12. Kay Kyser, 1905-1985

Photograph of Kyser and his gravestone

Born James Kern Kyser in Rocky Mount, NC, Kay took his middle initial as a stage name when, as a cheerleader and producer of student plays, he was chosen to replace UNC bandleader Hal Kemp in 1926. After graduating, Kyser took his band on the road, but encountered tough times until he landed a steady gig at the Blackhawk Club in Chicago . He eventually hit it big with his show “Kay Kyser’s Kollege of Musical Knowledge,” which was formatted as a music quiz with songs and comedy. The show parked in the top ten for eleven years on NBC. From the “kollege” theme, Kyser obtained the nickname “Ol’ Professor”.

From the late 30s to early 40s, Kyser’s band, which included notable names such as “Handsome” Harry Babbitt, Sully Mason, Ginny Simms, Ish Kabibble and arranger/composer George Duning, scored eleven number one records and 35 top tens. Kyser himself earned a reputation as a zany, over-the-top performer, and even starred in seven feature films with luminaries such as Lucille Ball, John Barrymore, Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, and Peter Lorre.

Kyser disappeared from public life in 1950, and returned to North Carolina to lead a quiet life with his wife and three daughters. He focused on philanthropic deeds, fundraising for the NC Good Health campaign and helping to bring educational public television to the state. He eventually became a teacher and lecturer, and was quite active in the Christian Science church. In fact, Kyser was named the President of the Worldwide Church of Christian Science in 1983, two years before he died of heart failure.