968–1972 | tenor saxophoneflutebacking vocals | East Bay Grease (1970)Bump City (1972)40th Anniversary (2011) |
| David Padron | 1968–1970 | trumpet | East Bay Grease (1970) |
| Ken Balzell | 1968–1970 | trumpet | East Bay Grease (1970) |
| Rufus Miller | 1968–1969 (died 2016) | lead and backing vocals | East Bay Grease (1970) |
| Rick Stevens | 1969–1972 (died 2017) | lead and backing vocals | East Bay Grease (1970)Bump City (1972) |
| Brent Byars | 1970–1974 (died 1987) | percussionbacking and lead vocals | Bump City (1972)Tower of Power (1973)Back To Oakland (1974)Urban Renewal (1975)The East Bay Archive Volume 1 (2008)40th Anniversary (2011)Hipper Than Hip (2013) |
| Chester Thompson | 1972–1983 | keyboardssynthesizersbacking vocals | all TOP releases from Tower of Power (1973) to Direct (1981)Dinosaur Tracks (1999)The East Bay Archive Volume 1 (2008)40th Anniversary (2011)Hipper Than Hip (2013)Live at Calderone Concert Hall (2015)50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater, Oakland CA (2018) |
| Lenny Pickett | 1972–1981 | tenor, alto and baritone saxophonesflutesclarinetsynthesizersbacking vocals | all TOP releases from Tower of Power (1973) to Direct (1981)T.O.P. (1993)Dinosaur Tracks (1999)The East Bay Archive Volume 1 (2008)Hipper Than Hip (2013)Live at Calderone Concert Hall (2015)50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater, Oakland CA (2018) |
| Bruce Conte | 1972–1978 (died 2021) | guitarbacking and additional lead vocals | all TOP releases from Tower of Power (1973) to We Came to Play! (1978)The East Bay Archive Volume 1 (2008)Great American Soulbook (2009)Hipper Than Hip (2013)Live at Calderone Concert Hall (2015) |
| Lenny Williams | 1972–1975 | lead and backing vocals | Tower of Power (1973)Back to Oakland (1974)Urban Renewal (1975)The East Bay Archive Volume 1 (2008)Hipper Than Hip (2013) |
| David Bartlett | 1974–1975 (died 1990s) | drumspercussionbacking vocals | Urban Renewal (1975)In the Slot (1975)Live at Calderone Concert Hall (2015) |
| Ron E. Beck | 1976–1978 | drumspercussionbacking and additional lead vocals | Ain't Nothin' Stoppin' Us Now (1976)We Came to Play! (1978)40th Anniversary (2011) |
| Edward McGee | 1976–1977 (died 2017) | lead and backing vocals | Ain't Nothin' Stoppin' Us Now (1976) |
| Michael Jeffries | 1977–1984 | lead and backing vocals | We Came to Play! (1978)Back on the Streets (1979)Direct (1981)Dinosaur Tracks (1999)40th Anniversary (2011) |
| Victor Conte | 1977–1978 | bass | We Came to Play! (1978) |
| Vito Sanfilippo | 1978–1984 | bassbacking vocals | Back on the Streets (1979)Direct (1981)Dinosaur Tracks (1999)40th Anniversary (2011) |
| Danny Hoefer | 1978–1980 | guitar | Back on the Streets (1979) |
| Mark Sanders | 1980–1984 | drumspercussion | Direct (1981)Dinosaur Tracks (1999) |
| Rick Waychesko | 1981–1982 | trumpet | Direct (1981) |
| Marc Russo | 1981–1985 | alto and tenor saxophones | Dinosaur Tracks (1999)40th Anniversary (2011) |
| David K. Mathews | 1983–1985 | keyboardssynthesizers | What Is Hip: Live at Iowa State University (1987)40th Anniversary (2011) |
| Mike Cichowicz | 1983–1985 | trumpetflugelhorn | What Is Hip: Live at Iowa State University (1987) |
| Ellis Hall | 1984–1988 | lead and backing vocalskeyboardsrhythm guitar | T.O.P. (1986)Power (1987)What Is Hip: Live at Iowa State University (1987)40th Anniversary (2011) |
| Mark Craney | 1984–1986 | drums | What Is Hip: Live at Iowa State University (1987) |
| Richard Elliot | 1985–1988 | tenor and alto saxophoneslyricon | T.O.P. (1986)Power (1987)What Is Hip: Live at Iowa State University (1987)40th Anniversary (2011) |
| Lee Thornburg | 1985–19942011 (touring) | trumpetflugelhorntrombonebacking and additional lead vocals | T.O.P. (1986)Power (1987)Monster on a Leash (1991)T.O.P. (1993) |
| Mick Mestek | 1986–1987 | drums | T.O.P. (1986)Power (1987)40th Anniversary (2011) |
| Danny Jacob | 1986–1987 | guitar | none |
| Steve Monreal | 1987–1989 | drums | none |
| Frank Biner | 1987–1988 | guitarbacking vocals | none |
| Nick Milo | 1988–1998 | keyboardssynthesizersbacking vocals | all TOP releases from Monster on a Leash (1991) to Soul Vaccination (1999)40th Anniversary (2011) |
| Steve Grove | 1988–1992 | tenor and alto saxophones | Monster on a Leash (1991) |
| Zeke Zirngiebel | 1988 | guitarbacking vocals | none |
| Carmen Grillo | 1988–1997 | guitarbacking vocals | Monster on a Leash (1991)T.O.P. (1993)Souled Out (1995)40th Anniversary (2011) |
| Tom Bowes | 1989–1994 | lead and backing vocals | Monster on a Leash (1991)T.O.P. (1993) |
| Russ McKinnon | 1989–1994 | drumspercussion | Monster on a Leash (1991)T.O.P. (1993)40th Anniversary (2011) |
| Paul Perez | 1992–1993 | tenor saxophone | T.O.P. (1993) |
| David Mann | 1993–1996 | tenor saxophone | Souled Out (1995) |
| Brent Carter | 1994–2000 | lead and backing vocals | Souled Out (1995)Rhythm & Business (1997)Soul Vaccination (1999) |
