Kay Kyser
Acting
Born June 18, 1905 · Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA
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.
Films (20)
Television: The First Fifty Years
1999
Showbiz Goes to War
1982
The Movie Orgy
1968
Carolina Blues
1944
G.I. Journal
1944
Around the World
1943
Swing Fever
1943
Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3)
1943
Thousands Cheer
1943
Stage Door Canteen
1943
Show-Business at War
1943
My Favorite Spy
1942
Playmates
1941
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2
1941
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 1
1941
You'll Find Out
1940
If I Forget You
1940
Africa Squeaks
1940
That's Right – You're Wrong
1939
Unsichtbare Gegner
1933