Trivia

Jazz pianist and blues singer.

Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1985.

McShann set up his first band at Martin's in Kansas City, MO, in 1937. Among the sidemen were altoist Charlie Parker (who got his start here), tenor saxophonist Paul Quinichette and blues singer Walter Brown. The group was signed to a recording contract with Decca Records, which further cemented its popularity. McShann disbanded the band in late 1943 to join the military, reforming in 1945 with a year-long residency at the Downbeat Club in New York. From June 1946 the band was based on the West Coast, performing at the Susie Q and Cobra Clubs in L.A. During the 1950s and 1960s McShann led smaller blues-tinged combos, as well as performing solo, mainly in Kansas City. He also went on tour through Europe (1969-70) and subsequently became a regular on the international festival circuit.