Kay Kyser
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.
Credits
Newest first- Television: The First Fifty Yearsas Self (archive footage)1999
Showbiz Goes to Waras (archive footage)1982
The Movie Orgyas Self (archive footage)1968
The Mike Douglas Showas Self1961
Carolina Bluesas Himself1944- G.I. Journalas Self1944
Around the Worldas Kay Kyser1943
Swing Feveras Lowell Blackford1943- Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3)as Himself1943
Thousands Cheeras Kay Kyser1943
Stage Door Canteenas Kay Kyser1943
Show-Business at Waras Self1943
My Favorite Spyas Kay Kyser1942
Playmatesas Kay Kyser1941
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 21941
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 1as Self1941
You'll Find Outas Himself1940- If I Forget Youas Orchestra1940
Africa Squeaksas Cake Icer (voice)1940
That's Right – You're Wrongas Kay Kyser1939
Invisible Opponentas Sir Thomas1933