Actor
Kay Kyser
Born 1905 · 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.
Acting
Showbiz Goes to War
(archive footage) · 1982
Thousands Cheer
Kay Kyser · 1943
The Movie Orgy
Self (archive footage) · 1968
Stage Door Canteen
Kay Kyser · 1943
You'll Find Out
Himself · 1940
Show-Business at War
Self · 1943
The Mike Douglas Show
Self · 1961
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 1
Self · 1941
That's Right – You're Wrong
Kay Kyser · 1939
If I Forget You
Orchestra · 1940
Around the World
Kay Kyser · 1943
Invisible Opponent
Sir Thomas · 1933
Swing Fever
Lowell Blackford · 1943
My Favorite Spy
Kay Kyser · 1942
Playmates
Kay Kyser · 1941
Africa Squeaks
Cake Icer (voice) · 1940
Carolina Blues
Himself · 1944
Television: The First Fifty Years
Self (archive footage) · 1999
G.I. Journal
Self · 1944
Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3)
Himself · 1943