Perry Como, a renowned singer and occasional actor, enjoyed a remarkable six-decade-long career that spanned the 1940s to the 1970s. He was synonymous with warm, smooth, and easy-listening music that embodied the essence of romance and good feeling.
Born Pierino Como in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, to a family of 13 children, Perry pursued a career as a barber before transitioning to singing. He began singing at 11, working part-time in a barbershop after school, and eventually set his sights on owning his own shop. However, he soon shifted his focus to music, marrying his high school sweetheart, Roselle Beline, and landing a spot in the Freddie Carlone Orchestra.
In 1937, Perry joined the Ted Weems orchestra and was featured on the band's "Beat the Band" radio program. His career flourished, and he went on to record 42 Top 10 hits with RCA, including "Dig You Later (A Hubba-Hubba-Hubba)," "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows," and "Some Enchanted Evening."
Perry's success extended to the silver screen, as he appeared in three films for Twentieth Century Fox during the 1940s. He also made his television debut in 1948 with NBC's "The Chesterfield Supper Club" and went on to host his own shows, including "The Perry Como Show" and "Sing Along With Me."
Throughout his career, Perry developed a distinct image as a relaxed, wholesome, and cardigan-wearing nice guy. He won numerous awards, including multiple Emmy Awards, Peabody and Golden Mike awards, and the Recording Industry Association of America's first-ever Gold Disc Award.
Perry retired from his show in 1963, but continued to work on occasional television specials, including his traditional Christmas shows. He returned to live performances in the 1970s, playing Las Vegas and other circuits, and released the million-record-selling single "It's Impossible."
Perry Como's remarkable career was recognized with a Kennedy Center award for outstanding achievement in the performing arts, presented to him by President Reagan.
