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Perry Como

Perry Como (May 18, 1912 – May 12, 2001) was an American singer, actor, and television personality renowned for his smooth voice, relaxed crooning style, and enduring appeal as a family entertainer during the mid-20th century. Born Pierino Ronald Como as the seventh of thirteen children to immigrant parents Pietro and Lucia in , he began his working life as a at age 14, building a successful business that earned him $125 per week by his early twenties. In 1933, he married Roselle Belline, with whom he remained for over 60 years until her death in 1998, and they raised three children: Ronnie, , and Terri. Como transitioned to music after singing at local events while barbering; he joined Freddy Carlone's band in 1933 for $28 weekly, and later ' orchestra in 1937 for $50 weekly. While with Weems, he made his radio debut and recorded his first sides with in 1936. His breakthrough came after signing with RCA Victor in 1943, yielding his first hit "Goodbye, Sue" in 1943 and the million-selling "Till the End of Time" in 1945, which contributed to selling four million records in a single week the following year. Over his career, Como amassed 42 Top 10 hits across the and , including chart-toppers like "Hot Diggity," "Round and Round," and the 1958 single "," which earned him the first official RIAA Gold Record certification for over 500,000 units sold. He appeared in four films, such as Something for the Boys (1944) and (1945), but his true stardom emerged on television with the Perry Como Show on from 1948 to 1963, including a highly rated variety series from 1955 that secured a 12-year contract and won him five between 1955 and 1959, along with a Peabody Award in 1956. Como's discography encompassed 147 singles and 22 albums, with total sales exceeding 100 million records worldwide and 27 gold certifications, making him one of the best-selling artists of his era despite the rock 'n' roll revolution. His calm, affable persona—often symbolized by his signature cardigan sweaters—earned him nicknames like "" and "the Barber of Happiness," and he continued performing specials into the 1990s, receiving honors such as the Kennedy Center Honor in 1987, induction into the Hall of Fame in 1999, and a posthumous in 2002. Como died at his home in , at age 88 following a lengthy illness, leaving a legacy as a versatile entertainer who bridged , pop standards, and television's .

Early Life

Family Background

Pierino Ronald Como was born on May 18, 1912, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, as the seventh of thirteen children to Italian immigrants Pietro Como and Lucia Travaglini. Both parents hailed from the town of Palena in the Abruzzo region of Italy, where Pietro had worked as a contadino (farmer) before emigrating. The couple arrived in the United States in 1910, settling in the industrial community of Canonsburg, southwest of Pittsburgh, where they joined a growing Italian-American enclave. Pietro Como took up work as a mill hand at the local Standard Tin Plate factory, contributing to the family's modest livelihood amid the demands of raising a large , while Lucia managed the home and cared for the children. The family included older siblings such as brother Domenico and sisters and Giuseppina , among others, who often assisted in supporting the through various local endeavors, including contributions to barber services as the children grew older. As the first child , young Pierino benefited from U.S. citizenship, but the family's working-class existence was marked by close-knit traditions, including gatherings where played a role in daily life. The Como family endured significant economic challenges, exacerbated by external events like , which disrupted immigrant labor markets shortly after their arrival, and the , which deepened financial strains in the . Pietro's eventual retirement due to a heart condition further burdened the household, forcing older children to take on greater responsibilities to make ends meet, often purchasing essentials like food on installment plans. These hardships instilled a strong sense of family unity and , shaping the environment in which Pierino, later known as Perry, grew up.

Youth and Early Jobs

Pierino Ronald Como, known professionally as Perry Como, received a limited formal education in , leaving school around age 14 to focus on full-time work supporting his family. Born in 1912 as the seventh of 13 children to immigrant parents, Como's early responsibilities were shaped by his family's hardworking ethos, which emphasized amid economic hardship. At age 10, Como began assisting after in local Steve Fragapane's shop for 50 cents a week, progressing to an by age 11 where he swept floors and stropped razors. By 14, without formal , he owned his own in Canonsburg, employing two other barbers and working long hours into the night while still attending sporadically. This venture became essential after his father's severe heart condition rendered him unable to work around , leaving Como and his siblings as primary providers during the family's financial strain. Como's barber earnings started modestly but grew substantially before the Great Depression's full impact; he netted over $100 weekly at his peak, though pay declined in the early 1930s, prompting him to work for another barber at reduced rates. In his teenage years, Como pursued musical hobbies alongside barbering, playing the trombone in the Canonsburg town brass band and performing vocals at local weddings and events for small fees, often serenading customers during haircuts.

