Jay McShann

Jay McShann's career spans eras, not decades. And it was back about 50 or 60 years ago that he made his first splash in Kansas City, which was as well-known for the Kansas City sound as Detroit would later become known for Motown. McShann assembled one of the best of the KC big bands of the day-the only band which rivalled his was that of Count Basie. Members of his band included Charlie Parker, Jimmy Witherspoon and Walter Brown. After World War II, McShann gave up his big band and put together a smaller combo, which also included Witherspoon. This new combination played swing-flavored blues and R&B through the mid-West to the west coast until rock and roll emerged in the mid-'50s. McShann resumed touring about 30 years ago and has enjoyed international success ever since.

  -- SA