Barrett Deems (March 1, 1914 – September 15, 1998) was an American swing drummer from Springfield, Illinois. He was known for his energetic drumming style and was billed as "the world's fastest drummer."
Career
Deems began his professional career in the late 1920s and led several Chicago-area bands, including his own 18-piece big band. He worked with notable jazz figures including Joe Venuti, Jimmy Dorsey, Red Norvo, Muggsy Spanier, Jack Teagarden, and Art Hodes.
In 1952, Deems began a high point of his career working with Louis Armstrong and his All Stars, touring worldwide. Armstrong referred to him as "The Kid." During his five years with Armstrong's All Stars, he was billed as "the fastest drummer in the world." While touring with Armstrong, Deems wrote the fast-tempo drum solo piece "Mop Mop!"
Film appearance
In the 1956 film High Society, Deems performed a drum solo during a scene in the back of a bus. In the same film, when Louis Armstrong and His All Stars perform "Now You Has Jazz," the character C. K. Dexter Haven (played by Bing Crosby) introduces the band members, including Deems, who performs a short drum solo.
Personal life and death
Deems was married twice. He died in September 1998 of pneumonia at age 84 in Columbus Grant Hospital. His second wife, Jane Johnson, resided in Momence, Illinois.
