Army & Navy - Nonessential Band Leader

The draft board of Rocky Mount, N.C. (pop. 14,919) last week had apparently succeeded in drafting the town's No. 1 citizen, Band Leader Kay Kyser ("the old Professor of Musical Knowledge").

Kay Kyser, aged 37¾, had never appealed for deferment. But Elmer Davis' OWI had. Reason: Kyser and his band outperform all other entertainers of the troops (1,100 appearances in 300 camps). In addition, he has sold $95 millions of war bonds.

In spite of this showing, the Presidential Appeal Board last week backed Rocky Mount's draft board in its effort to put a uniform on Kay Kyser. Drawled the Professor...

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