“King Tut“ is a novelty song performed by Steve Martin and The Toot Uncommons …. who were actually members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band….as the song was released as a single in 1978….which sold over a million copies….and reached # 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart…..as Martin previewed the song in a live performance during the April 22, 1978 episode of Saturday Night Live….and the song was also included on Martin’s album A Wild and Crazy Guy. In the Saturday Night Live performance of “King Tut,” loyal subjects appease a joyful King Tut with kitchen appliances….as an instrumental solo is delivered by saxophone player Lou Marini….who steps out of a sarcophagus while being painted gold to great laughter.
“King Tut” paid homage to Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun….while presenting a caricature of the Treasures of Tutankhamun traveling exhibit that toured seven United States cities from 1976 to 1979…. which attracted approximately eight million visitors.