| Bill Churchville | 1994–2000 | trumpetflugelhorntrombonebacking vocals | Souled Out (1995)Rhythm & Business (1997)Soul Vaccination (1999)40th Anniversary (2011) |
| Herman Matthews | 1994–19982024 | drumspercussion | Souled Out (1995)Rhythm & Business (1997)40th Anniversary (2011) |
| Barry Danelian | 1994–1997 | trumpetflugelhorn | Souled Out (1995)Rhythm & Business (1997) |
| John Scarpulla | 1996–1998 | tenor saxophone | Rhythm & Business (1997) |
| Jeff Tamelier | 1997–2006 | guitarbacking and additional lead vocals | Rhythm & Business (1997)Soul Vaccination (1999)Oakland Zone (2003)40th Anniversary (2011) |
| Don Harris | 1997 | trumpetflugelhorn | none |
| Norbert Stachel | 1998–2002 | tenor saxophoneflute | Soul Vaccination (1999)40th Anniversary (2011) |
| Jesse McGuire | 1998–2000 | trumpetbacking vocals | Soul Vaccination (1999) |
| Mike Bogart | 2000–20092021–2023 | trumpetflugelhorntrombone | Oakland Zone (2003) Great American Soulbook (2009) 40th Anniversary (2011) |
| Larry Braggs | 2000–2013 | lead and backing vocals | Oakland Zone (2003) Great American Soulbook (2009) 40th Anniversary (2011) |
| Bobby Vega | 2002–2003 (touring substitute) | bass | none |
| Trey Stone | 2006 | guitar | none |
| Charles Spikes | 2007 | guitar | none |
| Mark Harper | 2007–2010 | guitar | Great American Soulbook (2009)40th Anniversary (2011) |
| Sal Cracchiolo | 2011–2021 | trumpetflugelhornbacking vocals | Soul Side of Town (2018)Step Up (2020)50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater, Oakland CA (2021) |
| Ray Greene | 2013–201620212024 | lead and backing vocalstrombone | Soul Side of Town (2018)Step Up (2020)50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater, Oakland CA (2021) |
| Marcus Scott | 2016–2021 | lead and backing vocals | Soul Side of Town (2018)Step Up (2020)50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater, Oakland CA (2021) |
| Harry Kim | 2021 | trumpetflugelhorn | none |
| Mike Jerel | 2022–2024 | lead vocalsoccasional keyboards and trumpet | none |

## Lineups

| Period | Members | Members | Releases |
| Period | Horn section | Rhythm section | Releases |
| 1968–1969 | Skip Mesquite – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Mic Gillette – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals David Padron – trumpet Ken Balzell – trumpet | Rufus Miller – lead and backing vocals Willie James Fulton – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | East Bay Grease (1970) – five tracks |
| 1969–1970 | Skip Mesquite – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Mic Gillette – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals David Padron – trumpet Ken Balzell – trumpet | Rick Stevens – lead and backing vocals Willie James Fulton – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | East Bay Grease (1970) – one track |
| 1970–1972 | Skip Mesquite – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Mic Gillette – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals | Rick Stevens – lead and backing vocals Willie James Fulton – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals Brent Byars – percussion, backing vocals | Bump City (1972) |
| 1972–1974 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Lenny Pickett – saxophones, flute, backing vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Mic Gillette – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals | Lenny Williams – lead and backing vocals Bruce Conte – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Chester Thompson – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals Brent Byars – percussion, backing vocals | Tower of Power (1973) Back to Oakland (1974) Urban Renewal (1975) – one track The East Bay Archive Volume 1 (2008) Hipper Than Hip (2013) |
| Late 1974 – early 1975 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Lenny Pickett – saxophones, flute, backing vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Mic Gillette – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals | Lenny Williams – lead and backing vocals Bruce Conte – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Chester Thompson – keyboards, backing vocals David Bartlett – drums, percussion, vocals | Urban Renewal (1975) – remaining tracks |
| Early 1975 – early 1976 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Lenny Pickett – saxophones, flute, backing vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Mic Gillette – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals | Hubert Tubbs – lead and backing vocals Bruce Conte – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Chester Thompson – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | In the Slot (1975) Live and in Living Color (1976) Live at Calderone Concert Hall (2015) |
| Early 1976 – late 1977 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Lenny Pickett – saxophones, flute, backing vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Mic Gillette – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals | Edward McGee – lead and backing vocals Bruce Conte – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Chester Thompson – keyboards, backing vocals Ron E. Beck – drums, percussion, vocals | Ain't Nothin' Stoppin' Us Now (1976) |
