Drumsmack TV Guest Donald Barrett

Drumsmack TV Guest: Donald Barrett

Donald Barrett was born in Waukegan, IL in 1978, where he began playing drums at the age of 3. His roots of his playing started in the church where he became self-taught for the next 10 years. In 1996 Donald moved through high school and onto college, where he received a scholarship to study at Northern Illinois University. While attending N. Illinois, Donald was exposed to many different playing situations, from trios to Big Band. During that time, Donald studied with jazz greats such as Ed Thigpen and Wynton Marsalis. Barrett began breaking into the club and Theater scene in Chicago. He played in two major musicals, Could It Be Magic, a Barry Maniolow production, and Comfortable Shoes, a Clint Holmes production.

Watch Donald Barrett in Drumsmack TV Episode 93

In June 2003 Donald moved from Chicago to LA where he landed his first gig with Impromp2 on the first day of his arrival. Barrett toured with Impromp2 for 6 months, including TV dates and the US Open in NYC. Other artists Barrett performed with during this time include Gary Bias, Frank Macomb, Ludacris, Prince, Chaka Khan, Josh Kelley, and Renee Olstead.

Drumsmack TV Guest: Donald Barrett

Drumsmack TV Guest: Donald Barrett

Watch Donald Barrett in Drumsmack TV Episode 33

Donald Barrett has performed with Seal, Pussycat Dolls, Pink, Sade, New Kids On The Block, Toni Braxton, George Benson, Carson Daly Show House Band, James Ingram, Peabo Bryson, Wynton Marselis, P. Diddy Starmaker, Fountain of Love Christian Center & Musical Director for Colbie Caillat.

He is endorsed by Yamaha Drums, Paiste Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, Porter and Davies, Humes and Berg Drum Case Company.