Agent Elvis: Who is Ron Tutt? (Dedication explained)

Agent Elvis is now streaming on Netflix, and many viewers have noticed there’s a dedication message to a person named Ron Tutt at the end of the second episode. Who is he? Find out right below.

There are two special tributes in Agent Elvis. The first one you could say was expected. At the end of the first episode, there’s a dedication to Lisa Marie Presley. The second tribute was to Ron Tutt.

Some shows and movies end with a dedication to a special person who was involved in the production or was somehow connected to it and passed away. So, what is Ron Tutt’s connection to the adult animated series?

Agent Elvis: Ron Tutt dedication explained

Let me start by saying that Ron Tutt was not involved in the making of Agent Elvis in any way. The reason he was given a special tribute was because he was the drummer in Elvis Presley’s TCB band from 1969 until the King Of Rock And Roll’s death in 1977. Since the show is about Presley, Tutt’s connection to the series was through his close relationship with him.

Ron Tutt was from Dallas, Texas. He auditioned to be a part of Presley’s band in 1969 and was ultimately selected to join. He also played the drums for other famous musicians such as The Carpenters, Roy Orbison, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, and Jerry Garcia.

Sadly, he passed away on Oct. 16, 2021, at the age of 83 years old. According to The New York Times, Tutt’s death was confirmed by his wife, who said he had lived with chronic heart problems. After his death was announced, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, and Jerry Garcia paid tribute to him by tweeting several sweet messages.

Here’s what Joel had to say about Tutt after his passing via Twitter:

"I’m very sad to hear of the death of Ronnie Tutt. He played on the original recording of ‘Piano Man’ in 1973 and most of the other songs on that album. Ron was a power drummer who also played with finesse. His timing was impeccable and he played his drum parts to the lyrics, as well as the music in any song he played on. His live performances with Elvis Presley were legendary. He will be greatly missed. – Billy Joel"

Here’s what Diamond said about Tutt via Twitter:

"The legendary Ron Tutt has passed away. It’s been my privilege to share the stage with Ronnie for more than 40 years. He was truly one of the all-time greats in Rock and Roll.  God bless you, Ronnie.  Give my regards to Elvis. We love you, Ronnie."

Here’s what Garcia said about the late Ron Tutt via Twitter:

"From Elvis to the Jerry Garcia Band, Neil Diamond, and countless other projects, Ron Tutt’s steady drumming kept the mystery train rolling to where no man has gone before. Fare thee well and thank you sir."

Agent Elvis is streaming on Netflix.