James V. Kern (September 22, 1909 – November 9, 1966) was a multifaceted talent in American entertainment, known for his roles as a singer, songwriter, screenwriter, actor, and director. Born in New York City, Kern pursued a legal education at Fordham Law School but soon transitioned into the world of music. He gained early recognition as a vocalist with the George Olsen Trio and contributed to the Olsen orchestra in the musical production "Good News."
From 1927 to 1939, Kern was a prominent member of the Yacht Club Boys quartet, not only performing but also penning songs for the group, which featured in various films of the era. His career expanded into screenwriting and directing, where he primarily focused on "B" movies before making a significant impact in television. In the 1950s, he served as a house director for the iconic series "I Love Lucy," and later directed the beloved family show "My Three Sons" for a considerable part of its run in the 1960s.
Tragically, Kern passed away from a heart attack at the age of 57, leaving several episodes of "My Three Sons" unfinished. In 1955, he became a member of ASCAP and crafted popular songs like "Easy Street," "Lover, Lover," "Little Red Fox," and "Shut the Door," further solidifying his legacy in the entertainment industry.
