Actor
Kay Kyser
June 18, 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.
Often works with
Harry Babbitt
4 titles together
My Favorite Spy, Swing Fever, That's Right – You're Wrong
M.A. Bogue
4 titles together
My Favorite Spy, Swing Fever, That's Right – You're Wrong
Sully Mason
4 titles together
My Favorite Spy, Swing Fever, That's Right – You're Wrong
Lucille Ball
3 titles together
Thousands Cheer, That's Right – You're Wrong, Showbiz Goes to War
Judy Garland
2 titles together
Thousands Cheer, If I Forget You
Lena Horne
2 titles together
Thousands Cheer, Swing Fever
Full filmography · 12
Showbiz Goes to War
as (archive footage)
1982
Around the World
as Kay Kyser
1943
Swing Fever
as Lowell Blackford
1943
Thousands Cheer
as Kay Kyser
19436.4
Stage Door Canteen
as Kay Kyser
19436.3
My Favorite Spy
as Kay Kyser
1942
Playmates
as Kay Kyser
1941
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2
cast
1941If I Forget You
as Orchestra
1940
Africa Squeaks
as Cake Icer (voice)
1940
That's Right – You're Wrong
as Kay Kyser
1939
Invisible Opponent
as Sir Thomas
1933