HARRY BABBITT (Jun 1931)

(June 1931)

“Handsome Harry Babbitt” was a Big Band singer who once voiced the laugh of Woody Woodpecker.  He sang with the Kay Kyser Band at the Waldorf-Astoria in New Yoirk City, the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago and the Hollywood Canteen.  Harry had such hits as “Three Little Fishies,” “I’d Like to Get You on a Slow Boat to China,” “Jingle, Jangle, Jingle,” “The White Cliffs of Dover,” “”Til Reveille” and “The Umbrella Man.” He also sang the Spike Jones holiday hit, “All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth,” (complete with a childish lisp) and “Frosty the Snowman.”

He was a regular on Kay Kyser’s radio program, Kay Kyser’s Kollege of Musical Knowledge and spent a decade performing on the weekly CBS radio program, “The Second Cup of Coffee Club.”  He also briefly hosted the musical TV show, “Glamour Girl.”  Harry appeared in seven movies that starred Kay Kyser, including “That’s Right – You’re Wrong,” “Thousands Cheer” and “Carolina Blues.”  He retired from show business in 1964 and spent twenty years working in real estate.

In 1985, Kay Kyser died and Harry obtained rights to the band’s name and its song library from his widow.  Harry then toured the country until the mid-1990’s.  At RHS, Harry belonged to the Glee Club, was treasurer of the band, Novelty Orchestra, Literary Society, Sixes Button Committee, Rough Rider Staff, Band and Aquatic Club.

DOB: Nov 02, 1913 St. Louis, MO DOD: Apr 09, 2004 Aliso Vejo, CA Age 90