Elvis Presley's Drummer - The Buddy Rich of Rock & Roll

[@lelandsklar6363]

I had the great pleasure of recording many times with Ron and he was one of the best! And a great hang!!!!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

I couldn't agree more. Love your worl btw

[@dsoule4902]

Well, Mr Sklar, we wouldn't exactly consider you to be a slouch either. 😉😘

[@donnap.c.886]

Great interview with Ronnie Tut. Can’t believe he is so humble and great. His playing with Elvis was phenomenal!! We lost a great drummer the day Ronnie died! RIP. You will be missed and talked about for a very long time!

[@davidwinthrop7077]

Great interview with the legendary Ronnie Tutt. A superb drummer, both live and in the studio who played for the song. Sadly missed but never forgotten. Great interview Stephen.

[@matao33]

My favorite video is "suspicious minds" performance when he went NUTS after the 'because I love you too much baby'. Also there was a video when he was given a solo the same show. Awesome stuff.

[@juliebarrows8149]

My favorite is Ronnie making Elvis dance, particularly on “Fever”!! 😎

[@antoniettalazzarini5909]

Traduzione in italiano non tutto ma qualcosa per capire di cosa parlano grazie 😮😮😮

[@estellealleroux]

Ronnie was the best that Elvis could have ever had.What a team.

[@Officialshayne]

Ronnie Tutt is very underrated! Blessed to have seen him live in the early 2000’s

[@paulgriffingatorgrooves]

This is SO great! First, I recall as a young kid, watching Elvis on tv with my family. I was thrilled to see the interaction between Elvis and Ronnie, and how Elvis made the drummer such a big part of the show. Secondly, my first opportunity to play professionally out of high school was with a really good Elvis impersonator. Some of my Drummer friends thought it was a lame gig, but covering all the various styles of music was fun, and the gig fit completely with my experiences prior to that. I don’t think very many drummers could step into such an all-encompassing styles approach. It also gave me the opportunity to showcase various styles - swing, shuffle, rock, R & B and Latin in a fun performance setting. Thanks for sharing this great interview!

[@jackfino7136]

Ron Tutt was for my generation growing up watching Elvis in the 70s ….is what Ringo was to the previous generation in the 60’s and what Buddy Rich was to the generation before that ….. but then I found RUSH and Neil Peart and it was all over after that 👍👍🙏🥁RIP Mr Tutt and Mr Peart

[@Sigma100_]

Ron is so legendary. I was 6 yrs old when I saw him on the Aloha Special with Elvis. From that moment on, I was hooked on playing drums. After that, I listened to him as much as I listened to EP. The music world lost an icon. Great interview. Thank you for sharing.

[@franciscosperandeo9158]

I played with an 11 piece Elvis Tribute group and I copied Ronnie as close as I could come! That was one of the best time I ever had playing music! #1 I love playing with a horn section and Elvis used them to perfection! It was so had not to get emotional playing AMERICAN Trilogy! Ronnie was second to none!

[@substance1]

I went to a Neil Diamond concert around 2008 and l was blown away of the drummer, and i had no idea that it was Elvis' drummer.

[@ksnorts3970]

Ronnie was so good and so versatile! His work with Jerry Garcia was also stellar!

[@drummerboy38305]

Wow What a great interview! Ronnie Tutt has been one of my Influence. I still play with an Elvis Tribute Artist today because of him! Thanks So Much Steven!

[@AlbertMoyerJr]

I agree with this video! Absolutely true. Ronnie was one hell of a drummer. Playing to live Elvis covers for fun I realized that Ronnie was often on que and visually in tune with Elvis. That takes active listening and observation skills while playing.

[@MS-gj7ni]

This is absolutely Golden .... a wonderful interview Stephen Taylor thank you so much for posting this it’s drumming Gold from a lovely man and brilliant drummer

[@tillimanjaro]

As far as i remember i have seen this live on your website and i was blown away by this on the fact you managed to actually interview the drummer of elvis. The early days. :) (Tielman). I loved the interview. Gonna watch it again.

