Ronnie Tutt, Elvis Presley’s TCB Band drummer dies aged 83

Ronnie Tutt, legendary drummer from Elvis Presley’s TCB Band dies aged 83

Ronnie Tutt, the legendary drummer who was an original member of Elvis Presley’s TCB Band, has passed away aged 83. In a Facebook post early this morning, Sunday, October 17, Terie Tutt wrote that her father had died at home surrounded by his family. No cause of death has been reported.

His death was also announced by Elvis Presley Enterprises on Saturday, October 16. On the Graceland website it said, “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“.

It continued, “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”.

Born in Dallas, Texas, Tutt joined Presley’s famous TCB Band (Takin’ Care of Business) after the infamous 1968 ‘Comeback Special’ show. He remained as drummer with the band until the death of the ‘King Of Rock and Roll’ in 1977, performing on all the great Vegas concerts that Presley played. Tutt also toured all over the world with the TCB Band after Elvis’ death.

Ronnie Tutt became Neil Diamond’s permanent drummer in 1977

After Presley’s passing in 1977, another legend, Neil Diamond, asked Tutt to become his permanent concert and recording session drummer.

It was while working with Elvis that Tutt started going out as a session musician, which is how he ended up with the first incarnation of the Jerry Garcia Band in the mid-seventies. In 1973 he played drums on Billy Joel’s smash hit, ‘Piano Man’.

He also drummed on memorable hit albums by Gram Parsons, Elvis Costello, Buckingham Nicks, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Kenny Rogers, and Michael McDonald.

Interviewed by Rolling Stone magazine in 2017, Ronnie Tutt spoke of his 60-year career playing drums for some of the biggest names in music, “I just remember the good things, that’s for sure. You got to. I just remember laughing a lot, and having a good time musically, so I have nothing but good memories”.

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