Rudy "Tutti" Grayzell (June 8, 1933 - November 26, 2019), also known as Rudy Gray, was a Rockabilly musician. He was born Rudolph Paiz Jimenez in

Saspamco, Texas Saspamco is an unincorporated community in Wilson County, Texas, United States. It is situated approximately 11 miles northwest of Floresville. According to the Handbook of Texas, the community had an estimated population of 443 in 2000. Sasp ...

, and took his stage-name from his

German German(s) may refer to: * Germany (of or related to) **Germania (historical use) * Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language ** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law **Ger ...

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. 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 Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), or simply Elvis, was an American singer and actor. Dubbed the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as Cultural impact of Elvis Presley, one ...

, who came up with his nickname, suggesting he should have recorded ”Tutti Frutti”. He is an inductee of the

Rockabilly Hall of Fame The Rockabilly Hall of Fame is an organization and website launched on March 21, 1997, to present early rock and roll history and information relating to the artists and personalities involved in rockabilly. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennesse ...

. 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."Rudy 'Tutti' keeps rockabilly rolling," ''San Antonio Express-News'', 11/08/2011
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References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Grayzelle, Rudy American musicians of Mexican descent Musicians from Texas Abbott Records artists Starday Records artists 1933 births 2019 deaths People from Wilson County, Texas Hispanic and Latino American musicians