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.
| Known For | Acting |
|---|---|
| Most Rating | 0.6441 |
| Birthday | 1905-06-18 |
| Place of Birth | Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA |
| Also Known As | James King Kern Kyser, The Ol' Perfessor, James Kern Kyser, |
1968
The Movie Orgy
6.842/19
Clips from assorted television programs, B-movies, commercials, music performances, newsreels, bloopers, satirical short films and promotional and gov...
Watch Now
The Movie Orgy
1940
Africa Squeaks
5.8/5
Porky Pig goes on a safari in Africa, and runs into an assortment of crazy animals, wacky natives and Kay Kyser giving dance lessons in the middle of...
Watch Now
Africa Squeaks
1943
Around the World
6.333/3
Bandleader Kay Kyser takes his troupe of nutty musicians, goofball comics and pretty girl singers on a tour around the world to entertain the troops d...
Watch Now
Around the World
1943
Thousands Cheer
6.4/21
Acrobat Eddie Marsh is in the army now. His first act is to become friendly with Kathryn Jones, the colonel's pretty daughter. Their romance hits a fe...
Watch Now
Thousands Cheer
1940
You'll Find Out
5.6/27
The manager of Kay Kyser’s band books them for a birthday party bash for an heiress at a spooky mansion, where sinister forces try to kill her.
Watch Now
You'll Find Out
1982
Showbiz Goes to War
10/1
While a few Hollywood celebrities such as James Stewart and Clark Gable saw combat during World War II, the majority used their talents to rally the A...
Watch Now
Showbiz Goes to War
1933
Invisible Opponent
6.5/2
On a steamer bound for Europe two competing European investors try to get hold of a contract for exploiting oil wells in Brazil. Several agents clever...
Watch Now
Invisible Opponent
1942
My Favorite Spy
5.667/6
The Army takes a bandleader (Kay Kyser) away from his bride (Ellen Drew) and sends him on a spy mission with a woman (Jane Wyman).
Watch Now
My Favorite Spy
1939
That's Right – You're Wrong
6.25/4
J. D. Forbes, head of the almost-bankrupt Four Star Studios in Hollywood contacts band leader Kay Kyser, who puts on a radio and-live theatre program...
Watch Now
That's Right – You're Wrong
1943
Swing Fever
6/4
Comedy about a bandleader with hypnotic powers.
Watch Now
Swing Fever
1944
Carolina Blues
5.75/4
When he loses his lead singer, bandleader Kay Kyser can't find a replacement he likes.
Watch Now
Carolina Blues
1941
Playmates
5.667/6
Lulu Monahan, the press agent for John Barrymore, is attempting to get a sponsor for a radio program. To that end, she and the agent for bandleader Ka...
Watch Now
Playmates
1999
Television: The First Fifty Years
0/0
Trace the history of television and its impact on American culture with clips, newsreels, and exclusive interviews from television greats like Walter...
Watch Now
Television: The First Fifty Years
1943
Stage Door Canteen
6.275/20
A young soldier on a pass in New York City visits the famed Stage Door Canteen, where famous stars of theatre and film appear and host a recreational...
Watch Now
Stage Door Canteen
1941
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 1
7/1
Hedda Hopper guides us through some of Hollywood's sights; the home of William S. Hart and a Kay Kyser recording-session being among them.
Watch Now
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 1
1943
Show-Business at War
7/4
A multi-studio effort to show the newsreel audience the progress of the Hollywood war effort.
Watch Now
Show-Business at War
1940
If I Forget You
6.25/4
Judy Garland sings the title song, a tribute to Will Rogers.
Watch Now
If I Forget You
1941
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2
7/2
Hedda Hopper plays hostess at a party for her (grown) son William (DeWolfe Jr.). Hopper, attends the dedication of the Motion Picture Relief Fund's co...
Watch Now
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2
1943
Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3)
0/0
Seeing Hollywood, intimate glimpses of your favorite stars, at home, at work, and at play.
Watch Now
Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3)
1944
G.I. Journal
0/0
We see them all here including male vocalist Harry Babbitt, comic Ish Kabibble and guest stars like Jerry Colonna, Mel Blanc, Lucille Ball and Linda D...
Watch Now