Ish Kabibble Mixed Music, Comedy

JOSHUA TREE, Calif. - Ish Kabibble, whose goofy humor enlivened Kay Kyser's orchestra for two decades during the big-band era, has died at 86.

Ish Kabibble, whose real name was Merwyn Bogue, died of respiratory failure Sunday after suffering from pulmonary disease and emphysema.

Mr. Bogue joined Kyser's band in 1931. He took his stage name from one of his silly songs, combed his hair over his forehead and was introduced as "the guy with the low-cut bangs and the high-kicking cornet."

In 1949-50, Mr. Bogue was on "Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge" a TV show in which Kyser wore a cap and gown and Ish Kabibble played dumb. As a private in World War II, Mr. Bogue entertained wounded troops in the South Pacific, wisecracking that water is merely ice standing at ease, and that wind comes in different sizes - breezes, cyclones and top sergeants.

After leaving Kyser's band in 1951, he lived for a time in Hawaii, then settled in the Palm Springs, Calif., area, where he worked in real estate.

He is survived by his wife, Janet, three children and eight grandchildren.

Services will be private.