Kay Kyser
- Known for
- Acting
- Born
- June 18, 1905
- Died
- July 23, 1985
- Birthplace
- Rocky 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.
Filmography
- Television: The First Fifty Years
Television: The First Fifty Years 1999
as Self (archive footage)
Showbiz Goes to War 1982
as (archive footage)
The Movie Orgy 1968
as Self (archive footage)
Carolina Blues 1944
as Himself
- G.I. Journal
G.I. Journal 1944
as Self
Around the World 1943
as Kay Kyser
Swing Fever 1943
as Lowell Blackford
- Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3)
Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3) 1943
as Himself
Thousands Cheer 1943
as Kay Kyser
Stage Door Canteen 1943
as Kay Kyser
Show-Business at War 1943
as Self
My Favorite Spy 1942
as Kay Kyser
Playmates 1941
as Kay Kyser
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2 1941
Actor
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 1 1941
as Self
You'll Find Out 1940
as Himself
- If I Forget You
If I Forget You 1940
as Orchestra
Africa Squeaks 1940
as Cake Icer (voice)
That's Right – You're Wrong 1939
as Kay Kyser
Invisible Opponent 1933
as Sir Thomas
Credits from TMDB.