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.

Movies & TV Shows

1. You'll Find Out (1940) — Himself
2. Thousands Cheer (1943) — Kay Kyser
3. Stage Door Canteen (1943) — Kay Kyser
4. The Movie Orgy (1968) — Self (archive footage)
5. The Mike Douglas Show (1961) — Self
6. My Favorite Spy (1942) — Kay Kyser
7. Playmates (1941) — Kay Kyser
8. Africa Squeaks (1940) — Cake Icer (voice)
9. That's Right – You're Wrong (1939) — Kay Kyser
10. Swing Fever (1943) — Lowell Blackford
11. Carolina Blues (1944) — Himself
12. Show-Business at War (1943) — Self
13. If I Forget You (1940) — Orchestra
14. Around the World (1943) — Kay Kyser
15. Invisible Opponent (1933) — Sir Thomas
16. Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2 (1941)
17. Showbiz Goes to War (1982) — (archive footage)
18. Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 1 (1941) — Self
19. Television: The First Fifty Years (1999) — Self (archive footage)
20. Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3) (1943) — Himself
21. G.I. Journal (1944) — Self