Ron Tutt obit

Elvis drummer Ronnie Tutt dead

 

He was not on the list.

When Elvis Presley made his musical return after his 1968 Comeback Special, he would tour with his TCB Band named after his catchphrase Takin’ Care of Business. His drummer during the 1970s was Ronnie Tutt, who has sadly died this week aged 83. Graceland paid tribute to The King’s drummer through their social media accounts.

Graceland’s statement read: “All of us with Elvis Presley Enterprises were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ronnie Tutt.

“In addition to being a legendary drummer, he was a good friend to many of us here at Graceland.

“We enjoyed each time he joined us here to celebrate Elvis Week, Elvis’ Birthday and many other special occasions.

“Ronnie was an amazing ambassador to Elvis’ legacy – sharing his memories of working with Elvis with fans – as well as bringing Elvis’ music to arenas around the globe through later Elvis in Concert shows and performances.”

Tutt played on Billy Joel's second and third albums. He played on the breakthrough 1973 album, Piano Man (all tracks but "Captain Jack") and 1974's Streetlife Serenade. Other musician's albums Tutt played on include Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons.

Around early 1974, Tutt began recording and touring with the Jerry Garcia Band, and also Jerry Garcia's and Merl Saunders' brief Legion of Mary. Starting with Garcia's studio album Compliments (1974), Tutt played drums for the Jerry Garcia Band for four years before moving on. During this time, Tutt also played drums on Garcia's studio albums Reflections (1976) and Cats Under the Stars (1978). In 1982, however, Tutt returned to the studio with Garcia to help record Run for the Roses.

After the TCB Band disbanded upon Presley's death and a number of years recording and touring (1974–78) with Garcia, Tutt was invited by Neil Diamond to become Diamond's permanent concert and recording session drummer. Hey also played for the Carpenters and Roy Orbison.