Ish Kabibble
RETURN TO INDEX
Born Name:
Merwyn Bogue
Born Date: January 19, 1908
Born Place: North East, Pennsylvania
Died Date: June 5, 1994
Died Place: Palm Springs, California
Occupations: Comedian, cornet player
Brief Biography: Ish Kabibble was famous for his role as the dimwitted, bang-haired sidekick to bandleader Kay Kyser on "Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge". He was a household name in the 1940s, appearing in films and radio, before transitioning to a successful real estate career in the 1960s.
Early Life and Career:
Born in North East Township, Pennsylvania, to a family that moved to Erie shortly after his birth.
Musical Beginnings: He began playing the cornet at age 12 and was playing in dance bands before graduating high school.
Education: Studied law for three years at West Virginia University before pursuing music full-time.
Show Business Success:
Kay Kyser Band: Joined Kyser's big band in 1931, where he was a musician and later the manager.
The Persona: He adopted the persona of "Ish Kabibble"—a name derived from a 1913 Yiddish-slang song meaning "I should worry"—around 1935, featuring a distinct, uneven bowl cut and a comedic, slow-witted act.
Film & TV: Appeared in ten films between 1939 and 1950, including That's Right You're Wrong (1939) and Thousands Cheer (1943). He was a staple on Kyser's radio and TV quiz show, Kollege of Musical Knowledge.
Born Date: January 19, 1908
Born Place: North East, Pennsylvania
Died Date: June 5, 1994
Died Place: Palm Springs, California
Occupations: Comedian, cornet player
Brief Biography: Ish Kabibble was famous for his role as the dimwitted, bang-haired sidekick to bandleader Kay Kyser on "Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge". He was a household name in the 1940s, appearing in films and radio, before transitioning to a successful real estate career in the 1960s.
Early Life and Career:
Born in North East Township, Pennsylvania, to a family that moved to Erie shortly after his birth.
Musical Beginnings: He began playing the cornet at age 12 and was playing in dance bands before graduating high school.
Education: Studied law for three years at West Virginia University before pursuing music full-time.
Show Business Success:
Kay Kyser Band: Joined Kyser's big band in 1931, where he was a musician and later the manager.
The Persona: He adopted the persona of "Ish Kabibble"—a name derived from a 1913 Yiddish-slang song meaning "I should worry"—around 1935, featuring a distinct, uneven bowl cut and a comedic, slow-witted act.
Film & TV: Appeared in ten films between 1939 and 1950, including That's Right You're Wrong (1939) and Thousands Cheer (1943). He was a staple on Kyser's radio and TV quiz show, Kollege of Musical Knowledge.