Barrett Deems

Summary

Barrett Deems (March 1, 1914 – September 15, 1998)[1] was an American swing drummer from Springfield, Illinois, United States.[2] He worked in bands led by Jimmy Dorsey, Louis Armstrong, Red Norvo, and Muggsy Spanier.[3]

Barrett Deems performs with Louis Armstrong band and Velma Middleton in Oslo, Norway in 1955.

In High Society, a 1956 film, performing drum solo during a scene on the back of the bus. Louis Armstrong and His All Stars play the song "Now You Has Jazz", the movie's star, Bing Crosby, introduces the band members, including Deems, who then performs a short drum solo.

Deems was married twice. He died of pneumonia in Chicago aged 84 in September 1998. He left behind his wife, Jane Johnson who is living as of 2023 and resides in Momence,Illinois.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Obituary; Barrett Deems"; The Times; 28 September 1998, p. 23
  2. ^ Colin Larkin, ed. (1992). The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 664. ISBN 0-85112-939-0.
  3. ^ Carr, Ian; Digby Fairweather; Brian Priestley (1995). Jazz: The Rough Guide. The Rough Guides. p. 165. ISBN 1-85828-137-7.

External links edit

  • Barrett Deems page at Drummerworld
  • Barrett Deems Interview NAMM Oral History Library (1998)
  • Guide to the Barrett Deems Papers circa 1950s-1999 at the University of Chicago Special Collections Research Center
  • Barrett Deems recordings at the Discography of American Historical Recordings.