Ish Kabibble: The Autobiography of Merwyn Bogue

This is the light-hearted tale of the trumpet player/stand-up comic known in the '30s as ``the guy with the low-cut bangs and the high-kicking cornet.'' Bogue, now in his 80s, learned to play the cornet as a child and later left college to join the Kay Kyser Band. His nickname, ``Ish Kabbible,'' came from the nonsense song that he clowned around with during his early days with the band. The name stuck, and soon he took on the role of comedian as well as musician. He describes his 20 years with Kyser, his adventures as an entertainer in the armed forces during World War II, his ventures into the movies, his years as an independent entertainer and his eventual switch from show business to real estate. Bogue, who wrote this unpretentious autobiography with his sister, tells of a life full of high jinks and fun. The book will appeal to those who are nostalgic for the Big Band Era. Photos not seen by PW. (May)