Musical Career

Big Band Beginnings

Perry Como's entry into professional music came in 1933, when he auditioned for and joined Carlone's band as a vocalist after performing in local venues. The position involved extensive regional touring across , , and , marking a significant shift from his local barber shop performances to a full-time musical . Despite the opportunity, Como initially hesitated, as the $28 weekly salary was substantially less than his earnings as a , which exceeded $100 per week at the time. In 1936, after three years with Carlone, Como transitioned to the more established Orchestra, where he served as a featured vocalist for the next six years. The band, based in , undertook nationwide tours characterized by grueling one-night stands and radio broadcasts, including a notable extended engagement at the in Atlantic City around 1940 that helped build Como's audience. His first recordings with Weems appeared on starting that year, with early examples including "You Can't Pull the Wool Over My Eyes" in 1936 and "Goody Goodbye" in 1939, which showcased his smooth in big band arrangements. The rigors of road life posed significant challenges, including low pay—rising only to $50 per week with Weems—and prolonged separations from family that strained personal relationships. These hardships led Como to briefly quit the Carlone on at least one occasion to prioritize his and return home, though he rejoined after encouragement from bandmates. Similar pressures with Weems culminated in his decision to leave in late 1942, intending to focus on family stability over continued touring.

RCA Victor and Radio Success

After leaving the Ted Weems Orchestra in late 1942, Perry Como signed a recording contract with RCA Victor on June 17, 1943, marking his transition to a solo artist. His first release for the label was a re-recording of "Goodbye, Sue," originally performed with Weems in 1941, which became his debut single and helped establish his presence in the pop market. This easy-listening crooner style, influenced by his big band experience, featured Como's smooth baritone delivery over orchestral arrangements, setting the tone for his subsequent work. Como's radio career accelerated alongside his recording efforts, debuting on with a 15-minute daily program, Columbia Presents Perry Como, on March 12, 1943. The show, later known as , showcased his vocal talents and relaxed demeanor, gaining quick popularity. In 1944, he moved to for , a musical program sponsored by Cigarettes that aired from 1944 to 1950 and broadcast five nights a week. This sponsorship played a pivotal role in his rise, as the program's exposure contributed to lifetime record sales exceeding 100 million copies worldwide. During , Como contributed to the war effort through recordings, special 78-rpm discs produced for U.S. troops overseas that bypassed the ' recording ban. He recorded multiple tracks for these between 1943 and 1946, including selections like "Goodbye, Sue" and collaborations with other artists, providing morale-boosting entertainment to servicemen. Como avoided the draft, likely due to his role as the primary family supporter, with a wife and their young son depending on his income from radio and recordings. Como's RCA Victor tenure yielded several key hits in the 1940s and 1950s that solidified his national fame. In 1945, "Till the End of Time," an adaptation of Frédéric Chopin's Polonaise in , topped the for nine weeks, selling over a million copies and exemplifying his sentimental, orchestral approach. This was followed by "" in 1945, which reached number four on the charts and highlighted his velvety phrasing on Latin-tinged tunes. By 1953, "Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes" became another number-one hit, staying at the top for five weeks and reinforcing Como's status as a chart-topping with its heartfelt country-pop crossover appeal. These singles, among over two dozen million-sellers, underscored his enduring easy-listening style that blended accessibility with emotional depth.

