Kay Kyser
Known for ActingBorn 1905-06-18 — died 1985-07-23Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA
James Kern Kyser (June 18, 1905 – July 23, 1985), known as Kay Kyser, was a popular radio personality and bandleader in the 1930's and 40's. Kyser's most popular show was Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge, which combined popular music with a quiz show format. It aired on Mutual Radio in 1938 and then moved to NBC Radio from 1939 to 1949. Kyser led the band as “The Ol’ Perfessor,” spouting signature catch phrases like, “That’s right—you’re wrong,” “Evenin’ folks, how y’all?” and “C'mon, chillun! Le's dance!”
Kyser was also known for having his singers sing the song titles, a device copied by Sammy Kaye and Blue Barron. When the song began, one of the band's lead singers (usually Harry Babbitt) sang the title phrase, and then the first verse or two of the song was performed instrumentally before the lyrics resumed.
Known for
The Movie Orgy
1968 · as Self (archive footage)
Swing Fever
1943 · as Lowell Blackford
Africa Squeaks
1940 · as Cake Icer (voice)
Thousands Cheer
1943 · as Kay Kyser
Stage Door Canteen
1943 · as Kay Kyser
Show-Business at War
1943 · as Self
Around the World
1943 · as Kay Kyser
If I Forget You
1940 · as Orchestra
G.I. Journal
1944 · as Self
You'll Find Out
1940 · as Himself
Television: The First Fifty Years
1999 · as Self (archive footage)
My Favorite Spy
1942 · as Kay Kyser
Showbiz Goes to War
1982 · as (archive footage)
Carolina Blues
1944 · as Himself
That's Right – You're Wrong
1939 · as Kay Kyser
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 1
1941 · as Self
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2
1941
Playmates
1941 · as Kay Kyser