Definition of a torch song #1: “A sad or sentimental song, typically about unrequited love.”
Definition of a torch song #2: 1973’s ” “So Very Hard to Go” by the R&B group Tower of Power.
The song was written by he group’s saxophone players, Emilio Castillo and Doc Kupka, and was inspired by a girl Emilio knew named Sharon.

When they had completed the song, they called Tower of Power’s manager and told him they had written a hit, but he didn’t believe them…until they played him a rough cut demo. He immediately changed his mind.
And indeed, “So Very Hard to Go” became the group’s biggest hit and certainly a “Great Song of the ’70s,” reaching #11 on Billboard’s Rhythm & Blues Chart and #17 on the Hot 100.

And here’s a fun Fact for you: Tower of Power had several other minor hits, but became best known for backing up artists…like Elton John on “Don’t let the Sun Go Down On Me,” and Huey Lewis and the News on “The Power of Love!” Check out all the links below!

Elton John w/Tower of Power:

Huey Lewis w/Tower of Power

== Mike Cook