Vocal Style and Concert Performances

Perry Como's vocal style epitomized the tradition, featuring a warm voice delivered with effortless relaxation and natural phrasing that conveyed intimacy and sincerity. Influenced heavily by , whom he cited as a primary inspiration, Como developed a technique emphasizing smooth, understated delivery over dramatic flourishes, often avoiding pronounced to preserve a pure, conversational tone. This approach, marked by impeccable diction and lilting enunciation, allowed him to interpret lyrics with emotional depth, as he himself described: "What we do is mostly understand a song and try to interpret a lyric." His style stood out for its accessibility, blending technical precision with an unpretentious charm that resonated across generations. Como's concert career evolved from intimate 1940s engagements, where he honed his live presence alongside big bands, to more expansive tours in the and that showcased his growing popularity. By the , his performances reached a peak with high-profile residencies, including a notable series at the International Hotel in beginning in June 1970, where he captivated audiences with his signature relaxed demeanor and orchestral backing. These shows highlighted his ability to command large venues while maintaining the casual intimacy of his earlier club days, often featuring extended sets of beloved standards that drew sell-out crowds. A key aspect of Como's technical prowess was his exceptional breath control and phrasing, attributes he attributed to years of multitasking as a in his youth, singing continuously to entertain clients without interruption. In live settings, this translated to seamless, sustained performances that felt unhurried yet precise. He frequently collaborated with accomplished orchestras, such as Mitchell Ayres and His Orchestra, whose lush arrangements complemented Como's in both early radio-to-stage transitions and later tours, providing a sophisticated backdrop that elevated his crooning to symphonic levels. Throughout his career, Como adeptly adapted to shifting musical landscapes in his concerts, weaving in contemporary pop standards alongside timeless holiday songs to keep his repertoire fresh and appealing. This flexibility extended his global reach, with tours encompassing —highlighted by his landmark 1974 appearance at London's —and ventures into , where he performed to enthusiastic international audiences. While specific earnings figures from these tours are not publicly detailed, their scale underscored Como's enduring draw as a live entertainer, amassing significant acclaim and attendance over decades.

Entertainment Ventures

Film Roles

Perry Como's entry into Hollywood came in 1943 when his good looks and engaging persona earned him a seven-year contract with 20th Century-Fox. His screen debut was in the musical Something for the Boys (1944), where he portrayed Sgt. Laddie Green, a former orchestra leader, and performed several musical numbers in a story about entertainers housing soldiers' wives at a dude ranch. The film co-starred as Blossom Hart, with whom Como shared romantic scenes, alongside as Harry Hart, as Chiquita Hart, and Michael O'Shea. Under the Fox deal, he continued with supporting roles in two more musicals: (1945), again opposite Blaine as a burlesque performer, and (1946), his final Fox production, featuring bandleader and singer in a political satire. His last film credit was a cameo as himself in the MGM Rodgers and Hart biopic (1948), where he sang "This is the Night." Como struggled with , viewing himself primarily as a singer rather than a performer comfortable in dramatic or comedic roles. He later reflected on his experience, stating, "I was wasting their time and they were wasting mine." The films generated limited success, and by 1948, amid his rising radio and recording fame, Como terminated his Fox contract and shifted focus away from .

