James Kern Kyser (June 18, 1905 – July 23, 1985), known professionally as Kay Kyser, was an American bandleader and radio personality active during the 1930s and 1940s. He was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to Emily Royster Kyser (née Howell) and Paul Bynum Kyser, both pharmacists. His mother was noted as the first registered female pharmacist in North Carolina. He was one of six children and was a cousin of journalist and newspaper editor Vermont C. Royster. Kyser graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1928 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. During his time there, he served as senior class president and was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. Known for his popularity and enthusiasm as a cheerleader, he was asked by bandleader Hal Kemp to take over his ensemble when Kemp left to pursue a career in the North. Although Kyser began taking clarinet lessons, he proved more effective as an announcer and entertainer than as a musician. He incorporated the initial of his middle name into his stage name for its alliterative appeal. <a href="https://www.last.fm/music/Kay+Kyser">Read more on Last.fm</a>. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.