Kay Kyser
Known For
Acting
Born
1905-06-18 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA
Died
1985-07-23
Biography
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.
Most Known For
The Mike Douglas Show
as Self
Swing Fever
as Lowell Blackford
Stage Door Canteen
as Kay Kyser
The Movie Orgy
as Self (archive footage)
Showbiz Goes to War
as (archive footage)
You'll Find Out
as Himself
Television: The First Fifty Years
as Self (archive footage)
My Favorite Spy
as Kay Kyser
Show-Business at War
as Self
Thousands Cheer
as Kay Kyser
Around the World
as Kay Kyser
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 1
as Self
Playmates
as Kay Kyser
Africa Squeaks
as Cake Icer (voice)
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2
That's Right – You're Wrong
as Kay Kyser
If I Forget You
as Orchestra
Carolina Blues
as Himself
Unsichtbare Gegner
as Sir Thomas
G.I. Journal
as Self