Background
Deems, Barrett Bruce was born on March 1, 1915 in Springfield, Illinois, United States. Son of Fred Wesley and Ethel Fay (Smith) Deems.
Deems, Barrett Bruce was born on March 1, 1915 in Springfield, Illinois, United States. Son of Fred Wesley and Ethel Fay (Smith) Deems.
Student, Springfield public schools.
Drummer, Joe Venuti Orchestra, 1937-1944; drummer, Charlie Barnett Orchestra, 1950-1951; drummer, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Muggsy Spanier, 1952; drummer, Louis Armstrong All-Stars, 1952-1958; freelance drummer, since 1958; leader, Barrett Deem's Big Band, Chicago, since 1988.
Member Percussive Arts Society, National Association Drumologists. Lodges: Moose.
Married Loretta Colette Paugels, September 1944 (deceased January 1966). 1 child, Mary Jane Serene. Married Jane Cecilia Johnson, August 27, 1978.