Kay Kyser
- Known For
- Acting
- Born
- June 18, 1905 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA
- Died
- July 23, 1985
- Active Years
- 1933–1999 (67 Years)
- Total Credits
- 21 credits in database
Biography
James Kern Kyser, born June 18, 1905, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, was an American bandleader, singer, and radio personality. Known professionally as Kay Kyser, he gained prominence during the 1930s and 1940s. He was widely recognized for his radio program, Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge, which featured a quiz show format combined with popular music. The show aired on Mutual Radio in 1938 before moving to NBC Radio from 1939 to 1949. Performing as The Ol’ Perfessor, Kyser utilized signature catch phrases and a musical style where singers announced song titles. Kyser, who had 21 known acting credits, died on July 23, 1985, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, at the age of 80.
Career overview
James Kern Kyser, known professionally as Kay Kyser, was an American bandleader, singer, and radio personality who rose to prominence during the 1930s and 1940s. Born on June 18, 1905, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Kyser became a well-known figure in the swing era. Throughout his career, he was recognized for his work as an entertainer and for leading his band as The Ol’ Perfessor. He was known for utilizing signature catchphrases such as Evenin’ folks, how y’all?, That’s right—you’re wrong, and C'mon, chillun! Le's dance!
Kyser is best remembered for his popular program, Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge, which blended a quiz show format with popular music. The show debuted on Mutual Radio in 1938 before moving to NBC Radio, where it aired from 1939 until 1949. His performance style included a technique where his singers would sing the song titles, a device that was later adopted by other bandleaders including Sammy Kaye and Blue Barron. Kyser, who had 21 known credits in his acting career, passed away on July 23, 1985, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
21 titles- Television: The First Fifty Years (1999) as Self (archive footage)
- Showbiz Goes to War (1982) as (archive footage)
- The Movie Orgy (1968) as Self (archive footage)
- The Mike Douglas Show (1961) as Self
- G.I. Journal (1944) as Self
- Carolina Blues (1944) as Himself
- Swing Fever (1943) as Lowell Blackford
- Thousands Cheer (1943) as Kay Kyser
- Show-Business at War (1943) as Self
- Stage Door Canteen (1943) as Kay Kyser
- Around the World (1943) as Kay Kyser
- Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3) (1943) as Himself
- My Favorite Spy (1942) as Kay Kyser
- Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2 (1941)
- Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 1 (1941) as Self
- Playmates (1941) as Kay Kyser
- You'll Find Out (1940) as Himself
- Africa Squeaks (1940) as Cake Icer (voice)
- If I Forget You (1940) as Orchestra
- That's Right – You're Wrong (1939) as Kay Kyser
- Invisible Opponent (1933) as Sir Thomas
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Kay Kyser best known for?
Kay Kyser is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including The Movie Orgy (1968), The Italian Job (1969), Swing Fever (1943), The 100 videos that made the whole world laugh (2018).
When and where was Kay Kyser born?
Kay Kyser was born on June 18, 1905 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA. They passed away on July 23, 1985.
How many credits does Kay Kyser have?
Kay Kyser has accumulated over 21 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1933 to 1999.
What is Kay Kyser's background in cinema and television?
James Kern Kyser, born June 18, 1905, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, was an American bandleader, singer, and radio personality. Known professionally as Kay Kyser, he gained prominence during the 1930s and 1940s. He was widely recognized for his radio program, Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge, which featured a ...
Kay Kyser by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The Movie Orgy (1968) as Self (archive footage) — aged about 63
- Swing Fever (1943) as Lowell Blackford — aged about 38
- The Mike Douglas Show (1961) as Self — aged about 56
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