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.

Filmography

• 1982Showbiz Goes to War — (archive footage)
• 1943Around the World — Kay Kyser
• 1943Stage Door Canteen — Kay Kyser
• 1943Swing Fever — Lowell Blackford
• 1943Thousands Cheer — Kay Kyser
• 1942My Favorite Spy — Kay Kyser
• 1941Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2
• 1941Playmates — Kay Kyser
• 1940Africa Squeaks — Cake Icer (voice)
• 1940If I Forget You — Orchestra
• 1939That's Right – You're Wrong — Kay Kyser
• 1933Invisible Opponent — Sir Thomas

Appearances as themselves (9)

• 1999Television: The First Fifty Years — Self (archive footage)
• 1968The Movie Orgy — Self (archive footage)
• The Mike Douglas Show — Self
• 1944Carolina Blues — Himself
• 1944G.I. Journal — Self
• 1943Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3) — Himself
• 1943Show-Business at War — Self
• 1941Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 1 — Self
• 1940You'll Find Out — Himself