I was listening to all those lyrics and trying to take in everything that was happening. I was completely excited. It was one of the greatest times that I had listening to music.

About Jay McShann

James Columbus “Jay” McShannwas an American jazz pianist, vocalist, composer, and bandleader. He led bands in Kansas City, Missouri, that included Charlie Parker, Bernard Anderson, Walter Brown, and Ben Webster.

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It was my first time in Kansas City. In about two or three days I had a gig at a place called The Monroe Inn.

Jay McShann

American blues, jazz, and swing bandleader, pianist and singer

I had listened to Joe Turner. When they’d book Joe there, I’d play the blues behind him.

Jay McShann

American blues, jazz, and swing bandleader, pianist and singer

They had the music being piped right out on the street. I’d be three or four blocks from there and I couldn’t get there fast enough because I’d hear old Joe holler them words.

Jay McShann

American blues, jazz, and swing bandleader, pianist and singer

We used to play the Savoy Ballroom, and we always had a boogie tune in the set. Bands like Tommy Dorsey used to do a little boogie woogie. The big bands.

Jay McShann

American blues, jazz, and swing bandleader, pianist and singer

My family was a Christian family. But I had to get to Kansas to play the blues.

Jay McShann

American blues, jazz, and swing bandleader, pianist and singer

I was listening to all those lyrics and trying to take in everything that was happening. I was completely excited. It was one of the greatest times that I had listening to music.

Jay McShann

American blues, jazz, and swing bandleader, pianist and singer

We didn’t let a night go by that we didn’t play.

Jay McShann

American blues, jazz, and swing bandleader, pianist and singer

We had an old Victrola with the old bulldog they used to have there. The horn would come out.

Jay McShann

American blues, jazz, and swing bandleader, pianist and singer

As long as Pete and Joe are there, it’s gonna be jumping.

Jay McShann

American blues, jazz, and swing bandleader, pianist and singer