Kay Kyser
Birth Name:
James Kern Kyser
Birth Place:
Rocky Mount, North Carolina, United States
Profession
Soundtrack, Actor
Fast Facts
- Was part of a traveling military show during World War II, performing for U․S․ troops stationed overseas
- Graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Music in 1928
- Quote: "(On soldiers who thanked him for performing overseas): "That sense of what gratitude really is cured me of commercialism․ There I was in a dirty old jazz band, making more money than all of them․ I knew then I'd never play again for the money․""
- Best known as a bandleader and radio personality who hosted the series "Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge․"
- Introduced the sonic audio process called "sonovox," which allowed a singing electronic voice to be triggered by music which was used to make ad jingles for radio stations
- Starred in several films with his band, including "You'll Find Out," "That's Right You're Wrong," and "Playmates․"
- Had a number of catchphrases on "Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge," including "That's right - you're wrong" and "C'mon, chillun! Le's dance!"