Cape Cod’s Tommy Tuttle
Where it all Began – When I first started out as a mobile DJ, I was working in radio in Hyannis at WQRC-FM 99.9. The station was much different than it sounds today. We were serving an older demographic with news, information and easy listening. At night, listeners were blessed with a program featuring music from The Great American Songbook with host Dick Golden I was lucky to learn from watching and listening Dick work his magic in the studio. He always reminded me to play the music and get out of the way. He taught me the importance of never being the center attention, always keeping the music as the focus. I brought this philosophy to my work as a mobile DJ and had great success. Thank you Dick!
Expanding Horizons – In 1981, I stepped out from behind the studio mic on weekends and took the show on the road, playing DJ music at all the local venues. I brought the polish of professional radio to the heart of Cape Cod’s entertainment community as a mobile DJ. At that time, the mobile DJ industry on Cape Cod was still in its infancy. Folks were hiring bands, and not used to hiring DJs. It was a new era. I gradually built a reputation on referrals, one event at a time.
My first event was providing music for Barnstable High School senior class of 1981 prom. The school held this event at the Wychmere Beach Club, then known as the Wychmere Harbor Club. Dick Golden was kind enough to help me set up earlier that afternoon.
It was the early 80’s. What an incredible time to start my new career with so many big dance songs. Most every tune I played that night packed the dance floor. Songs like “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang, the monster classic rocker, “You shook me all night long” by AC/DC, and we mustn’t forget Charlie Wilson belting out “Burn Rubber on Me” by the Gap Band were just released. And of course Michael Jackson was now a star with his breakout album, “Off The Wall” with the dance hit “Don’t Stop Till’ You Get Enough”.
Serving Every Generation My approach to entertainment has evolved far beyond the school dances and proms of my early career. Today, I feel lucky to have the skill at serving every age group, including the vibrant and joyful active retiree community. I credit my time at WQRC for this versatility; it was there that I learned the true art of “reaching different demographics.” Guided by exceptional mentors, I mastered the skill of reading an audience and tailoring my work to ensure everyone, regardless of age, feels part of the celebration.
Lessons from the Vinyl Era Time moves fast, but the lessons I learned early on have stayed with me. I remember the challenge of preparing for a 50th anniversary for a couple married in 1931. In the days of vinyl records, finding the right “blend” required deep knowledge and preparation. Thanks to guidance from greats like Dick Golden, I learned to appreciate the nuances of that era—discovering legendary tracks like Duke Ellington’s “Mood Indigo” and learning how to soundtrack a lifetime of memories.
The Changing Rhythm of Anniversaries Fast forward to 2026, and the landscape has changed beautifully. Today, a 50th-anniversary couple isn’t looking for the sounds of the 1930s—they’re celebrating a wedding from 1976! Instead of Big Band, we’re filling the dance floor with the high-energy grooves of the Bee Gees’ “You Should Be Dancing,” Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music,” and KC and the Sunshine Band. While I rarely have to dig back to the WWII era anymore, I keep those classics in my back pocket for whenever a couple wants to show off their ballroom or jitterbug skills.
Embracing the Digital Revolution As technology evolved, so did my ability to serve my clients. I no longer had to drive all the way to Boston just to hunt down a single song on vinyl; the digital age made it easier to focus on what truly matters: making couples happy. After spending my first ten years mastering the art of the turntable, transitioning to CDs was a revelation. Not only was the music more accessible, but the quality was incomparable. The pops, scratches, and hisses of well-loved records were replaced by crystal-clear sound, ensuring that every performance was as flawless as the occasion deserved.
Expanding and Advancing My mission to bring music to a wide audience continues to evolve. While I still enjoy DJing the occasional wedding, I find myself drawn more and more to the timeless sounds I grew up with. I take pride in staying current—you’ll still find me playing the latest hits from Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, and Sabrina Carpenter—but my true passion lies in the classics. There is something uniquely fulfilling about sharing the music that shaped my own life with an audience that appreciates its soul and history.
Giving Back to the Community In recent years, I’ve found great fulfillment in volunteering my services at the Orleans Council on Aging and in Eastham. It’s been a joy to return to these public spaces as they’ve become safer to gather in again. It is a fascinating reminder of how time moves: today’s seniors aren’t just looking for Big Band; they want the soundtrack of their youth! We have a blast with the music of 40 and 50 years ago—everything from the Beatles and the Rolling Stones (who are now in their 80s!) to the high-energy 80s hits of Kool & the Gang, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, and the Pointer Sisters.
Filling the Musical Gap There is something incredibly fulfilling about watching a room light up when I play a song that radio stations have long since set aside. In today’s world, most program directors are laser-focused on the 18-to-34 demographic to satisfy sponsors, often leaving behind the incredible music that shaped previous generations. I choose a different path. I’ll take the classics every time—because seeing the “beaming joy” on someone’s face when they hear a long-lost favorite is far more rewarding than following a corporate playlist.
If you relate to what I’ve shared, please call and let me know ways I can help you celebrate.