Steve Ettleson; Played Drums With Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme

Steve Ettleson, 56, drummer and leading authority for drum manufacturers on artist relations, died Friday of injuries sustained when he was hit by an automobile in Studio City.

Born in Chicago, Ettleson began playing drums as a teenager. After graduating from DePaul University, he found work as a musician playing for Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme, Juliet Prowse and Pearl Bailey.

He also played in the house band for the popular television show “Name That Tune,” and was the drummer for the original Los Angeles production of “Hair.”

Over the last two decades, Ettleson worked for some of the percussion industry’s leading manufacturers.

“Steve Ettleson embraced the drumming world with all of his heart and soul,” said jazz drummer Peter Erskine. “He understood the music, the players and the instruments. And in some manner or form, he has helped every drummer in the business.”