| Late 1977 – summer 1978 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Lenny Pickett – saxophones, flute, backing vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Mic Gillette – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals | Michael Jeffries – lead and backing vocals Bruce Conte – guitar, backing vocals Victor Conte – bass Chester Thompson – keyboards, backing vocals Ron E. Beck – drums, percussion, vocals | We Came to Play! (1978) |
| 1978–1980 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Lenny Pickett – saxophones, flute, backing vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Mic Gillette – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals | Michael Jeffries – lead and backing vocals Danny Hoefer – guitar Vito Sanfilippo – bass, backing vocals Chester Thompson – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | Back on the Streets (1979) |
| 1980–1981 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Lenny "Doc" Pickett – saxophones, flute, backing vocals Stephen Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Mic Gillette – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals | Michael Jeffries – lead and backing vocals Willie James Fulton – guitar, backing vocals Vito Sanfilippo – bass, backing vocals Chester Thompson – keyboards, backing vocals Mark Sanders – drums | Dinosaur Tracks (1999) – one track |
| 1981 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Lenny Pickett – saxophones, flute, backing vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Mic Gillette – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals Rick Waychesko – trumpet | Michael Jeffries – lead and backing vocals Willie James Fulton – guitar, backing vocals Vito Sanfilippo – bass, backing vocals Chester Thompson – keyboards, backing vocals Mark Sanders – drums | Direct (1981) |
| 1981–1982 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Marc Russo – alto and tenor saxophones Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Mic Gillette – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals Rick Waychesko – trumpet | Michael Jeffries – lead and backing vocals Willie James Fulton – guitar, backing vocals Vito Sanfilippo – bass, backing vocals Chester Thompson – keyboards, backing vocals Mark Sanders – drums | none |
| 1982–1983 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Marc Russo – alto and tenor saxophones Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Mic Gillette – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals | Michael Jeffries – lead and backing vocals Willie James Fulton – guitar, backing vocals Vito Sanfilippo – bass, backing vocals Chester Thompson – keyboards, backing vocals Mark Sanders – drums | Dinosaur Tracks (1999) – remaining tracks |
| 1983–1984 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Marc Russo – alto and tenor saxophones Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Mic Gillette – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals Mike Cichowicz – trumpet, flugelhorn | Michael Jeffries – lead and backing vocals Willie James Fulton – guitar, backing vocals Vito Sanfilippo – bass, backing vocals David K. Mathews – keyboards Mark Sanders – drums | none |
| 1984–1985 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Marc Russo – alto and tenor saxophones Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Mike Cichowicz – trumpet, flugelhorn | Ellis Hall – lead vocals, keyboards, guitar Willie James Fulton – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass David K. Mathews – keyboards Mark Craney – drums | none |
| 1985 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Richard Elliot – saxophones, lyricon Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Mike Cichowicz – trumpet, flugelhorn | Ellis Hall – lead vocals, keyboards, guitar Willie James Fulton – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass David K. Mathews – keyboards Mark Craney – drums | What Is Hip: Live at Iowa State University (1987) |
| 1985–1986 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Richard Elliot – saxophones, lyricon Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Lee Thornburg – trumpet, trombone, vocals | Ellis Hall – lead vocals, keyboards, guitar Willie James Fulton – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Mark Craney – drums | none |
| 1986 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Richard Elliot – saxophones, lyricon Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Lee Thornburg – trumpet, trombone, vocals | Ellis Hall – lead vocals, keyboards, guitar Willie James Fulton – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Mick Mestek – drums | T.O.P. (1986) Power (1987) |
