The Jay McShann Collection was gifted to the LaBudde Special Collections Department by the McShann Family in July 2009. Inclusive dates are 1916-2006, with the bulk of the collection dating from 1980-2004. Included are correspondence; contracts; numerous awards; event programs; posters; news clippings; photographs; and miscellaneous ephemera and memorabilia. While the collection lacks personal information about McShann’s childhood and early years in the music business, the collection contains much information relating to his renewed popularity and recognition, starting in the 1970s when the “Blues” began a resurgence. While perusing the many awards, trophies and certificates of honor, it is abundantly clear that McShann came into his own during his Golden Years, not only for his artistic talent, but also for his generous service to the community. Other highlights of the collection include photographs of his earlier bands. The ample collection of posters highlighting mostly Jazz events is expressive and artistic, visualizing the true character of a jazz giant.

The dates of the audiovisual materials range from the 1960s to 2005 with the majority of them ranging from 1980 to 1998. Audio content includes various radio appearances and live performances. McShann’s radio appearances include National Public Radio’s Jazz Profiles and Condell’s Corner on KDSU. His live recordings document performances in the United States, Canada, and Europe with musicians such as Ralph Sutton, Gus Johnson, and Milt Hinton as well as Ben Webster and Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson. This collection also contains various cassette recordings from other Kansas City jazz musicians as well as two versions of the song entitled “Jay McShann” written and performed by Donald Brown.