Famous Like Me > Actor > K > Kay Kyser
Profile of Kay Kyser
on Famous Like Me |
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| Name: |
Kay Kyser |
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| Date of Birth: |
18th June 1897 |
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| Place of Birth: |
Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA |
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| Profession: |
Actor |
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From Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia
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.
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.
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.
"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 [real] 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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