Barrett Deems

This audio only interview was conducted for a radio program by Dan Del Fiorentino and donated to the NAMM Oral History program: Barrett Deems was the energetic drummer of the big band era who played with Red Norvo, Muggsy Spanier, and Jimmy Dorsey. While touring as a member of Louis Armstrong's All Stars in the 1950s, Barrett wrote the fast tempo drummers dream solo hit, "Mop Mop!". In later years Barrett had a weekly gig in Chicago that often included tips and advice to the young drummers who came seeking to learn from a true master.

Image courtesy of the Downbeat archives.