Among jazz drummers, ask anybody, and Buddy Rich is considered to be a God. His dexterity, fluidity, speed and precision are beyond compare. To the general public, his is a household name.
In the world of rock drummers; there is John Bonham, Carter Beauford, Jim Keltner, John “JR” Robinson, Ringo Starr, Charlie Watts, Ginger Baker, Keith Moon, Richie Hayward (my personal favorite), and many others. However, the one stand out in this world is Ronnie Tutt.
Ronnie who?
This man is the consummate rock drummer who has played with numerous big stars from Johnny Cash to Billy Joel.
He is a native-born Texan who started as a dancer at the age of three. In the third grade he took up the violin and ukulele, even winning first prize in a Dallas ukulele contest. But, in his senior year of high school, he discovered the drums and has not looked back since.
If you know of Ronnie, you probably know him as Elvis Presley’s drummer from 1969 to 1977. In my personal opinion, I have often referred to him as the Buddy Rich of rock drummers.
In a recent interview with Elvis Australia he talks candidly about the audition process that led to him getting the gig. “I emulated and accented everything that Elvis did just instinctively. Every move, almost like a glorified stripper! And he loved that. That’s how I got the gig”
In 1974, Ronnie started recording and touring with the late Jerry Garcia. Then, in 1978 he was asked to be the drummer in Neil Diamond’s band, where, at the age of 81, he remains today.
Over the years, Ronnie has played Ludwig and Tama drums. Currently, he endorses DW drums.
If you want to see Ronnie in action, you should check out one of his finest performances in the “Elvis Aloha from Hawaii” TV special. See video below.
Ronnie Tutt, one of the drumming world’s unsung heroes.