Perry Como

Perry Como
NBC Television · Public domain · source
Name	Perry Como
Caption	Perry Como in 1956
Birth name	Pierino Ronald Como
Birth date	May 18, 1912
Birth place	Canonsburg, Pennsylvania
Death date	May 12, 2001
Death place	Jupiter, Florida
Occupation	Singer, actor, television host
Genre	Traditional pop, vocal jazz
Instrument	Vocals

Perry Como was a renowned American singer and television personality, known for his smooth and soothing voice, as well as his charismatic stage presence, which earned him the nickname "Mr. C." Born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, Como began his career in the 1930s, performing with Freddie Carlone and his orchestra, and later with the Ted Weems orchestra. He gained popularity with his unique vocal style, which was influenced by Bing Crosby and Russ Columbo. Como's music career spanned over six decades, during which he worked with notable musicians, including The Andrews Sisters and Jo Stafford.

Early Life and Career

Perry Como was born to Italian-American parents, Pietro Como and Lucia Travaglini, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. He developed an interest in music at a young age, listening to Enrico Caruso and Beniamino Gigli. Como began his career as a barber, but soon started singing with local bands, including Freddie Carlone's orchestra. He later joined the Ted Weems orchestra, with whom he recorded his first single, Deep Purple, in 1939. Como's early career was also influenced by Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians orchestra.

Music Career

Perry Como's music career took off in the 1940s, with hits like I'll Be Seeing You and If I Loved You. He signed with RCA Victor in 1943 and released his first solo album, Perry Como Sings, in 1946. Como's unique vocal style, which blended traditional pop and vocal jazz, earned him a large following, and he became one of the best-selling artists of the 1940s and 1950s, alongside Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. He worked with notable musicians, including The Fontane Sisters and Eddie Fisher, and appeared on various radio shows, such as The Jack Benny Program and The Ed Wynn Show.

Television and Radio Appearances

Perry Como's charismatic stage presence made him a natural for television, and he began hosting his own show, The Perry Como Show, in 1948. The show, which featured The Ray Charles Singers and The Fontane Sisters, ran for over a decade and earned Como multiple Emmy Awards. Como also appeared on other popular television shows, including The Ed Sullivan Show and What's My Line?, alongside John Charles Daly and Arlene Francis. He worked with notable television personalities, such as Bob Hope and Red Skelton, and performed at various events, including the Inauguration of Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Awards and Legacy

Perry Como's contributions to music and television earned him numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards and Emmy Awards. He was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 and received a Peabody Award in 1956. Como's legacy extends beyond his own music, as he influenced a generation of singers, including Andy Williams and Tony Bennett. He was also a popular performer at various events, including the Inauguration of John F. Kennedy and the Royal Variety Performance.

Personal Life

Perry Como was married to Roselle Belline from 1933 until her death in 1998. The couple had three children, Ronaldo Como, David Como, and Terri Como. Como was known for his charitable work, particularly with the March of Dimes and the American Cancer Society. He was also a close friend of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, and often performed with them at various events, including the Friars Club and the Hollywood Bowl. Como passed away on May 12, 2001, at the age of 88, in Jupiter, Florida, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most popular and influential entertainers of the 20th century, alongside Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. Category:American singers