Kay Kyser - Big Band Era

Big Band Era

Although Kyser and his orchestra gained fame through the "Kollege of Musical Knowledge," they were an excellent band in their own right. They had 11 number one records, including some of the most popular songs of the late 1930s and early 1940s.

Unlike most other big bands of the era, which centered around only the bandleader, individual members of Kyser’s band became stars in their own right and would often receive the spotlight. Some of the more popular members included vocalist Harry Babbitt, cornetist Merwyn Bogue (aka Ish Kabibble), trombonist Bruce King, saxophonist Jack Martin (who sang lead vocal on the number one hit, "Strip Polka"), Ginny Simms (who had her own successful acting and singing career after leaving Kyser’s band), Sully Mason, Mike Douglas (years before he became a popular TV talk show host) and Georgia Carroll. Carroll, a blond fashion model and actress whose best-known role was Betsy Ross in Yankee Doodle Dandy, was dubbed “Gorgeous Georgia Carroll” when she joined the group in 1943. Within a year, she and Kyser married.

Kyser was also known for singing song titles, a device copied by Sammy Kaye and Blue Barron. When the song began, one of the band's lead singers (usually Babbitt) sang the title phrase, and then the first verse or two of the song was performed instrumentally before the lyrics resumed. Several of his recordings spawned catch phrases, such as “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition.” His group also had a major hit with the novelty tune, “Three Little Fishes.”

“Kay left a strong recording legacy in American popular music, including his 'Kollege of Musical Knowledge,' " said Babbitt. “I’m very fortunate and proud to have been an integral part of that band and that legacy." Some of the band members, including Babbitt and Kabibble, noted that Kyser was difficult to know personally. "Kay was a businessman," explained Babbitt. "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.”

On February 26, 1941, Kay Kyser was the first bandleader to perform in front of military personnel.

During the Swing Era, Kyser, Hal Kemp and Tal Henry often performed in or near New York City, making possible a reunion of North Carolina musicians. Later, after retirement, Kyser and Henry got together to share music world memories.