[@skee19]

one of the greatest drummers in rock n roll history! RIP

[@reneebraxton1032]

I agree!!!😊

[@ChrisR_68]

I agree he was amazing how he worked with Elvis, Elvis knew it had to be Ronnie xxx

[@charliecontrino1626]

AWESOME! LOVED Ron Tutt!

[@claudeabraham2347]

Im age 68. I started drums in 1968 at age 13. Whenever Elvis sang on tv, I was listening to Ron. He really drove that band very well. He wailed when called for, but played a nice pocket when Elvis was singing.

[@krystynagorazdowska3746]

Jest żal I wielka tęsknota za Elvisem, Elvis KING ludzkich serc, Elvis jak ECHO nigdy nie umrze!!!!❤❤

[@robertgentry9436]

Fantastic interview and something every serious drummer needs to see.

[@NoName-ge6wc]

Just saw Ronny on youtube in a grainy 08-07-70 Vegas full rehearsal session. Elvis was in great voice. Matt Stone channel.

[@DelsoMendes]

NAs redes sociais parece não existir outro cantor... Só Elvis ❤❤❤❤

[@chrisdevargas3742]

Thank you for a great interview.

[@metalmacabre9991]

As a professional drummer, death metal and doom metal, Ronnie Tutt was a huge influence on me in my early years of drumming in the 87. I was 9 when i started.

[@timothy5874]

Great interview thanks for posting!

[@Qwikbeat]

Awesome interview ! Thanks for sharing !

[@adityatyagi4009]

Fun fact: Ronnie Tutt is a major influence on Tim Alexander, drummer of Primus. :D

[@hallo1518]

Elvis and TCB for ever

[@pattiepriest9036]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ great drummer 👍👍👍👍👍👍😃Elvis was lucky to have him 😊👍👍

[@davidbaines1425]

Was nice to hear Ron detail history and not shy away from mentioning Jim Gordon. Every time I listen to "Your so vain", I am in awe of the playing and his history is as rich as Ronnie's.

[@songboy765]

I miss my good friend, "hard workin' Ronnie Tutt"...see you in Heaven buddy. --Elvis

[@brucelee4996]

If you listen to- 'Suspicioud Minds' -(Film Edit). *Ronnie Tutt's drumming is incredible, on this live-song.* What year is this?

[@kristoferpersson1614]

Greatest drummer!!

[@xxbulldog74]

Great interview !!!!!

[@kriswright4814]

Incredibly incite full informative 😂.

[@bertpeters8048]

awesome thanks for sharing!

[@EvanC_1988]

Plus Billy Joel’s first three albums

[@ramapunachannel9981]

Nice 👍👍 I hope you Reaction "Echa Soemantri From Indonesia at Freedom Jazz solo Festival " He realy Amazing Drum. Transition smooth & Perfect Picht. 🥁🥁☺️☺️

[@richarddonegan4666]

Interesting video 😮 thanks 😊

[@tonysabga5562]

The heading announces Elvis Presley Drummer. I expected to hear about his experiences with Elvis, but he spoke very little about Elvis. Most of the video was about his personal life. But why is it that these hosts of the show do so much talking, more than the participation of the interviewed.

[@waynewells3297]

Uh, how would you tell if a rock drummer was as good as Buddy Rich? I mean, there isn’t a rock band out there that really plays jazz, so almost everything they do is way easier than what Rich did. That’s like saying “he’s the Bret Favre of Badminton”….

[@nitehawk-de8fy]

Rock hard

[@ochoron7430]

Tutt and "E" ..... The Amphetamine Brothers

[@jerryrudd4723]

Buddy Rich is way overrated, there are several drummers alive that can wipe the floor with him on the drums!!!

[@bradmodd7856]

funny bait....like saying someone is the Tiger Woods of Baseball

[@jerryrudd4723]

@@bradmodd7856 I have never been a fan of Buddy Rich!!!

[@AvaRose00]

Good interview but the Elvis movie sucked.

[@HermanBesher]

I don't know, but Ronnie Tutt overplayed the drums way too often which spoiled the Elvis original style of singing, a drummer is supposed to keep the beat, not play a solo on every song, I'd take D.J Fontana way of keeping the beat and let Elvis do the rest.

