Drummer Ronnie Tutt, a member of Elvis Presley’s TCB Band, died Saturday. He was 83. Tutt, a prolific session drummer who also performed on the first recording of Billy Joel’s signature song, was 83. “Piano Man” He toured with Neil Diamond and the Jerry Garcia Band.
Donna Tutt, Tutt’s spouse, told TMZAt at his Franklin, Tennessee home, he succumbed to natural causes. Despite having a chronic heart condition, he refused to be admitted to the hospital. Donna stated that his body was telling him enough. TMZ. “He couldn’t play another drum lick.”
Elvis Presley Enterprises reported Tutt’s passing on Graceland Website. “All of us with Elvis Presley Enterprises was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ronnie Tutt, “The statement was read. “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 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.”
Presley’s ex-wife Priscilla Presley also posted a tribute to Tutt via Instagram along with a photo of her and the musician. “Rest In Peace, my friend. Your sweet soul and great talent captured us all. Elvis always bragged how you intuitively could keep up with his stage moves. Even when he tried to trick you, “She read the statement. “My heart goes out to you, Donna, for your loss. And to the TCB band members, James and Glenn. You will be forever missed.”
Tutt was born in Dallas, joined Presley’s TCB Band in 1969, and continued performing with the King of Rock and Roll until he died in 1977. Tutt performed alongside Presley’s Jerry Garcia Band and appeared on Garcia’s albums. Cats Under the Stars, Reflections And Run for the Roses, Notes Rolling Stone.
Tutt revealed that he frequently performed with Garcia or Presley during the same weekend in 2017. He recalled that the two musicians could not be more different. “I’d always laugh because one night I’d be in Vegas playing with two-piece rhinestone outfits, and the next night I’d be out with Garcia with the tie-dye and a pair of jeans. Socially speaking, it was different,” Tutt stated that at the time. “Elvis’ music was a lot more in your face; you could never play enough. But with Jerry, we never talked about it, but I just knew my role with that band, no matter what configuration it was, was to help keep it together.”
Joel also had Tutt in his studio band that recorded the album. Piano Man And Streetlife SerenadeAlbums that included “Piano Man” And “The Entertainer.” In 1973, Tutt was on Buckingham NicksThe album Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks recorded before joining Fleetwood Mac. Tutt has also performed with Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons, The Carpenters, and Roy Orbison, Emmylou Harris, and Glen Campbell.
