Life & Work with John Tuttle of Clare

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Tuttle

Hi John, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always been a music lover. In my school years I was in orchestra, band and choir. Music played a very major role in my life. Fast forward a few years after 24 years of restaurant Management experience I decided it was time for a change.

I had always loved singing and going to Karaoke. So I bought some used equipment and a laptop. After some long weeks getting prepared Tutts Tunes was born..

I made marketing materials and started handing out flyers and business cards to bars all around Clare, Midland, Beaverton and other cities. My first gig was at the Beaverton Tavern when Steve. Brubaker owned it still. I am forever grateful for Steve giving me my first shot as a DJ/Karaoke Host. I did Karaoke and music on the weekends.

I was still marketing my services and ended up meeting Jim Rutledge the owner of Decker’s Sports Bar in Midland. Jim asked if I would cover Wednesday night at his bar. It wasn’t long after that Jim put me on more nights during the week. It’s a lot of work and sometimes frustrating nights building a Karaoke following. We had many slow nights where I was certain Jim would cancel the show but he stick it out. I eventually was asked by Jim if I could cover Tuesday Through Saturday? Obviously I said yes. And now I and my team have been with Jim almost 17 years..

I branched out to also start DJ’ing Weddings. I did a few what I call starter weddings in the beginning. I found out quickly in addition to music people needed help orchestrating the Ceremonies and Receptions. So in addition to music I used my management and guest relations expertise to help the couples efficiently run their Wedding from start to finish.

Now we do Weddings all over Michigan. I prefer Weddings because I have a closer connection with my clients as opposed to a singer at the bar I may never see again. But don’t get me wrong my love for our singers and my love of singing is still there.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been smooth sailing. From the start almost everyone I knew except my best friend were all negative and said I’d never make it.

There are obviously costs with equipment and finding the best people to help. I am very grateful we now have the strongest client oriented team I’ve ever had.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My love for music stems from my passion for band. I am a John Phillip Sousa award winner with the Tuba. My Senior Year I also was awarded the Michigan Band Director’s Award and the Marine Corps Marching Band Semper Fi Award.

I had to start working very young because we had very little money growing up in Jackson. At 12 I was sweeping floors at a shop across the street from my parents house called FanFare. They made concert equipment for bands like the Doobie Brothers, Bob Seger, The Charlie Daniel’s Band and so many more. When I’d go into the managers office to vacuum I’d marvel at all the gold and platinum albums he had from these bands they produced equipment for. I had other odd jobs like babysitting and I worked at a party store once. When I turned 16 I was hired as a dishwasher at Denny’s in Jackson. My passion for the work started with me wanting to learn all the jobs and eventually become a certified trainer. That led to me becoming a Manager at 18 and moving to Belleville. Many moves after that and more promotions took me to Ann Arbor where I was the GM of the Denny’s there. So guest service taking care of guest needs is in my blood. I teach my team to have that same passion when working Weddings.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I am Married to the most amazing woman and I am proud to be her husband. Jane is absolutely my best friend. We have had our struggles over 20 years together but we are together. So if I’m not performing I love to be with her, our Daughter Sara and I can’t forget our amazing grandkids Haiden, Ava, Cohen, Jocelyn and Aubrey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tuttstunes.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A6nX6uNbp/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-tuttle-65b423151?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app