The son of a high school band director, Dee Barton studied at the University of North Texas before joining the band of Stan Kenton in 1961. Performing as both a trombonist and drummer with Kenton's bands, Barton's highly modern arrangements provided a unique edge to the Kenton bands of the 1960s.

After leaving Kenton, Barton led his own band in Los Angeles, as well as becoming a prolific composer for film and television; his most notable efforts during this time include contributing to the soundtracks to the famous Clint Eastwood films "Dirty Harry" and "Play Misty For Me."

Barton moved to Memphis in the mid-1970s, where he continued to work on various commercial projects, as well as becoming an educator. He continued to maintain a busy schedule as an arranger and clinician until his death in 2001.