[@FrankieLovesElvis]

Ronnie was a perfect fit for Elvis and Elvis would tell you that himself !!! 😊

[@lbuckley2]

No mam Elvis took him and turned loose If not Elvis would have stopped him I understand what your saying but your wrong man

[@HermanBesher]

@@lbuckley2 Elvis wasn't in his right mind any way needed all the distraction he could get !! Including all the countless back up singers that would hit the high notes that he couldn't reach.. I Don't get me wrong Elvis inspired me and I loved Elvis, only a true fan can understand what I'm saying Ronnie wasn't playing drums in the 68 special or the early Memphis sessions, he started with Elvis in Vegas ..... Elvis himself once said he was a show- off..

[@HermanBesher]

You got that right !!

[@HermanBesher]

Songs like " In the Ghetto"and "Any Day Now" and specialty "Ain't that lovin' you baby" had a great drum playing behind Elvis, not to mention "Jailhouse Rock " that's what made Elvis ! Everything was Speeded up with Ronnie, not saying he wasn't a good drummer but the TCB Band ruined Elvis's style of singing and he went along with it When I heard "Burning Love when it came out in 73, I thought something did a bad imitation of Elvis till I found out it was really him...

[@bdp1966]

And I'm asking you,how much you got. Sorry I couldn't resist.

[@DJRICKYG]

yet does anyone except a few know his name??? unfortunately ....NO

[@joeday4293]

Elvis Presley could have handpicked any drummer he wanted from any genre of music from anywhere on the planet. He chose Ronnie Tutt to be his exclusive drummer for the last decade of his career. Nothing more needs to be said. If you children want to see absolutely the most legendary, most iconic opening number in rock history, dig "Also Sprach Zarathustra/See See Rider" from "Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii." God rest his soul, he was a drummer literally fit for a King. God bless you for sharing this, man.

[@beatapt5]

Actually, Elvis first choice would have been Hal Blaine, but the Colonel wouldn't pay his price.

[@chetcarman3530]

Any drummer? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@lorenazure7116]

well said and dont mind the haters, they probably couldnt carry Ronnie stick bag!

[@hugolafhugolaf]

@@chetcarman3530Yes.

[@chetcarman3530]

@@hugolafhugolaf John Bonham, Billy Cobham, Neil Peart, Charlie Watts, Keith Moon, Art Blakey, Joe Morello... 🤣🤣🤣

[@RogerBergqvist]

Ron Tutt. R.I.P. The music lives on.

[@rogermansour6085]

As a chlld raised in Haiti my dream was to come to America and play drums for Elvis. I arrived in the States in 1963 and joined a rock group called the Vagrants featuring Leslie West on guitar and we recorded some records and had a big following in the New York,Long Island area . I later became a missionary and moved back to Haiti to minister there Evangelist Roger Mansour

[@drjimcianciulli1937]

Ronnie blew my mind as a young drummer! My mom swooned with the King, and I was just glued to Ronnie's playing🥁😳 Great clip, man! Thank you😊👍

[@PhoenixDuke-pd8sz]

@drjimmcianciulli yes sir, Ronnie is and was a phenomenal drummer! He blew my mind too! Also let's not forget Larrie Londin that played for Elvis in 76-early 1977 while Ronnie was dealing with a bad divorce. But yeah Ronnie Tutt is the man! I meant to also say R.I.P to both Ronnie Tutt and Larrie Londin. There's a video on KZbin of Larrie Londin talking about how he ended up playing for Elvis... It's called Larrie Londin Drum Clinic..Check it out.

[@regsymes1377]

The one and only Ronnie tut and the one and only Elvis. Phew what a team

[@maryannemelenka9250]

Oh Ronnie was really good. He said he worked his off for Elvis. Like working for a stripper. Eventually he could read Elvis body movements, almost like a conductor. He also learned Elvis also could be unpredictable. So he learned to expect the unexpected. Elvis always stayed close or in front of drums for the beat. Ronnie died last year. Great but underrated drummer. RIP

[@sartainja]

Viva the memory and music of Ronnie Tutt. One of the greatest drummers of all time.

