6.4
Movie
Acting
Kay Kyser
- Born
- Died
- (aged 80)
- Birthplace
- Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA
- Credits
- 21 titles
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.
Signature work
Known For
Acting credits 21
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Television: The First Fifty Years Film | Self (archive footage) |
| 1982 | Showbiz Goes to War Film | (archive footage) |
| 1968 | The Movie Orgy Film | Self (archive footage) |
| 1961 | The Mike Douglas Show TV | Self (1 ep) |
| 1944 | Carolina Blues Film | Himself |
| 1944 | G.I. Journal Film | Self |
| 1943 | Around the World Film | Kay Kyser |
| 1943 | Swing Fever Film | Lowell Blackford |
| 1943 | Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3) Film | Himself |
| 1943 | Thousands Cheer Film | Kay Kyser |
| 1943 | Stage Door Canteen Film | Kay Kyser |
| 1943 | Show-Business at War Film | Self |
| 1942 | My Favorite Spy Film | Kay Kyser |
| 1941 | Playmates Film | Kay Kyser |
| 1941 | Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2 Film | |
| 1941 | Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 1 Film | Self |
| 1940 | You'll Find Out Film | Himself |
| 1940 | If I Forget You Film | Orchestra |
| 1940 | Africa Squeaks Film | Cake Icer (voice) |
| 1939 | That's Right – You're Wrong Film | Kay Kyser |
| 1933 | Invisible Opponent Film | Sir Thomas |