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Remembering Jay McShann

Legendary jazz and blues musician Jay "Hootie" McShann died Thursday, December 7 at the age of 90. A pianist, vocalist, composer and big band leader in the 1930s and 40s, McShann was one of the last of a generation who helped create the Kansas City style.

By Laura Spencer

Kansas City, MO – Members of the community are invited to pay their respects to Jay "Hootie" McShann in the American Jazz Museum Atrium, located at 1616 E. 18th Street in the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz Disrict in Kansas City, MO. A visitation will be held at the Gem Theater on Thursday, December 14 from 4 to 7pm, followed by blues, jazz and tributes. McShann's funeral will be Saturday, December 16 at the Watkins Brothers Funeral Home.

Kansas City is known for its style of jazz, influenced by the blues, as the home of Walt Disney’s first animation studio and the headquarters of Hallmark Cards. As one of KCUR’s arts reporters, I want people here to know a wide range of arts and culture stories from across the metropolitan area. I take listeners behind the scenes and introduce them to emerging artists and organizations, as well as keep up with established institutions. Send me an email at lauras@kcur.org or follow me on Twitter @lauraspencer.
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