Television Programs

Perry Como debuted on television with The Chesterfield Supper Club on December 24, 1948, initially airing as a 15-minute musical variety program on from late 1948 to June 1950 before transitioning to in October 1950. The show featured Como's smooth vocal performances alongside Mitchell Ayers' orchestra and the Fontane Sisters, adapting his successful radio format to the visual medium and establishing his casual, engaging on-screen persona. In 1950, the program evolved into the weekly half-hour The Perry Como Show on , continuing until 1955 and maintaining the intimate, supper-club atmosphere that highlighted Como's easygoing style. By 1955, Como returned to for an expanded iteration titled The Perry Como Show, often associated with its signature "Sing to Me, Mr. C." segment where audiences joined in medleys; this hour-long Saturday evening variety series ran through 1959, blending music, sketches, and guest stars while earning Como five consecutive for Best Male Singer from 1955 to 1959. From 1959 to 1967, Como hosted Perry Como's Kraft Music Hall on , an hour-long weekly program sponsored by a $25 million, 28-month —the largest television deal at the time—that featured prominent guests such as for duets and collaborative performances. The series showcased elaborate productions, celebrity interviews, and Como's signature crooning, contributing to its status as a cornerstone of the genre with its blend of entertainment and accessibility. Following the end of his regular series in 1967, Como focused on seasonal specials, particularly annual broadcasts from 1968 to 1994, which often incorporated holiday themes, international locations, and guests like or to celebrate festive music and traditions. Over more than five decades of television from 1948 to 1994, Como appeared in over 1,000 shows and specials, influencing the format through his Emmy-winning relaxed hosting style that prioritized warmth and musical intimacy.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Perry Como met his future wife, Roselle Beline, as teenagers in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, when she visited his barbershop around the age of 15. The couple married on July 31, 1933, in Canonsburg, beginning a union that lasted 65 years. Their marriage provided a stable foundation amid Como's rising career in music, with Roselle often accompanying him during early tours while maintaining a low-profile life together. The Comos had three children: their biological son Ronnie, born in 1940 in , and two adopted children, and Terri. adopted at age four, and Terri at six months old, after Roselle was unable to have more children following Ronnie's birth. At the time of Como's in , the family included 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In the late 1940s, the family relocated from Pennsylvania to a three-acre estate in Sands Point, New York, where they raised their children during Como's peak years in radio and television. In 1957, seeking a warmer climate and greater privacy, they established a home in Jupiter, Florida, becoming Como's primary residence by the 1970s, where he became known for his reclusive lifestyle despite his fame. As a devoted father, Como prioritized family time, often limiting tours to avoid disrupting home life and shielding his children from public scrutiny, which helped ground him through career highs like his hit records and TV shows. Roselle's sudden death from a heart attack on , 1998—just 10 days after their 65th anniversary—devastated Como, who had cared for her in their home. The family provided unwavering support during Como's professional successes, with his children occasionally appearing in his television specials, though the Comos consistently emphasized privacy over publicity.

Public Persona and Hobbies

Perry Como cultivated a public image defined by calm and approachability, earning him the enduring nickname "Mr. Relaxed" for his effortless on-camera presence and aversion to the flamboyance common in . once dubbed him "the man who invented casual," highlighting Como's unpretentious style that avoided scandals, feuds, or publicity stunts throughout his decades-long career. This persona was rooted in his humble origins as a in , where he began working at age 11 in his family's shop, instilling a grounded humility that persisted despite his fame. His devout Catholic faith further shaped this image, as he remained active in his parish at in , and emphasized family prayer in interviews, reflecting a disdain for the excesses of . In the 1950s through the 1970s, media outlets portrayed Como as the quintessential American entertainer—a wholesome, nonthreatening figure whose mellow demeanor and cardigan sweaters symbolized postwar stability. Critics like John J. O'Connor of The New York Times described his specials as a "marvelous hot toddy," warm and comforting, while his clean image reinforced ideals of humility and reliability, often contrasting with more volatile celebrities of the era. This perception was bolstered by his family-oriented life, which projected an aura of everyday normalcy amid stardom. Como's leisure pursuits mirrored his relaxed public facade, centering on low-key activities that allowed him to unwind away from the spotlight. A passionate golfer, he held memberships at exclusive clubs such as Tequesta Country Club in and frequented courses in Jupiter Inlet Colony, where he owned a home. He enjoyed annual outings with fellow celebrities, including , with whom he occasionally played during visits near their residences. Other hobbies included and along 's waterways, often catching dinner for his family, as well as , pursuits that underscored his preference for simple, hands-on relaxation.

