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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
Movies and shows, newest first
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1999
Television: The First Fifty Years
Movie Self (archive footage)
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1982
Showbiz Goes to War
Movie (archive footage)
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1968
The Movie Orgy
Movie Self (archive footage)
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1961
The Mike Douglas Show
TV show Self
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1944
Carolina Blues
Movie Himself
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1944
G.I. Journal
Movie Self
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1943
Around the World
Movie Kay Kyser
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1943
Swing Fever
Movie Lowell Blackford
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1943
Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3)
Movie Himself
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1943
Thousands Cheer
Movie Kay Kyser
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1943
Stage Door Canteen
Movie Kay Kyser
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1943
Show-Business at War
Movie Self
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1942
My Favorite Spy
Movie Kay Kyser
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1941
Playmates
Movie Kay Kyser
- 1941
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1941
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 1
Movie Self
More credits
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1940
You'll Find Out
Movie Himself
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1940
If I Forget You
Movie Orchestra
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1940
Africa Squeaks
Movie Cake Icer (voice)
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1939
That's Right – You're Wrong
Movie Kay Kyser
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1933
Invisible Opponent
Movie Sir Thomas