Kay Kyser

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.