Donald Barrett was born and raised in the northern suburbs of Chicago. Starting at the fresh age of 4, Donald began playing in church and that is where he received his foundation for drumming. By the time Donald Barrett reached High school he began embracing other styles(Jazz/Rock/Pop) of music as well as attending summer music programs on scholarship. Donald Barrett graduated from Thornridge High School which has been known to be one of the top music and arts high schools in the country. Some of the most notable alumni include: Nelson Ellis (True Blood), Jane Lynch (Glee and Hollywood Game Night) and Lisa Raye McCoy (The Players Club and Single Ladies). Donald Barrett continued his education and music studies at Northern Illinois University (NIU) on scholarship. There Donald Barrett studied and performed with award winning musicians such as Ron Carter (Jazz Studies Chair), Wynton Marsalis, Claudio Roditi and Jimmy Heath. After Completing two years at NIU, Donald Barrett was offered a tour with Carnival Cruise Lines Show Band which lasted on and off for 3 years. During the time when Donald was home in Chicago, he was asked to join a couple of pit band orchestras for two major musicals that were in Chicago (i.e., Barry Manilow’s “Could It Be Magic” and Clint Holmes-Las Vegas Entertainer Comfortable Shoes). Donald also picked up a few mentors in Chicago. Oscar Seaton(Drummer/Lionel Richie), YL Douglas (Drummer/Music Educator) and Bill “The Buddha” Dickens (Bassist/Meters)took him under their wing and provided the necessary insight, wisdom and musical guidance to further every area of Donald’s gift. Since Donald Barrett relocated to Los Angeles in 2003, he has become the ?rst call drummer for artist such as Toni Braxton, Sade, Seal, P!nk, New Kids On The Block, Pussycat Dolls, Colbie Caillat to name a few. Donald Barrett also has bolstered his session work by appearing on 5 Josh Kelley albums, the Twilight "Breaking Dawn" Movie Soundtrack, This Christmas Movie Soundtrack, Kikaider Reboot (Japanese action movie), as well as Macy Gray's soon to be released album “The Way” this summer (2014). Donald Barrett has appeared on the following TV shows such as MTV Music Awards, Teen Choice Awards, Hart Of Dixe, Ellen Show, Oprah Show, Cold Case, All My Children, George Lopez Show, Braxton Family Values, David Letterman, Tonight Show w Jay Leno, Craig Ferguson, Live with Kelly and Michael Show, Good Morning America & The Today Show. Along with his many television appearances, Donald Barrett held the house drum chair for the late night show "Last Call With Carson Daly" for 3 years. Donald was the youngest drummer to hold that chair at the age of 26.