[@GrassRoots-fp4ty]

Some of Elvis's greatest songs and performances were during the comeback. And Ronnie absolutely nailed it!!!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Couldn't agree more

[@Billy.Nomates]

Thought it was D.J.Fontana?

[@professor_prte]

Fontana played along with Scotty Moore with Elvis in the 1968 TV Special which is called the "68 Comeback Special", but his "real" comeback on stage for live performance was in July/August 1969 with Ronnie Tutt on the drums@@Billy.Nomates

[@Billy.Nomates]

@professor_prte bit confusing talking about Elvis comeback,generally talking about the comeback special

[@professor_prte]

I agree with you, but that's the way it is haha@@Billy.Nomates

[@bobleitch3610]

Often wondered who drummed on Suspicious Minds. Just superb.

[@doublebo7]

I was 21 when I managed to see Ronnie in a tv studio recording Blue Suede Shoes with Carl Perkins in 1987. He had just a base and a snare using brushes and did a simple beat to the point where I thought, ‘Elvises drummer? I’m better than him’ not realising his legendary status I totally dismissed his talents being an ignorant youngster but then that same evening, the local tv networked showed the Aloha concert and I was gob smacked😱 I had to double look and rub my eyes to verify that the grey haired, 😮old slow guy who I saw this morning was the same long haired young guy behind the kit. Instantly I felt like an idiot but became an obsessed elvis fan also had great appreciation for every artist that continues to perform in modern day. Decades later I managed to meet the tcb band and chat with Ronnie who was so gentle, calm and collected human being. I can’t think of a better person who deserves the highs and successes of a fab career.rip Ronnie

[@Elluvis72]

Ronny and Elvis was a machine during live performances!

[@cptathensjohnclaba8705]

Were Try English.

[@tanyafromjefferson5484]

@@cptathensjohnclaba8705wow, try being a nice human being

[@cptathensjohnclaba8705]

@@tanyafromjefferson5484 so his horrible grammar didnt bother you, but me trying to correct him did. Got it

[@tanyafromjefferson5484]

@@cptathensjohnclaba8705 it’s not your job to correct him. Got it?

[@cptathensjohnclaba8705]

@@tanyafromjefferson5484 Why isnt it? Who made you King of KZbin? There is enough ignorance and illiteracy in this country USE PROPER ENGLISH.

[@scottlowell493]

Ronnie Tutt helped create Ludwig rainbow vistalites. I read he hated the sound so much he asked ludwig to send him a wood kit. Ronnie really modernized Elvis and Neil Diamond. Other people in the genre were in the background on a 4-pc kit tapping away and just feathering the kick like his predecessor. Ronnie brought energy to that era that would have just been lounge lizard music with many other drummers.

[@Doug7900]

Could of sworn heard Elvis would make a drummer solo an hour in a audition for his band.

[@TSOE-JustGoodMusic]

"On the drums from Dallas TX is hard-workin' Ronnie Tutt." - Elvis. Thank you for this interview! TCB ⚡

[@timlester4892]

awesome drummer with elvis he was a madman behind those drums love watching those old videos

[@JohnJones-ky6ki]

I always thought of him as the drummer in the Muppet Show, Animal.

[@DuffyF56]

Hal Blaine was the man and the Buddy Rich of R&R. Even Buddy Rich chose Hal Blaine to be on his own daughter's record cause he wanted the best. And yes he also played with Elvis Presley, Beach Boys, Monkees, Simon and Garfunkle, Mama and Papa's, Jan and Dean etc. etc. etc.

[@Taleb1160]

As the go to Elvis Tribute drummer both here in Melbourne and other states in Australia, I have spent much time listening and learning from Ronnie Tut and try to do him justice .indeed a big shoes to fill. My heart was broken when I heard of his passing. I owe him so much. Rest in peace brother. Stephen you are an amazing musician and demonstrating a real talent for a great interview ., especially your very first. You did awesome and I am honored to have watched this podcast with the legend that Mr Tut was and always will be.

