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Kay Kyser

Personal Info

Known For

Acting

Birthdate

1905-06-18

Day of Death

1985-07-23

Place of Birth

Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA

Kay Kyser

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 (20)

No Image
⭐ 0 Role: Self (archive footage)

Television: The First Fifty Years

1999
⭐ 10.0 Role: (archive footage)

Showbiz Goes to War

1982
⭐ 6.6 Role: Self (archive footage)

The Movie Orgy

1968
⭐ 5.8 Role: Himself

Carolina Blues

1944
⭐ 0 Role: Self

G.I. Journal

1944
⭐ 6.3 Role: Kay Kyser

Around the World

1943
⭐ 6.0 Role: Lowell Blackford

Swing Fever

1943
No Image
⭐ 0 Role: Himself

Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3)

1943
⭐ 6.4 Role: Kay Kyser

Thousands Cheer

1943
⭐ 6.3 Role: Kay Kyser

Stage Door Canteen

1943
⭐ 7.0 Role: Self

Show-Business at War

1943
⭐ 5.7 Role: Kay Kyser

My Favorite Spy

1942
⭐ 5.7 Role: Kay Kyser

Playmates

1941
⭐ 7.0 Role: Unknown

Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2

1941
⭐ 7.0 Role: Self

Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 1

1941