Kay Kyser
Born 1905 (age 80) · Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA
Appears in 21 titles

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.

Filmography

You'll Find Out
5.6
You'll Find Out
1940
as Himself
Thousands Cheer
6.4
Thousands Cheer
1943
as Kay Kyser
Stage Door Canteen
6.3
Stage Door Canteen
1943
as Kay Kyser
The Movie Orgy
6.6
The Movie Orgy
1968
as Self (archive footage)
My Favorite Spy
5.7
My Favorite Spy
1942
as Kay Kyser
Playmates
5.7
Playmates
1941
as Kay Kyser
Africa Squeaks
5.8
Africa Squeaks
1940
as Cake Icer (voice)
That's Right – You're Wrong
6.3
That's Right – You're Wrong
1939
as Kay Kyser
Swing Fever
6.0
Swing Fever
1943
as Lowell Blackford
Carolina Blues
5.8
Carolina Blues
1944
as Himself
Show-Business at War
7.0
Show-Business at War
1943
as Self
6.3
If I Forget You
1940
as Orchestra
Around the World
6.3
Around the World
1943
as Kay Kyser
Invisible Opponent
6.5
Invisible Opponent
1933
as Sir Thomas
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2
Showbiz Goes to War
10.0
Showbiz Goes to War
1982
as (archive footage)
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 1
Television: The First Fifty Years
1999
as Self (archive footage)
G.I. Journal
G.I. Journal
1944
as Self