Kay Kyser

Kay Kyser (June 18, 1905, Rocky Mount, North Carolina - July 24, 1985) was a famous bandleader and one of the first to become a radio celebrity.

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Kyser formed his first dance band in 1926 when he was studying at the University of North Carolina. He came up with an act that was part musical, quiz and singing. This was brought to radio in 1938 on NBC. The show was called "Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge" and was a great hit. He starred as "The Ol' Perfessor," with his catchphrase "Evenin' folks, how y'all?" "Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge" ran on radio until 1949. Kyser was also known for his use of "singing of song titles," which was copied by Sammy Kaye and Blue Barron. Kyser retired from show business in the early 1950s.

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On February 26, 1941, Kay Kyser was the first bandleader to perform in front of military personnel. He had 11 number 1 records in his lifetime.

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"Kay left a strong recording legacy in American popular music, including his 'Kollege Of Musical Knowledge'," said Harry Babbitt, who sang for Kay Kyser in the 1930s and 1940s. "I'm very fortunate and proud to have been an integral part of that band and that legacy. Kay was a businessman. We all liked him and liked what he stood for. He was first class. It's sad to say, but there are an awful lot of people who don't remember Kay Kyser."

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June 18: June 18 is the 169th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (170th in leap years), with 196 days remaining....

1905: 1905 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar)....

Rocky Mount, North Carolina: Rocky Mount is a city located in North Carolina. Although it was not formally incorporated until February 19, 1867, the North Carolina community that became the city of Rocky Mount dates from the beginning of the 19th century, and the first post office in the area opened in 1816. The city straddle...

Kay Kyser related Images and Photos (experimental)

Playmates Clockwise from Lower Left Kay Kyser Ginny Simms Lupe Velez John Barrymore 1941	Kay Kendall	Kay Kendall	Kay's Carnelian Earrings
Confession Kay Francis 1937	Mandalay Kay Francis Ricardo Cortez 1934	Kay Francis and Herbert Marshall: Haute Pègre 1932	Comedian Kay Thompson's Night Club Act at Ciro's
Another Dawn Kay Francis Errol Flynn 1937	Another Dawn Kay Francis Errol Flynn 1937	The Cocoanuts Kay Francis 1929	Madame Satan Kay Johnson on Window Card 1930