| 1986–1987 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Richard Elliot – saxophones, lyricon Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Lee Thornburg – trumpet, trombone, vocals | Ellis Hall – lead vocals, keyboards, guitar Danny Jacob – guitar Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Mick Mestek – drums | none |
| 1987–1988 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Richard Elliot – saxophones, lyricon Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Lee Thornburg – trumpet, trombone, vocals | Ellis Hall – lead vocals, keyboards, guitar Frank Biner – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Steve Monreal – drums | none |
| 1988 | Emilio Castillo – lead vocals, tenor saxophone Steve Grove – tenor and alto saxophones Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Lee Thornburg – trumpet, trombone, vocals | Zeke Zirngiebel – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Nick Milo – keyboards, backing vocals Steve Monreal – drums | none |
| 1988–1989 | Emilio Castillo – lead vocals, tenor saxophone Steve Grove – tenor and alto saxophones Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Lee Thornburg – trumpet, trombone, vocals | Carmen Grillo – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Nick Milo – keyboards, backing vocals Steve Monreal – drums | none |
| 1989–1992 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Steve Grove – tenor and alto saxophones Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Lee Thornburg – trumpet, trombone, vocals | Tom Bowes – lead and backing vocals Carmen Grillo – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Nick Milo – keyboards, backing vocals Russ McKinnon – drums, percussion | Monster on a Leash (1991) |
| 1992–1993 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Paul Perez – tenor saxophone Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Lee Thornburg – trumpet, trombone, vocals | Tom Bowes – lead and backing vocals Carmen Grillo – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Nick Milo – keyboards, backing vocals Russ McKinnon – drums, percussion | T.O.P. (1993) |
| 1993–1994 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals David Mann – tenor saxophone Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Greg Adams – trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals Lee Thornburg – trumpet, trombone, vocals | Tom Bowes – lead and backing vocals Carmen Grillo – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Nick Milo – keyboards, backing vocals Russ McKinnon – drums, percussion | none |
| 1994–1996 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals David Mann – tenor saxophone Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Bill Churchville – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals Barry Danelian – trumpet, flugelhorn | Brent Carter – lead and backing vocals Carmen Grillo – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Nick Milo – keyboards, backing vocals Herman Matthews – drums, percussion | Souled Out (1995) |
| 1996–1997 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals John Scarpulla – tenor saxophone Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Bill Churchville – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals Barry Danelian – trumpet, flugelhorn | Brent Carter – lead and backing vocals Carmen Grillo – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Nick Milo – keyboards, backing vocals Herman Matthews – drums, percussion | none |
| Early – June 1997 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals John Scarpulla – tenor saxophone Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Bill Churchville – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals Barry Danelian – trumpet, flugelhorn | Brent Carter – lead and backing vocals Jeff Tamelier – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Nick Milo – keyboards, backing vocals Herman Matthews – drums, percussion | Rhythm & Business (1997) |
| June – December 1997 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals John Scarpulla – tenor saxophone Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Bill Churchville – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals Don Harris – trumpet, flugelhorn | Brent Carter – lead and backing vocals Jeff Tamelier – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Nick Milo – keyboards, backing vocals Herman Matthews – drums, percussion | none |
| February – late 1998 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Norbert Stachel – tenor saxophone, flute Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Bill Churchville – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals Jesse McGuire – trumpet, backing vocals | Brent Carter – lead and backing vocals Jeff Tamelier – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Nick Milo – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | Soul Vaccination (1999) |