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

On the back cover "The Sheffield Drum Record will tell you about the quality of your loudspeakers in seconds".. Who else has the Sheffield Drum Record ?? Ron Tutt on one side.. Jim Keltner on the other.. DIRECT TO DISC !!! That was my introduction to Ronnie ! Crispy grooves laid down live to disc.... still holds value I see on discogs.

[@BettyHanson-vv4gx]

Ron tutt simply the best

[@michaelmiller3514]

The simple wisdom and great advice from Ronnie is so invaluable. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@TM_Stone]

When I was in the Air Force back in the early 80s, my good friend's father-in-law was a drummer for Elvis. If I remember, he's on one of Elvis' records. I got to meet him and he told me he chose family life instead of being Elvis' full time drummer.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Yea, with an artist of that caliber there is a choice to be made in that area...

[@TM_Stone]

I was able to find his name, Terry Moxley. He played with a Christian band in the 70s, Degarmo and Key. A guitarist later joined the band in the 80s, Steve Taylor. Que the Twilight Zone theme.

[@conietan]

​@paulgwyn7836 Yes, Elvis' drummers are the following: DJ Fontana Ronnie Tutt Bob Lanning Larrie Londin Jerome "Stump" Monroe

[@conietan]

@paulgwyn7836 Thank you for this information.

[@krashboombang]

Love your channel, however let the guy you're interviewing TALK without interrupting them with your stories or takes.

[@jamesdean1143]

Ronnie quickly realised the Burlesque nature of Elvis’s performances. Like Scotty and Bill, he took his queue from Elvis’s ass.

[@dsoule4902]

Hahaha. Never heard it put that way.

[@dirtydave2691]

My older brother, also a drummer, and I listened to my Moms Elvis live record over and over just to hear Ronnie.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

He was incredible live

[@dsoule4902]

Props to Jerry Scheff😉 they slayed it together

[@redhatter127]

⁠

[@MrDougiew1]

How the hell can he be compared to Buddy Rich, and there are far better rock drummers than this guy, And why would you want to play with a fat man who couldn’t sing.

[@davidbrennan3613]

Ronnie was brilliant, God rest his soul

[@briansempsrott6195]

Great Interview. Ronnie seems like a wonderful person, the kind you'd love to drop by on a practice or just to hang out with.

[@memphissommers4171]

Excellent interview Stephen! I'm a working drummer here in Las Vegas and I have been a fan of Ronnie's since the 60's, seeing him live on more ocassions than I can count. Elvis giving Ronnie full license to play as he wished not only explained what kind of musician Elvis was, but exposed to the world how creative and masterful Ronnie was. Ronnie is one of the few musicians I miss, every day. RIP Ron! TCB. ~Memphis

[@subatomic10]

Wow so cool ! No one can top that 👌🏻

[@DanielCastillo-uf8nj]

No habrá otro Ronnie 😢

[@marvingoodman7381]

I was fortunate to be able to see Ronnie Tutt work with both Elvis and Neil Diamond... HE KEPT BOTH OF THEM WORKING HARD DURING THE WHOLE CONCERT!!! Definitely one of the best...

[@jimkoblick1776]

Amazing drummer....and he played with Jerry Garcia ! Rock and Roll !!

[@chucklee347]

I have always been mesmerized with Ronnie being a lefty playing a kit set up for a right hander😮

[@slidinjohn495]

Thanx a lot for sharing this Stephen......I noticed Ronnie Tutt when I was a kid in the 70s and since I started playing drums, I had to try out the double bassdrum thing. Some could mention Ginger Baker, Keith Moon, Tommy Aldridge, Cozy Powell.......to name a few, but to me I see and hear Ronnie Tutts drumming behind Elvis Presley when it comes to double bassdrum .........🌬🙏 wish y'all well out there🤘 greets from Germany 💖

[@okjames2954]

I used to play along to Elvis Live From Hawaii via Satellite when I was coming up. 🔥

[@BradHauck-o7s]

He was Elvis right hand man. They worked together like clock work

[@professionalwallflower3679]

This is amazing. Mr. Tutt has always been one of my favorites. His performance in Elvis From Hawaii has always blown my mind. What an animal. Its also nice to know that even a musician at his level of expertise made mistakes now and then. Although I'm sure with Ronnie they were few and far between.

