Barrett Deems

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

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

In High Society, a 1956 film, Deems performs a drum solo during a scene in the back of a bus. In addition, when Louis Armstrong and His All Stars play "Now You Has Jazz", C. K. Dexter Haven (Bing Crosby) introduces the band members, including Deems, who performs a short drum solo.

Deems was married twice. He died in September 1998 of pneumonia at age 84. His second wife, Jane Johnson resides in Momence, Illinois.[1]

References

  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.
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