| Late 1998 – February 2000 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Norbert Stachel – tenor saxophone, flute Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Bill Churchville – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals Jesse McGuire – trumpet, backing vocals | Brent Carter – lead and backing vocals Jeff Tamelier – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Roger Smith – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | none |
| February – July 2000 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Norbert Stachel – tenor saxophone, flute Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Bill Churchville – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals Mike Bogart – trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone | Brent Carter – lead and backing vocals Jeff Tamelier – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Roger Smith – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | none |
| July – November 2000 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Norbert Stachel – tenor saxophone, flute Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Mike Bogart – trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone Adolfo Acosta – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals | Brent Carter – lead and backing vocals Jeff Tamelier – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Roger Smith – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | none |
| November 2000 – January 2002 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Norbert Stachel – tenor saxophone, flute Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Mike Bogart – trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone Adolfo Acosta – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals | Larry Braggs – lead and backing vocals Jeff Tamelier – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Roger Smith – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | none |
| March 2002 – early 2006 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Tom E. Politzer – tenor saxophone, flute, vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Mike Bogart – trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone Adolfo Acosta – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals | Larry Braggs – lead and backing vocals Jeff Tamelier – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Roger Smith – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | Oakland Zone (2003) |
| Spring 2006 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Tom E. Politzer – tenor saxophone, flute, vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Mike Bogart – trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone Adolfo Acosta – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals | Larry Braggs – lead and backing vocals Trey Stone – guitar Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Roger Smith – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | none |
| June 2006 – early 2007 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Tom E. Politzer – tenor saxophone, flute, vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Mike Bogart – trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone Adolfo Acosta – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals | Larry Braggs – lead and backing vocals Bruce Conte – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Roger Smith – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | Great American Soulbook (2009) |
| Early – late 2007 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Tom E. Politzer – tenor saxophone, flute, vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Mike Bogart – trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone Adolfo Acosta – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals | Larry Braggs – lead and backing vocals Charles Spikes – guitar Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Roger Smith – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | none |
| Late 2007 – August 2009 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Tom E. Politzer – tenor saxophone, flute, vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Mike Bogart – trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone Adolfo Acosta – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals | Larry Braggs – lead and backing vocals Mark Harper – guitar Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Roger Smith – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | Great American Soulbook (2009) 40th Anniversary (2011) |
| August 2009 – January 2010 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Tom E. Politzer – tenor saxophone, flute, vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Adolfo Acosta – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals Mic Gillette – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals | Larry Braggs – lead and backing vocals Mark Harper – guitar Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Roger Smith – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | none |
