The University of Chicago Library > The Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center > Finding Aids > Guide to the Barrett Deems Papers circa 1950s-1999
© 2008 University of Chicago Library
The Barrett Deems Papers were processed and preserved as part of the "Uncovering New Chicago Archives Project," funded with support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Title: | Deems, Barrett. Papers |
---|---|
Dates: | circa 1950s-1999 |
Size: | 2.25 linear feet (3 boxes) |
Repository: |
Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center |
Abstract: | Barrett Deems, drummer. The Barrett Deems Papers contain articles, correspondence, photographs, obituaries and funeral programs, concert and event ephemera, publications, organization newsletters, and a poster. |
Series I, Personal, does not include access copies for the audio material in this series. Researchers will need to consult with staff before requesting material from this series.
The remainder of the collection is open for research.
When quoting material from this collection, the preferred citation is: Deems, Barrett. Papers, [Box#, Folder#], Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library
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.
The Barrett Deems Papers are divided into two Series I, Personal; and Series II, Organizations and Publications. The Barrett Deems Papers contain articles, correspondence, photographs, obituaries and funeral programs, concert and event ephemera, publications, organization newsletters, and a poster.
Series I, Personal, contains correspondence, a photograph, concert and event ephemera, and a compact disc. Correspondence includes letters from jazz societies and organizations, geriatric publications, musicians, and friends. The photograph is of an unknown musician taken by Louis H. Kaufman. Concert ephemera include programs, fliers, and advertisements for performances given by Deems. The event ephemera are arranged by location and include programs, fliers, and advertisements from jazz festivals and events. There are obituaries and funeral programs of musicians including Philly Joe Jones and Hillard Brown. There is a proof sheet of biographical information on Deems for “Who’s Who in Entertainment.” The compact disc was produced by Arts Midwest and is a professional recording of Johnny Frigo, Isaac "Redd" Holt, and Willie Pickens.
Series II, Organizations and Publications, contains publications such as The Jazz Rag, Down Beat, Vantage, and The Mississippi Rag. International Musician is in German. There are newsletters from various organizations including “Bix Notes,” “Browsers’ Notes,” and “The Force of Jazz” as well as directories for the Associated Musicians of Greater New York and the Chicago Federation of Musicians. There is a brochure from Delmark Records. The articles feature performances, musicians, and art related news, and an article about Deems in “Health and Harmony." Also included is a poster advertising a performance by Deems. Oversize publications are in Box 3.
Series I: Personal |
Box 1 Folder 1 | Application, Chicago Artists Abroad, 1990 |
Box 1 Folder 2 | Certificate, Chicago Federation of Musicians, 1996 |
Box 1 Folder 3 | Compact Disc, Midwest Jazz Masters, 1999 |
Box 1 Folder 4 | Concert Ephemera, Deems, 1989-1998 |
Box 1 Folder 5 | Correspondence, 1986-1997 |
Box 1 Folder 6 | Event, California, 1979-1989 |
Box 1 Folder 7 | Event, Illinois, 1983-1998 |
Box 1 Folder 8 | Event, Illinois, 16th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival, 1994 |
Box 1 Folder 9 | Event, International, 1984-1989 |
Box 1 Folder 10 | Event, Iowa, 1996 |
Box 1 Folder 11 | Event, Missouri, 1992 |
Box 1 Folder 12 | Event, Pennsylvania, 1983 |
Box 1 Folder 13 | Event, Wisconsin, 1992-1997 |
Box 1 Folder 14 | Obituaries, 1985-1994 |
Box 1 Folder 15 | Photograph, undated |
Box 1 Folder 16 | Royalty Check, American Federation of Musicians, 1995 |
Box 1 Folder 17 | "Who's Who in Entertainment," undated |
Series II: Organizations and Publications |
Box 1 Folder 18 | Arbor Records, 1994 |
Box 1 Folder 19 | Arts Midwest Jazz Letter, 1991 |
Box 1 Folder 20 | Associated Musicians of Greater New York, Directory, 1990-1991 |
Box 2 Folder 1 | "The Big Bands," 1977 |
Box 2 Folder 2 | "Bix Notes," 1996 |
Box 2 Folder 3 | "Browsers' Notes," 1995-1998 |
Box 2 Folder 4 | Chicago Federation of Musicians, Directory, 1995-1996 |
Box 2 Folder 5 | "Chuck Schaden's Nostalgia Digest and Radio Guide," 1999 |
Box 2 Folder 6 | Delmark Records, undated |
Box 2 Folder 7 | Down Beat, 1991 |
Box 2 Folder 8 | "The Force in Jazz," 1998 |
Box 2 Folder 9 | International Musician, 1980 |
Box 2 Folder 10 | The Jazz Rag, 1998 |
Box 2 Folder 11 | Vantage, 1990 |
Box 3 Folder 1 | Articles, circa 1950s-1997 |
Box 3 Folder 2 | Barfly Newspaper, 1997 |
Box 3 Folder 3 | "Health and Harmony," 1985 |
Box 3 Folder 4 | Illinois Entertainer, 1995 |
Box 3 Folder 5 | Inside, 1998 |
Box 3 Folder 6 | The Mississippi Rag, 1986-1996 |
Box 3 Folder 7 | Poster, 1980 |
Box 3 Folder 8 | Reader, 1993 |