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

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.

References

External links

• 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.