Jay McShann (January 12, 1916 – December 7, 2006) was a jazz pianist, vocalist, composer, and bandleader.
He was nicknamed Hootie. During his youth he taught himself how to play the piano.
McShann led bands in Kansas City that included Charlie Parker, Ben Webster, Paul Quinichette, Jimmy Witherspoon, and Walter Brown.
He played both swing and blues numbers, but played blues on most of his records. ... more