Later Years and Death

Semi-Retirement and Continued Work

Following the conclusion of his long-running Kraft Music Hall specials in 1967, Perry Como shifted to a more selective schedule of recordings and live performances, allowing him to balance his professional commitments with family life while maintaining his status as a beloved entertainer. In the 1970s, he released several albums for RCA Victor, including It's Impossible (1970), which featured the title track—an English adaptation of a Mexican ballad by Armando Manzanero—that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and peaked at No. 10 on the Hot 100, marking one of his final major commercial successes. This period also included occasional tours, such as his 50th anniversary celebration in 1984, where he performed across the United States to appreciative audiences. Into the 1980s and 1990s, Como's engagements remained infrequent but prestigious, reflecting his enduring appeal. He received the in 1987, where tributes highlighted his contributions to American music, and he performed select numbers during the ceremony. In 1991, he participated in A Christmas Concert, joining other artists for a holiday program that showcased his signature relaxed vocal style on seasonal favorites. His final , Perry Como's Christmas, aired in 1994 after being filmed in , featuring Como leading a festive medley with Irish performers and marking the end of his annual holiday broadcasts. Despite emerging health challenges in his later decades, including mobility issues that limited travel, Como persisted with holiday recordings, releasing compilations like Perry Como Sings Merry Christmas Music reissues into the . His professional career, which began in as a vocalist with Freddy Carlone's band, extended until around 2000, encompassing over six decades of music and media. Parallel to his artistic pursuits, Como diversified into business, notably investing in in Jupiter Inlet Colony, , where he owned property and resided in his final years, contributing to the area's early development as an exclusive enclave.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Perry Como maintained a low-profile approach to , consistent with his unassuming public persona, focusing on community support rather than high-visibility foundations or named institutions. In his adopted community, Como provided significant backing to St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn, a Catholic cardiac specialty facility. After nuns from the hospital approached him at his Sands Point home in the 1980s, he became the primary draw for its annual celebrity golf tournament fundraiser, participating for over a decade and helping to bolster the institution's resources. He also returned annually from to perform at events for St. Charles the Martyr Church in Roslyn, one of his key charitable commitments. These efforts reflected his devotion to Catholic causes, as he remained active in his faith community, including Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church. Como's ties to his birthplace of , extended to community honors that celebrated his roots. On May 15, 1999—his 87th birthday—a life-sized of him was dedicated in the town, serving as a lasting tribute and focal point for local pride in its musical heritage. This involvement underscored his quiet support for hometown initiatives, though he avoided publicizing personal contributions.

Death and Immediate Aftermath

Perry Como passed away on May 12, 2001, at the age of 88, in his sleep from natural causes at his home in Jupiter Inlet Colony, , following a lengthy illness later identified by his family as . He was discovered by his caregiver while sitting in a chair in his bedroom. His death came six days before what would have been his 89th birthday, marking a quiet end to a life devoted to family after the passing of his wife Roselle in 1998, which had profoundly influenced his later years. A private funeral Mass was held on May 18, 2001—Como's birthday—at St. Edward's Catholic Church in , attended by approximately 250 mourners, including family and close friends; media were excluded from the service. A wake the previous evening at the same church drew about 200 attendees, where recordings of Como's music were played. He was buried alongside his wife of 65 years, Roselle, at Riverside Memorial Park in . Como's daughter, Terry Thibadeau, shared that the family had spent two beautiful hours with him the day before his , enjoying together with her son , describing it as a wonderful moment that underscored his role as a devoted and grandfather. The family portrayed his life as one of and , centered on loved ones. outlets reflected on his passing as the end of an era for the relaxed tradition, praising his comforting style and enduring appeal as a of recordings and television. At the time of his death, Como's estate was valued at approximately $50 million and was bequeathed to his , with no disputes arising over the will itself.

Legacy

Awards and Honors

Perry Como received numerous accolades throughout his career, particularly recognizing his pioneering work in television variety programming and his enduring contributions to . He won five for Best Male Singer between 1955 and 1959, highlighting his dominance in the emerging medium of television during the 1950s. In 1956, he shared a Peabody Award with for their respective entertainment programs, acknowledging their impact on broadcast excellence. That same year, Como was honored with a for promoting ethical and religious values through his family-friendly television content. Como's television legacy extended to major institutional recognitions later in life. In 1987, he was awarded the , celebrating his lifetime achievements in the performing arts alongside luminaries like and . He was inducted into the in 1989, joining an elite group of broadcasters for his innovative variety shows that blended music, comedy, and heartfelt performances. On the , Como earned three stars: one for recording in 1958, one for television in 1960, and one for radio in 1983, a rare distinction reflecting his multifaceted career across entertainment formats. In music, Como's accomplishments were similarly prestigious. He won the inaugural Grammy Award for Best Vocal Performance, Male in 1959 for "Catch a Falling Star," along with later nominations such as for Best Pop Vocal Performance in 1974. He received the American Music Award of Merit in 1979, presented for his exceptional contributions to the industry over decades of hit recordings. Posthumously, in 2002, he was awarded the by , honoring his smooth crooning style and chart-topping singles that defined mid-20th-century pop. In 2024, Como's 1957 singles "" and its B-side "" were inducted into the of the . Additionally, the (RIAA) certified several of his works, including the landmark first-ever single certification for "" in 1958, underscoring his commercial success.

