Skip to main content

HISTORY, FACTS, AWARDS

Personal History

  • BA in Music Education from New York University 1976
  • AA of Art from Miami Dade Community College 1974
  • Graduated Miami Beach High School 1972
  • Born John Charles Barrett October 28th, 1953

Artist History

  • The single, “Love on a Rooftop” charts Top 40 1990
  • Released, “Discipline” through Elektra Records 1990
  • 1st Top 40 hit, “Our Love Is Insane” Spring of 1979
  • Musical guest on Saturday Night Live (original cast) Xmas show of 1979
  • First U.S. Tour including legendary performances at The Bottom Line in NYC and The Whisky a Go Go in LA 1979
  • Released first self-titled album, “Desmond Child & Rouge” 1979
  • First signed to Capitol Records with group Desmond Child & Rouge 1978

Billboard #1 Hits

  • 4th Billboard #1 “Livin’ La Vida Loca” 1999
  • 3rd Billboard #1 “Bad Medicine” Bon Jovi 1988
  • 2nd Billboard #1 “Livin’ On A Prayer” Bon Jovi 1987
  • 1st Billboard #1 “You Give Love A Bad Name” Bon Jovi 1986
  • 1st International #1 “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” KISS 1979

Honors & Awards

  • Spotify certified “Livin’ On A Prayer” to have reached 1 billion streams 2023
  • Library Of Congress National Recording Registry Library certification of “Livin’ La Vida Loca” 2022
  • Latin Songwriters Hall Of Fame Induction 2022
  • Rosie’s Theater Kids 18th Anniversary Annual Gala Honors 2021
  • ASCAP Founders Award 2018
  • Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee 2008
  • Miami Beach High Wall of Fame (alongside Barbara Walters, Mickey Rourke, Andy Garcia)
  • TAXI Lifetime Achievement Award 2004
  • Emmy Award nomination for “Everyone Matters” The Muppets 2003
  • Latin Grammy Award – Rock Album of the Year Alejandra Guzman 2001
  • NARAS Florida Chapter Heroes Award 2000
  • Grammy Nomination – Best Pop Album, Ricky Martin 2000
  • Grammy Nomination – Record of the Year, “Livin’ La Vida Loca” 2000
  • Grammy Nomination – Song of the Year, “Livin’ La Vida Loca” 2000
  • Honored with Key Of The City of Miami Beach 1999
  • El Premio Award – Song Of The Year “Livin’ La Vida Loca” 1999
  • Official World Cup Song – “La Copa De La Vida”, “The Cup Of Life” 1998
  • El Premio Award – Song Of The Year, “La Copa De La Vida”, “The Cup Of Life” 1998

Positions Held

  • Co Founder, Chairman (2012 – 2021), Chairman Emeritus of Latin Songwriters Hall Of Fame 2022 – Present
  • Florida 1996-2001
  • Co-Founder and President of Songwriters In The Round, Miami Beach
  • NARAS Board of Governors Florida Chapter 2000-2002
  • President of Deston Songs Music Publishing 1996 – Present
  • President of Desmobile Inc. 1982 – Present
  • Co Founder, Chairman/CEO of Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame 2012 – Present
  • Board of Directors, ASCAP 2013 – Present

Songs Recorded By

Aerosmith, Christina Aguilera, Clay Aiken, Animotion, Baha Men, Jimmy Barnes, Robin Beck, Beggars & Thieves, Stephanie Bentley, Petra Berger, Bif Naked, Blackhawk, Michael Bolton, Bon Jovi, Bonfire, Boyzone, Flavio Cesar, Bill Champlin, Chayanne, Judy Cheeks, Cher, Chicago, Kelly Clarkson, Clarence Clemons, Alice Cooper, Carlos Cuevos, Paul Dean, Diana DeGarmo, Desmond Child & Rouge, Dudes of Wrath, Dream Theater, Hilary Duff, Evil Stig, FM, Ellen Foley, Ace Frehley, The Gufs, Haddaway, Hall & Oates, Hanson, Chesney Hawkes, Ty Herndon, INXS, Joan Jett, Cletus T. Judd, KISS, Patti La Belle, Nikki Leonti, La Ley, Dan Lucas, Cyndi Lauper, Mitch Malloy, Amanda Marshall, Ricky Martin, Jesse McCartney, Stephanie McIntosh, Meat Loaf, Megadeth, Mika, Millie, Billie Myers, Alannah Myles, Vince Neil, Ru Paul, Chynna Phillips, Phoenix Down, Iggy Pop, Jason Raize, The Rasmus, RATT, LeAnn Rimes, Kane Roberts, Rosco, Roxette, Jennifer Rush, Richie Sambora, Saraya, Scorpions, Shakira, Sia, Sisqo, Southgang, Billy Squier, Paul Stanley, Barbra Streisand, Swirl 360, 3rd Faze, Bonnie Tyler, Kris Tyler, Carrie Underwood, Steve Vai, Maria Vidal, Anna Vissi, John Waite, Tim Weisberg, Robbie Williams, Peter Wolf and Trisha Yearwood