(September 6, 2017) Former Tower of Power lead singer Rick Stevens has died at age 77, following a battle with cancer. Stevens was the voice behind one of the group’s seminal hits, the fantastic ballad “You’re Still A Young Man,” and remained with the group from 1969 until the mid 70s.
Following Stevens' departure from the group, he tragically became addicted to drugs and was convicted and imprisoned for a drug-related murder – a sentence he served for nearly the rest of his life, ending in 2012.
Group leader Emilio Castillo wrote today on Facebook:
(September 6, 2017) Former Tower of Power lead singer Rick Stevens has died at age 77, following a battle with cancer. Stevens was the voice behind one of the group’s seminal hits, the fantastic ballad “You’re Still A Young Man,” and remained with the group from 1969 until the mid 70s.
Following Stevens' departure from the group, he tragically became addicted to drugs and was convicted and imprisoned for a drug-related murder – a sentence he served for nearly the rest of his life, ending in 2012.
Group leader Emilio Castillo wrote today on Facebook:
"Rick Stevens went to heaven today to be with the Lord whom he loved with all his heart. Rick was an extremely soulful singer and entertainer who had an engaging personality and a strong faith which he shared with all he came in contact with. He sang on our first two recordings and his rendition of "Sparkling In The Sand" and "You're Still A Young Man" were timeless classics that set our career inmotion. After leaving the band he did some things that caused him to be imprisoned for around 37 years but the Lord had other plans for Rick.
I remember talking with him when he was released and I was skeptical about his "prison salvation" experience. I told him that I really hoped he would take advantage of the tremendous opportunity that God had given him to help people to avoid the pitfalls he had fallen into. He went above and beyond the call of duty and carried his message of faith and redemption to many. The first time he sat in with us, after his release from prison, was a "once in a lifetime" emotional experience for all of us. We loved him and we'll miss him. I have faith that I'll see him in heaven someday and together we'll worship and glorify God together for eternity. Rick is there right now enjoying it!!!"
We are thankful for Rick Stevens’ contributions to soul music over the years, and are more thankful for his personal and spiritual renaissance after his imprisonment. His voice will ring forever on one of the all-time great soul ballads.