 In 1965, Tumatoe enrolled in the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and founded the short-lived band Lothar and the Hand People, named by classmate Bill Geist.In 1967, while living in Champaign, Illinois, Tumatoe was an original member of REO Speedwagon, alongside Neal Doughty and Alan Gratzer.The band started as a soul band, inspired by Otis Redding, Sam and Dave and The Doors.