Watch Apple TV+ Movies
TV Shows and more
Try 7-Day Free
Home >

Kay Kyser

Kay Kyser

Birthday: 1905-06-18 | Place of Birth: 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.

...

Known For

Acting

Year
Title

Role

1944
Carolina Blues

as    Himself

1944
Swing Fever

as    Lowell Blackford

1944
G.I. Journal

as    Self

1943
1943
Around the World

as    Kay Kyser

1942
My Favorite Spy

as    Kay Kyser

1941
Playmates

as    Kay Kyser

1941
1940
Africa Squeaks

as    Cake Icer (voice)

1940
You'll Find Out

as    Himself

1939
That's Right – You're Wrong

as    Kay Kyser

1933
Invisible Opponent

as    Sir Thomas