Actor · Singer

Perry Como

1912–2001 · Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S

An American singer and television personality. During a career spanning more than half a century, he recorded exclusively for the RCA Victor label after signing with them in 1943. "Mr. C.", as he was nicknamed, sold millions of records for Radio Corporation of America (RCA) and pioneered a weekly musical variety television show, which set the standards for the genre and proved to be one of the most successful in television history.

Perry Como was more than just a singer; he was a pioneering entertainer who seamlessly bridged the worlds of radio and television, becoming one of America's most beloved performers of the mid-20th century. With his relaxed demeanor and smooth vocal style, Como transformed from a small-town barber to a national icon who would define the era of multimedia entertainment.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born Pierino Ronald Como on May 18, 1912, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, Perry was the seventh of 13 children in a working-class Italian immigrant family. From an early age, music was woven into the fabric of his life. His father, Pietro, insisted all his children take music lessons, even when finances were tight. Young Perry learned to play multiple instruments, though remarkably, he never took a formal voice lesson. To help support his family, Como began working in a local barber shop at just 10 years old, earning 50¢ a week. By age 14, he had his own chair and was already showing the entrepreneurial spirit that would define his later career. When his father became unable to work due to a heart condition, Perry and his brothers became the family's primary breadwinners.

Breaking into Professional Music

Como's musical journey began in earnest when he started performing with local bands, singing at weddings and playing in the town's band. His big break came in 1932 when, while performing at the Silver Slipper Ballroom, he was invited to sing with Freddy Carlone's orchestra. Carlone was so impressed that he immediately offered Como a job. In 1936, Como joined Ted Weems's orchestra, a move that would prove pivotal to his career. Under Weems's guidance, Como refined his vocal technique, learning to sing "from the heart" and avoid unnecessary vocal tricks. His first recording with the band, "You Can't Pull the Wool Over My Eyes," marked the beginning of his recording career.

Radio and Television Stardom

Como's transition to radio was marked by his debut CBS broadcast on March 12, 1943. He quickly became a sensation, signing with RCA Victor and developing a unique, relaxed performance style that set him apart from other crooners of the era. His popularity was so immense that in 1943, a "swooners" club voted him "Crooner of the Year". Television became Como's true medium. Starting with the Chesterfield Supper Club in 1948, he pioneered a new style of television entertainment. His weekly shows were broadcast in at least 12 countries, and he became known for his casual, authentic approach. As Como himself said, "You can't act on TV. With me, what you see is what you get".

Legacy and Personal Approach

What distinguished Como was not just his musical talent, but his integrity and down-to-earth personality. He was known for turning down performances or segments he considered in poor taste, and he maintained a remarkably consistent public persona. Music critic Gene Lees noted that Como's apparent effortlessness was actually the result of meticulous preparation and genuine artistic mastery. Throughout his career, Como received numerous accolades, including five Emmy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and induction into multiple halls of fame. He sold over 100 million records worldwide and became a television icon, pioneering the musical variety show format.

Conclusion

Perry Como represented more than just entertainment; he embodied a genuine, unpretentious approach to performance that resonated with millions. From his humble beginnings as a small-town barber to becoming "Mr. C.", he transformed the landscape of American popular music and television.