Deems, Barrett

Barrett Deems was born in 1914 in Springfield, IL. Deems, once billed as “the world’s fastest drummer,” began his professional career in the late 1920s and led several Chicago-area bands, including his own Barrett Deams 18-piece Big Band.

Deems worked with Joe Venuti, Jimmy Dorsey, Red Norvo, Muggsy Spanier, Jack Teagarden, and Art Hodes. While leading his own band, Chicago’s Brass Rail Club, Deems also collaborated with the Dukes of Dixieland, Joe Kelly’s Gaslight Band, and several Louis Armstrong tribute bands. From 1952-1958, Deems played with Armstrong, who called him “The Kid,” and can be heard on Armstrong’s “Satch Play’s Fats,” and “Louis Armstrong Play W.C. Handy.” In 1956, Deems appeared in the film High Society.

Deems was best known for his energetic nature and fast, driving drumming technique. Legend has it Louis Armstrong said of him: “He makes coffee nervous.”

Deems died in 1998.

From the guide to the Deems, Barrett. Papers, circa 1950s-1999, (Special Collections Research Center University of Chicago Library 1100 East 57th Street Chicago, Illinois 60637 U.S.A.)