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.

Filmography

All 21Movies 20TV 1

🎬

Television: The First Fifty Years

Self (archive footage)

Showbiz Goes to War

(archive footage)

The Movie Orgy

Self (archive footage)

The Mike Douglas Show

Self

Carolina Blues

Himself

G.I. Journal

Self

Around the World

Kay Kyser

Swing Fever

Lowell Blackford

🎬

Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3)

Himself

Thousands Cheer

Kay Kyser

Stage Door Canteen

Kay Kyser

Show-Business at War

Self

My Favorite Spy

Kay Kyser

Playmates

Kay Kyser

Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2

1941

Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 1

Self

You'll Find Out

Himself

🎬

If I Forget You

Orchestra

Africa Squeaks

Cake Icer (voice)

That's Right – You're Wrong

Kay Kyser

Invisible Opponent

Sir Thomas