Michael Cook
- May 28, 2022
- 1 min read

So Very Hard to Go - Tower of Power (1974) 5/28/22

Definition of a torch song #1: "A sad or sentimental song, typically about unrequited love."

Definition of a torch song #2: "Today's "Great Song of 1973:" "So Very Hard to Go" by the R&B band 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.

Tower of Power had several other minor hits, but became best known for backing up artists...such as 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 the links to those songs below.)

"So Very hard to Go" by Tower of Power: a "Great Torch Song of 1973!"