Tributes and Cultural Impact

Following his death in 2001, Perry Como was posthumously inducted into the Music Hall of Fame in 2006, recognizing his contributions as a who set the standard for smooth vocal pop during his career. He was also inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007, honoring his chart-topping hits from the mid-20th century. Peers in the music industry, including , paid public tribute to Como's warmth and relaxed charm, highlighting his enduring influence on American entertainment. Como's cultural legacy is deeply tied to his role in popularizing the easy-listening genre, where his intimate, relaxed style of vocal pop recordings helped define a soothing alternative to more energetic music. His extensive catalog of , including hits like "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" and albums such as Perry Como Sings Merry Christmas Music (1946), established him as a staple, with his renditions continuing to air annually on radio and . This influence extends to contemporary artists; modern crooners like have credited the revival of the in part to Como's foundational work, blending nostalgia with broad appeal. Media tributes have preserved Como's image through documentaries, such as the A&E Biography episode "Perry Como: The Singing Barber" (2000), which chronicles his rise from barber to television icon, and the PBS special Perry Como Classics: Till the End of Time (2018), exploring his lasting impact on variety programming. His hits remain in regular rotation on classic radio stations, sustaining his presence in popular culture. Over his career, Como sold more than 100 million records worldwide, a figure that underscores his role in shaping lounge and easy-listening aesthetics. As a symbol of mid-20th-century American optimism, his unpretentious persona and family-man image embodied postwar prosperity and simplicity, influencing the genre's emphasis on comfort and accessibility.

Discography Highlights

Perry Como's recording career began in earnest during the 1940s, with his debut album Perry Como Sings Merry Christmas Music released in 1946 by RCA Victor, a 78 RPM set featuring holiday classics like "" and "," which became a seasonal staple and was reissued annually in various formats throughout his career, contributing to his enduring holiday legacy. Live performances from his radio broadcasts were later compiled on albums such as Supper Club Favorites (1949). That same year, he issued the landmark Christmas album Perry Como Sings Merry Christmas Music, a 78 RPM set featuring holiday classics like "" and "," which became a seasonal staple and was reissued annually in various formats throughout his career, contributing to his enduring holiday legacy. In the wartime era of the , Como's singles resonated with audiences seeking comfort amid global conflict, including hits like "Till the End of Time" (1945), which topped 's charts for nine weeks, and "Prisoner of Love" (1946), another multi-week number-one that sold over a million copies. By the , his output shifted toward upbeat pop and compilations of earlier successes, such as Como's Gold Records (1958), which collected million-selling tracks and earned gold certification from the RIAA, reflecting his commercial dominance with 13 number-one singles overall, including the playful (1955), which peaked at number four but exemplified the era's Latin-infused pop trends. Como's 1960s releases bridged traditional crooning with contemporary pop crossovers, such as "Delaware" (1960), a novelty hit reaching number 22 on the , and "" (1962), tied to soundtrack and peaking at number 36, demonstrating his adaptability amid the rock era. In later years, the 1970 album It's Impossible marked a resurgence, with its —an English of Armando Manzanero's "Somos Novios"—reaching number 10 on the and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male. Over his six-decade career, Como released an extensive discography of 150 singles and dozens of albums, including 38 studio albums, contributing to total worldwide sales exceeding 100 million records, bolstered by multiple RIAA and platinum certifications for works like "" (1958), the first single ever awarded status by the organization.

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