Kay Kyser

Birthday: 1905-06-18
Deathday: 1985-07-23
Birthplace: Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA
Gender: Male
Owned By: Unowned

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.

Credits

Year Title Character
1943-11-27 Around the World Kay Kyser
1943-11-01 Swing Fever Lowell Blackford
1943-09-13 Thousands Cheer Kay Kyser
1943-06-24 Stage Door Canteen Kay Kyser
1942-06-12 My Favorite Spy Kay Kyser
1941-12-26 Playmates Kay Kyser
1941-12-05 Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2
1940-05-01 If I Forget You Orchestra
1940-01-26 Africa Squeaks Cake Icer (voice)
1939-11-24 That's Right – You're Wrong Kay Kyser
1933-09-26 Unsichtbare Gegner Sir Thomas