Kay Kyser

ActingBorn: June 18, 1905in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USADied: July 23, 1985

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.

Kay Kyser

Television: The First Fifty Years

Showbiz Goes to War

The Movie Orgy

The Mike Douglas Show

Carolina Blues

G.I. Journal

Around the World

Swing Fever

Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3)

Thousands Cheer

Stage Door Canteen

Show-Business at War

My Favorite Spy

Playmates

Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2

Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 1

You'll Find Out

If I Forget You

Africa Squeaks

That's Right – You're Wrong

Invisible Opponent