Acting
Kay Kyser
EN, DE cinema · 20 credits
Born
18 June 1905
Died
23 July 1985 (aged 80)
Birthplace
Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA
Also known as James King Kern Kyser · The Ol' Perfessor · James Kern 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.
Known for
Filmography
Television: The First Fifty Years
1999
Television: The First Fifty Years
as Self (archive footage)
Showbiz Goes to War
as (archive footage)
The Movie Orgy
as Self (archive footage)
Carolina Blues
as Himself
Around the World
as Kay Kyser
Thousands Cheer
as Kay Kyser
Swing Fever
as Lowell Blackford
Stage Door Canteen
as Kay Kyser
Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3)
1943
Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3)
as Himself
My Favorite Spy
as Kay Kyser
Playmates
as Kay Kyser
Africa Squeaks
as Cake Icer (voice)
You'll Find Out
as Himself
If I Forget You
1940
If I Forget You
as Orchestra
That's Right – You're Wrong
as Kay Kyser
Invisible Opponent
as Sir Thomas