TCB Band

The TCB Band was a group of professional musicians who formed the core rhythm section of Elvis Presley’s band from August 1969 until his death in 1977. TCB stands for Taking Care of Business, a personal motto Presley adopted in the early 1970s. Although personnel changed over the years, the original members were James Burton (lead guitar), Jerry Scheff (bass), John Wilkinson (rhythm guitar), Larry Muhoberac (keyboards) and Ron Tutt (drums). They first appeared live at Presley’s first Las Vegas performance at the International Hotel on July 31, 1969.

History

When planning his return to live performing after his successful 1968 NBC television comeback, Presley had to replace original band members Scotty Moore, D.J. Fontana (who had returned to session work) and Bill Black who had gone on to stardom with the Bill Black Combo before his death in 1965. Elvis’ first call was to Ricky Nelson’s guitarist James Burton whom he asked to help form the group after knowing about him for many years and seeing on television. After keyboardist Glen D. Hardin declined Burton's offer to join the group, Larry Muhoberac, who had played on several of Presley’s movie soundtrack sessions, accepted his offer to perform. Burton later added Jerry Scheff on bass and John Wilkinson on rhythm guitar. Muhoberac suggested Ron Tutt for the drums to round out the section. By February 1970, Glen D. Hardin joined on keyboards, eventually replacing Muhoberac who returned to studio work in Los Angeles. TCB brought a new lease of life to Elvis's rock 'n' roll sound of the 50s. Larrie Londin, a Nashville session drummer who recorded and occasionally toured with Presley over a nine-year period, filled in for Tutt on occasion during 1976 and 1977 performances.

Elvis Presley

Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American singer and actor. Regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, he is often referred to as "the King of Rock and Roll", or simply, "the King".

Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, as a twinless twin, and when he was 13 years old, he and his family relocated to Memphis, Tennessee. His music career began there in 1954, when he recorded a song with producer Sam Phillips at Sun Records. Accompanied by guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, Presley was an early popularizer of rockabilly, an uptempo, backbeat-driven fusion of country music and rhythm and blues. RCA Victor acquired his contract in a deal arranged by Colonel Tom Parker, who managed the singer for more than two decades. Presley's first RCA single, "Heartbreak Hotel", was released in January 1956 and became a number-one hit in the United States. He was regarded as the leading figure of rock and roll after a series of successful network television appearances and chart-topping records. His energized interpretations of songs and sexually provocative performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences across color lines that coincided with the dawn of the Civil Rights Movement, made him enormously popular—and controversial.

Ron Tutt

Ron Tutt (born March 12, 1938, Dallas, Texas) is a drummer who played concerts and recording sessions for a variety of rock artists from Elvis Presley to the Carpenters to Jerry Garcia.

Early life

Tutt is a native Texan and was involved with music and performing arts for most of his childhood. As a child, he played the violin, trumpet, drums and ukulele.

TCB Band

Tutt auditioned for the TCB Band ("Taking Care of Business"), the Elvis Presley touring and recording band, upon the recommendation of TCB keyboardist Larry Muhoberac. Tutt's drumming incorporated cues from Presley's stage moves during the audition. Presley liked what he heard, and Tutt was thereafter a permanent member of the TCB Band. Tutt participated in Presley concerts and recording sessions until the death of Presley in 1977.

The example of Ron Tutt's best drum work may be the studio recording on March 29, 1972 on Presley's "Always on My Mind" (video recorded in RCA Studio C, Hollywood, CA). Recorded during the period when Presley's marriage to Priscilla Presley was failing, the lyrics and arrangement made for a poignant and dramatic recording. This is an example of uncommon teamwork between a recording artist and his drummer. Tutt's drumming starts in his routine TCB Band style until Elvis' performance lifts into an emotional and energetic level at the instrumental bridge, whereupon Tutt "throws all the switches" to match Presley's intensity. Presley usually allowed Tutt open discretion in the area of drumming. In the video, Elvis shows he is performing off of Tutt's building, authoratative drumming (and with smiles, nods, and head shakes, Elvis shows his approval). The result is one of the noteworthy recordings in the Presley catalog, and Tutt's finest studio work.

Ronnie

Ronnie may refer to: