Kay Kyser
Known for Acting
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.
Filmography
Swing Fever
1943
as Lowell Blackford
The Movie Orgy
1968
as Self (archive footage)
You'll Find Out
1940
as Himself
Showbiz Goes to War
1982
as (archive footage)
Television: The First Fifty Years
1999
as Self (archive footage)
Show-Business at War
1943
as Self
Stage Door Canteen
1943
as Kay Kyser
Thousands Cheer
1943
as Kay Kyser
That's Right – You're Wrong
1939
as Kay Kyser
My Favorite Spy
1942
as Kay Kyser
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2
1941
Around the World
1943
as Kay Kyser
If I Forget You
1940
as Orchestra
Carolina Blues
1944
as Himself
Unsichtbare Gegner
1933
as Sir Thomas
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 1
1941
as Self
Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3)
1943
as Himself
G.I. Journal
1944
as Self
Africa Squeaks
1940
as Cake Icer (voice)
Playmates
1941
as Kay Kyser