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

he was playing true double kick with Elvis.. that's no small feat. I harass modern drummers for using the contraption instead of 2 independent kicks. They hate it when I say Bonham didn't need that. .. it's all out of love . 😎

[@jessegray8523]

When you say contraption, I assume you’re referring to a double pedal. In the reality of a gigging drummer who doesn’t have a roadie, that’s way easier than lugging around a second kick drum. Whether they actually use it or not is a different story. Bonham didn’t use double kick for whatever reason. Guys like Moon and Baker seemed like they seldom used double kick patterns on a studio recording as opposed to live where there’s more likely improv and soloing. Peart, stop using a double kick setup later in his career. A lot of times in a live setting, a double kick setup just looks more impressive. I saw Pink Floyd in the mid 90s. Nick Mason had a huge setup which I think was slowly growing since the 70s. Tho, I didn’t notice him using any double kick stuff till the very end when they closed with Run like hell.

[@elvisfan61]

Thanks for this video. I love hearing Ronnie talk, even if it's about stuff I don't quite understand. As a kid, I played Elvis' records and on those live recordings Ronnie's playing blew me away. He didn't hold back and I love it. He's my favorite drummer. Rest in peace, Ronnie. Hope you're rockin' with the King up there in heaven.

[@dsoule4902]

Love how Elvis chose Ronnie bc he watched & anticipated Elvis while playing

[@dougcreekmore3930]

One of my favorite drummers. Growing up I was flooded with Elvis and his music because of my father's love of him. When my dad would do his tribute to Elvis people would come from miles around and my uncle who played drums with my dad would practice his parts and let me hang out while listening to Ronnie.

[@TeslaNick2]

Legend. Where's the gold watch Ronnie ?

[@arupsan]

Huge Fan of Sir Ronnie … I am not drummer at all but heard so much about him through publications , drummers etc and above all being Elvis fan even though not born on that era .. it all makes surreal to hear him Thanks for this video presentation

[@RC32Smiths01]

Awesome man. It's always fantastic learning more about drummers who have helped shape music to its funnest and musical extent. Cheers

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Ronnie is a legend. So many people don't know about him. Absolute class act

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@StephenTaylorDrums For sure. I always look to find more about drummers, especially those who have made music with other great musicians to understand more about playing in a band context.

[@fredsatterfield5082]

"Learn how to do it well before you criticize it." Wise quote! Thx for posting this, Stephen. Arriving in Nashville during the mid 70s, I quickly learned to revere Ronnie. In addition to his work with Elvis, I was knocked out with his performance on Billy Joel's Piano Man album.

[@kathys7295]

Wow thanks for sharing this! What a legend

[@jeffscott4757]

Very interesting, inspiring, intricately articulated interview. Enjoyed this so much. Ronnie Tut, Thanks to you for presenting this gem of an interview. I’m not a drummer, but (Wow!) So glad I got to see this. Such an honor. Such an humble percussion master. 🙂👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏👏👏❤️

[@MrRumorg]

Ronnie was so excellent and really anchored Elvis‘ live performances.

[@jdion79]

ah man i needed this tonight. thanks for releasing it!

[@Spiratti]

Fantastic interview, thanks for sharing this. His performances on those Elvis Vegas shows are some of my favourite ever. That version of Suspicious Minds is incredible and a huge influence on me as a kid.

[@ashleycrashdissinger8021]

Thank you for sharing that. It's one of those "Eeh, I'll watch for a minute...... It's over already!?" videos.

[@JulioFalavigna]

Kindly put his name on the post title... instead of BR. Thanks

[@jurgencuypers8350]

Proper English is Elvis’, not Elvis’s.

[@JimHoover-gq5jp]

Super cool content, Stephen!! Thanks for posting this. Ronnie seemed like a very modest and kind person. Sorry to learn he passed away in 2021.

[@Ash_Hudson]

I don't understand. Why did you not release this at the time??

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

This was a live stream for my online students in my online drum school. It's been in the members area since then for all of my paying students.

[@RoryVanucchi]

👍 Ronnie was a legend Elvis had that great core with Burton and Tutt Great interview