Kay Kyser
Birthday: 1905-06-18
Place of Birth: Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA
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.
Movies
The Movie Orgy
Clips from assorted television programs, B-movies, commercials, music performances, newsreels, bloop...
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Africa Squeaks
Porky Pig goes on a safari in Africa, and runs into an assortment of crazy animals, wacky natives an...
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Around the World
Bandleader Kay Kyser takes his troupe of nutty musicians, goofball comics and pretty girl singers on...
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Thousands Cheer
Acrobat Eddie Marsh is in the army now. His first act is to become friendly with Kathryn Jones, the ...
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You'll Find Out
The manager of Kay Kyser’s band books them for a birthday party bash for an heiress at a spooky mans...
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Showbiz Goes to War
While a few Hollywood celebrities such as James Stewart and Clark Gable saw combat during World War ...
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My Favorite Spy
The Army takes a bandleader (Kay Kyser) away from his bride (Ellen Drew) and sends him on a spy miss...
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That's Right – You're Wrong
J. D. Forbes, head of the almost-bankrupt Four Star Studios in Hollywood contacts band leader Kay Ky...
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Carolina Blues
When he loses his lead singer, bandleader Kay Kyser can't find a replacement he likes....
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Playmates
Lulu Monahan, the press agent for John Barrymore, is attempting to get a sponsor for a radio program...
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Television: The First Fifty Years
Trace the history of television and its impact on American culture with clips, newsreels, and exclus...
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Stage Door Canteen
A young soldier on a pass in New York City visits the famed Stage Door Canteen, where famous stars o...
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Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 1
Hedda Hopper guides us through some of Hollywood's sights; the home of William S. Hart and a Kay Kys...
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Show-Business at War
A multi-studio effort to show the newsreel audience the progress of the Hollywood war effort....
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Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2
Hedda Hopper plays hostess at a party for her (grown) son William (DeWolfe Jr.). Hopper, attends the...
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Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3)
Seeing Hollywood, intimate glimpses of your favorite stars, at home, at work, and at play....
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G.I. Journal
We see them all here including male vocalist Harry Babbitt, comic Ish Kabibble and guest stars like ...
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