Rudy "Tutti" Grayzell (June 8, 1933 - November 26, 2019), also known as Rudy Gray,[1] was a Rockabilly musician.[2]

He was born Rudolph Paiz Jimenez in Saspamco, Texas, and took his stage-name from his German great-grandmother. He first formed "The Buckles", which became "Texas Kool Kats" and a popular local group. He also had a daily radio show in 1957.[3] These groups were country-oriented, but he moved toward a more rockabilly sound with "Let's Get Wild" or "Duck Tail." In the 1950s he toured with Elvis Presley,[4] who came up with his nickname, suggesting he should have recorded ”Tutti Frutti”.[5] He is an inductee of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.[6]

His chief mainstream contribution has been as "celebrity spokesman" for Pine Brothers Softish Throat Drops, sporting a wild pompadour wig, much jewelry and a pasted-on thatch of chest hair.[7]

References

  1. ↑ Rockabilly Hall of Fame bio
  2. ↑ "RUDY GRAYZELL". Omega Services. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  3. ↑ Go cat go!: rockabilly music and its makers by Craig Morrison, pg 141
  4. ↑ SFstation
  5. ↑ Rockabilly Hall of Fame bio
  6. ↑ Rockabilly Hall of Fame bio
  7. ↑ "Rudy 'Tutti' keeps rockabilly rolling," San Antonio Express-News, 11/08/2011
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