Actor

Kay Kyser

Acting

Career Snapshot

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Acting credits

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Consistent number of acting credits.

TMDB popularity

0.5

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Movies: 16Series: 1

TMDB ID: 1024198

IMDb ID: nm0477517

Known for: Acting

Born: June 18, 1905

Died: July 23, 1985

Age: 80

Place of birth: Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA

Gender: Male

Adult content flag: No

Career span: 1933 - 1982

Years active: 50

Average TMDB rating: 5.93

Wikidata: Q1284551

Also known as

James King Kern Kyser • The Ol' Perfessor • James Kern Kyser

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Biography

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.