Kay Kyser
Actor
- Born
- June 18, 1905 · Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA
- Died
- July 23, 1985 (age 80)
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
You'll Find Out
November 22, 1940
Thousands Cheer
September 13, 1943
Stage Door Canteen
June 24, 1943
The Movie Orgy
January 1, 1968
My Favorite Spy
June 12, 1942
Playmates
December 26, 1941
Africa Squeaks
January 26, 1940
Around the World
November 27, 1943
That's Right – You're Wrong
November 24, 1939
Swing Fever
November 1, 1943
Carolina Blues
December 20, 1944
Show-Business at War
May 21, 1943
Acting20
- 1999Television: The First Fifty Years as Self (archive footage)
- 1982Showbiz Goes to War as (archive footage)
- 1968The Movie Orgy as Self (archive footage)
- 1944Carolina Blues as Himself
- 1944G.I. Journal as Self
- 1943Around the World as Kay Kyser
- 1943Swing Fever as Lowell Blackford
- 1943Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3) as Himself
- 1943Thousands Cheer as Kay Kyser
- 1943Stage Door Canteen