Jay McShann American singer and pianist who played blues and swing styles Date of Birth: 12.01.1916 Country: USA

1. Jay McShann: an American Blues and Swing Singer and Pianist
2. Early Career
3. Later Career
4. Legacy and Later Years

Jay McShann: an American Blues and Swing Singer and Pianist

Jay McShann, also known by his nickname "Hootie," was an American singer and pianist who played in the styles of blues and swing. He was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma. McShann had a very musical ear and received his education through late-night broadcasts of Earl Hines' music radio programs from "Chicago's Grand Terrace Ballroom." His parents did not approve of his passion for music, and the conflict with them forced Jay to leave home.

Early Career

He began pursuing music professionally in 1931, performing in the vicinity of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and in neighboring Arkansas. In 1936, Jay moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where he formed his own band, which included prominent musicians such as Charlie Parker, Bernard Anderson, Ben Webster, and Walter Brown. Their group primarily played blues, with their most popular composition being "Confessin' the Blues." In 1940, they recorded eight compositions on a radio station in Wichita, Kansas, which were not published until the 1970s. These recordings are the earliest known works of Charlie Parker, with notable performances in songs like "Honeysuckle Rose" and "Lady Be Good." The group disbanded after McShann was drafted into the army in 1944.

Later Career

After completing his service, McShann's attempts to reform the band were unsuccessful. Following World War II, he led small ensembles, with Jimmy Witherspoon being a prominent collaborator. Witherspoon began recording with McShann in 1945, and in 1949, they recorded the beautiful composition "Ain't Nobody's Business," which became a hit. Together with Witherspoon and Ben Webster, they continued recording songs until 1951, after which McShann remained a relatively unknown performer until 1969.

In 1969, McShann gained recognition not only as a singer but also as a talented pianist. He often performed in duets with Claude Williams. Until the late 1990s, McShann continued to record new songs and tour. In 1987, Jay was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. His album "Hootie Blues," recorded in Toronto and released by Stony Plain in 2006, showcased McShann's light, soulful playing and brilliant singing even at the age of 85.

Legacy and Later Years

In 2005, crime novelist Elmore Leonard featured McShann as a character in his book "The Hot Kid." On December 7, 2006, Jay McShann passed away at St. Luke's Hospital in his hometown of Kansas City. His contributions to the blues and swing genres, as well as his musical talents, continue to be celebrated and remembered.