Jay McShann

Jay moved to Kansas City, Missouri, in 1936 and played at the Monroe Inn on Independence Avenue. The following year he formed a sextet and began a residence at Martin's on the Plaza. In late 1939, Jay assembled a big band and played at the Century Room and Fairyland Park.

The Jay McShann Orchestra toured extensively and recorded for the Decca label in 1941. The band's most popular recording was a blues titled "Confessin' the Blues," but the band performed and recorded many modern compositions which bridged traditional Kansas City jazz and bebop.

This musically progressive band, whose oldest member was twenty-five, included Gus Johnson, Gene Ramey and the young Charlie Parker. Their recording of "Hootie Blues" was the first to document Parker's emerging genius. The band had its New York debut at the Savoy Ballroom in 1942 to enthusiastic reviews.

Jay served in the armed forces in 1944. After his discharge he re-formed his big band. In the late Forties, Jay recorded with Jimmy Witherspoon. Jay returned to Kansas City in 1950, studied at the Conservatory of Music, and toured regionally with his trio and small groups. From 1969 to the present, Jay has toured extensively, appearing at music festivals world-wide. He is the subject of a 1978 documentary film, "Hootie Blues," and is also showcased in the film "Last of the Blues Devils."

Russell, Ross.

Jazz Style in Kansas City and the Southwest. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1971

"McShann, James Columbus."

The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz. London: Macmillan Press, 1988.

Hester, Mary Lee.

Going to Kansas City. Sherman, Texas: Early Bird Press, 1980

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