Kay Kyser
James King Kern Kyser | The Ol' Perfessor | James Kern Kyser
Acting
Date of birth:Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA
Gender:Male
Popularity:0
Date of death1985-07-23
80James 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
Rating by year
- Television: The First Fifty YearsSelf (archive footage)1999-01-010.00
- Showbiz Goes to War(archive footage)1982-12-3110.01
- The Movie OrgySelf (archive footage)1968-01-016.617
- Carolina BluesHimself1944-12-205.84
- G.I. JournalSelf1944-11-030.00
- Around the WorldKay Kyser1943-11-276.33
- Swing FeverLowell Blackford1943-11-016.04
- Thousands CheerKay Kyser1943-09-136.421
- Stage Door CanteenKay Kyser1943-06-246.319
- Show-Business at WarSelf1943-05-217.04
- My Favorite SpyKay Kyser1942-06-125.76
- PlaymatesKay Kyser1941-12-265.76
- Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 21941-12-057.02
- Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 1Self1941-10-027.01
- You'll Find OutHimself1940-11-225.627
- If I Forget YouOrchestra1940-05-016.34
- Africa SqueaksCake Icer (voice)1940-01-265.85
- That's Right – You're WrongKay Kyser1939-11-246.34
- Invisible OpponentSir Thomas1933-09-186.52