| January 2010 – February 2011 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Tom E. Politzer – tenor saxophone, flute, vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Adolfo Acosta – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals Mic Gillette – trumpet, trombone, backing vocals | Larry Braggs – lead and backing vocals Jerry Cortez – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Roger Smith – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | none |
| February – August 2011 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Tom E. Politzer – tenor saxophone, flute, vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Adolfo Acosta – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals Lee Thornburg – trumpet, trombone, vocals | Larry Braggs – lead and backing vocals Jerry Cortez – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Roger Smith – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | none |
| August 2011 – December 2013 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Tom E. Politzer – tenor saxophone, flute, vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Adolfo Acosta – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals Sal Cracchiolo – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals | Larry Braggs – lead and backing vocals Jerry Cortez – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Roger Smith – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | none |
| December 2013 – February 2016 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Tom E. Politzer – tenor saxophone, flute, vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Adolfo Acosta – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals Sal Cracchiolo – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals | Ray Greene – lead vocals, trombone Jerry Cortez – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Roger Smith – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | Soul Side of Town (2018) – select tracks Step Up (2020) – select tracks |
| April 2016 – June 2018 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Tom E. Politzer – tenor saxophone, flute, vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Adolfo Acosta – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals Sal Cracchiolo – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals | Marcus Scott – lead and backing vocals Jerry Cortez – guitar, backing vocals Francis Rocco Prestia – bass Roger Smith – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | Soul Side of Town (2018) – select tracks Step Up (2020) – select tracks |
| June 2018 – December 2020 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Tom E. Politzer – tenor saxophone, flute, vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Adolfo Acosta – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals Sal Cracchiolo – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals | Marcus Scott – lead and backing vocals Jerry Cortez – guitar, backing vocals Marc van Wageningen – bass Roger Smith – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | 50 Years of Funk & Soul (2021) |
| 2021 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Tom E. Politzer – tenor saxophone, flute, vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Adolfo Acosta – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals Harry Kim – trumpet, flugelhorn | Ray Greene – lead vocals, trombone Jerry Cortez – guitar, backing vocals Marc van Wageningen – bass Roger Smith – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | none |
| 2022 – July 2023 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Tom E. Politzer – tenor saxophone, flute, vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Adolfo Acosta – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals Mike Bogart – trumpet, flugelhorn | Mike Jerel – lead vocals Jerry Cortez – guitar, backing vocals Marc van Wageningen – bass Roger Smith – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | none |
| July 2023 – February 2024 | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Tom E. Politzer – tenor saxophone, flute, vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Adolfo Acosta – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals Dave Richards – trumpet, flugelhorn | Mike Jerel – lead vocals Jerry Cortez – guitar, backing vocals Marc van Wageningen – bass Roger Smith – keyboards, backing vocals David Garibaldi – drums, percussion, vocals | none |
| February 2024 – present | Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Tom E. Politzer – tenor saxophone, flute, vocals Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone, backing vocals Adolfo Acosta – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals Dave Richards – trumpet, flugelhorn | Jordan John – lead vocals Jerry Cortez – guitar, backing vocals Marc van Wageningen – bass Roger Smith – keyboards, backing vocals Pete Antunes – drums, percussion | none to date |