Kay Kyser
Known for
Acting
Born
June 18, 1905
Birthplace
Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA
Died
July 23, 1985 (aged 80)
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...
Best known work
You'll Find Out
1940
Thousands Cheer
1943
Stage Door Canteen
1943
The Movie Orgy
1968
The Mike Douglas Show
1961
My Favorite Spy
1942
Playmates
1941
Africa Squeaks
1940
Around the World
1943
That's Right – You're Wrong
1939Filmography
1999
Television: The First Fifty Yearsas Self (archive footage)
1982
Showbiz Goes to Waras (archive footage)
1968
The Movie Orgyas Self (archive footage)
1961
1944
Carolina Bluesas Himself
1944
G.I. Journalas Self
1943
Around the Worldas Kay Kyser
1943
Swing Feveras Lowell Blackford
1943
Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3)as Himself
1943
Thousands Cheeras Kay Kyser
1943
Stage Door Canteenas Kay Kyser
1943
Show-Business at Waras Self
1942
My Favorite Spyas Kay Kyser
1941
Playmatesas Kay Kyser
1941
1941
1940
You'll Find Outas Himself
1940
If I Forget Youas Orchestra
1940
Africa Squeaksas Cake Icer (voice)
1939
That's Right – You're Wrongas Kay Kyser
1933
Invisible Opponentas Sir Thomas