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Kay Kyser

Jun 18, 1905 - Jul 23, 1985 (80 years old) in 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

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If I Forget You
Orchestra
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Thousands Cheer
Kay Kyser
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Swing Fever
Lowell Blackford
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You'll Find Out
Himself
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Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3)
Himself
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Around the World
Kay Kyser
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G.I. Journal
Self
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Playmates
Kay Kyser
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Unsichtbare Gegner
Sir Thomas
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The Movie Orgy
Self (archive footage)

Credits

Images

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