Kay Kyser

Acting

20Total Films

10.0 Highest Rated

Born: Jun 18, 1905

Birth Place: Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA

About Kay Kyser

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.

Best Kay Kyser Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Kay Kyser's career based on audience ratings.

★10.0

★10.0

Showbiz Goes to War — While a few Hollywood celebrities such as James Stewart and Clark Gable saw combat during World War II, the majority use

Showbiz Goes to War

1982•Documentary

★7.0

Show-Business at War (1943) movie poster

★7.0

Show-Business at War — A multi-studio effort to show the newsreel audience the progress of the Hollywood war effort.

Show-Business at War

1943•Documentary

★6.4

★6.4

Thousands Cheer — Acrobat Eddie Marsh is in the army now. His first act is to become friendly with Kathryn Jones, the colonel's pretty dau

Thousands Cheer

1943•Music

★6.3

★6.3

The Movie Orgy — Clips from assorted television programs, B-movies, commercials, music performances, newsreels, bloopers, satirical short

The Movie Orgy

1968•Comedy

★6.1

★6.1

Stage Door Canteen — A young soldier on a pass in New York City visits the famed Stage Door Canteen, where famous stars of theatre and film a

Stage Door Canteen

1943•Comedy

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Kay Kyser.

Year	Movie	Character	Success	More
1999	Television: The First Fifty Years	Self (archive footage)	Flop	Similar →
1982	Showbiz Goes to War	(archive footage)	Super Hit	Similar →
1968	The Movie Orgy	Self (archive footage)	Average	Similar →
1944	Carolina Blues	Himself	Flop	Similar →
1944	G.I. Journal	Self	Flop	Similar →
1943	Around the World	Kay Kyser	Flop	Similar →
1943	Swing Fever	Lowell Blackford	Flop	Similar →
1943	Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3)	Himself	Flop	Similar →
1943	Thousands Cheer	Kay Kyser	Average	Similar →
1943	Stage Door Canteen	Kay Kyser	Average	Similar →
1943	Show-Business at War	Self	Hit	Similar →
1942	My Favorite Spy	Kay Kyser	Flop	Similar →
1941	Playmates	Kay Kyser	Flop	Similar →
1941	Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2	-	Average	Similar →
1941	Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 1	Self	Flop	Similar →
1940	You'll Find Out	Himself	Average	Similar →
1940	If I Forget You	Orchestra	Flop	Similar →
1940	Africa Squeaks	Cake Icer (voice)	Flop	Similar →
1939	That's Right – You're Wrong	Kay Kyser	Average	Similar →
1933	Unsichtbare Gegner	Sir Thomas	Average	Similar →

Kay Kyser - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Kay Kyser?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Kay Kyser is "Showbiz Goes to War" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Kay Kyser acted in?

Kay Kyser has been featured in at least 20 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Kay Kyser?

Other notable films include "Show-Business at War", "Thousands Cheer", and "The Movie Orgy".