Kay Kyser (June 18, 1905 – July 23, 1985), was an American bandleader and radio personality of the 1930s and 1940s.
Unlike most other big bands of the era, which centered on 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 (a.k.a. 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".
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Listen to Kay Kyser on Swing City Radio. We are a Big Band Radio Station playing a wide selection of Big Band and Swing music.
Swing City Radio plays Kay Kyser - Listen to our station and hear the songs:
Pushin’ Sand
Teresa
The White Cliffs Of Dover
A Zoot Suit (For My Sunday Gal)
On A Slow Boat To China
Ole Buttermilk Sky
Music, Maestro, Please!
Pass That Peace Pipe
Friendship
Who Wouldn’t Love You
He Wears A Pair Of Silver Wings
Let’s Get Lost
Playmates
Ferry-Boat Serenade
