Kay Kyser
Actor
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
Thousands Cheer
as Kay Kyser 1943
Stage Door Canteen
as Kay Kyser 1943
The Movie Orgy
as Self (archive footage) 1968
My Favorite Spy
as Kay Kyser 1942
Playmates
as Kay Kyser 1941
Africa Squeaks
as Cake Icer (voice) 1940
That's Right – You're Wrong
as Kay Kyser 1939
Swing Fever
as Lowell Blackford 1943
Carolina Blues
as Himself 1944
Show-Business at War
as Self 1943
If I Forget You
as Orchestra 1940
Around the World
as Kay Kyser 1943
Showbiz Goes to War
as (archive footage) 1982
Unsichtbare Gegner
as Sir Thomas 1933
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2
1941
Television: The First Fifty Years
as Self (archive footage) 1999