Skip to main content
Kay Kyser

Kay Kyser

Actor · 1905 – 1985 · 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.

Movies18

  • Movie6.8

    The Movie Orgy

    1968 · 19 votes

  • Movie6.4

    Thousands Cheer

    1943 · 21 votes

  • Movie6.0

    Swing Fever

    1943 · 4 votes

  • Movie6.3

    Stage Door Canteen

    1943 · 20 votes

  • Movie7.0

    Show-Business at War

    1943 · 4 votes

  • Movie5.8

    Africa Squeaks

    1940 · 5 votes

  • Movie10.0

    Showbiz Goes to War

    1982 · 1 votes

  • Movie5.6

    You'll Find Out

    1940 · 27 votes

  • Movie6.8

    Around the World

    1943 · 4 votes

  • Movie7.0
  • Movie6.3
  • Movie5.8

    Carolina Blues

    1944 · 4 votes

  • Movie5.7

    My Favorite Spy

    1942 · 6 votes

  • Movie6.5

    Unsichtbare Gegner

    Invisible Opponent

    1933 · 2 votes

  • Movie7.0
  • Movie6.3

    If I Forget You

    1940 · 4 votes

  • Movie
  • Movie5.7

    Playmates

    1941 · 6 votes

Series1

  • TV5.8

    The Mike Douglas Show

    1961 · 11 votes