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

Although they included both swing and blues numbers the band played blues on most of its records; its most popular recording was "Confessin' the Blues". Smaller groups
After World War II McShann began to lead small groups featuring blues shouter Jimmy Witherspoon. In 1979 he appeared prominently in the documentary on Kansas City jazz The Last of the Blue Devils.

Jay McShann was survived by his companion of more than 30 years Thelma Adams (known as Marianne McShann) and three daughters - Linda McShann Gerber Jayne McShann Lewis and Pam McShann. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City.