Perry Como: The Velvet Voice of Classic Pop
Perry Como was an American singer and television personality whose relaxed, smooth baritone made him one of the most successful pop artists of the 20th century. His career, spanning over half a century, yielded numerous hit records, bestselling albums, and a pioneering television show that cemented his status as a household name.
Early career
Born Pierino Ronaldo Como in 1912 in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, he initially trained as a barber before his musical talent led him to join the big band of Freddy Carlone in 1933. His vocal skill quickly became apparent, and by 1936 he had moved to the more prominent Ted Weems Orchestra, where he began gaining national exposure through radio broadcasts and recordings.
Breakthrough
Como launched his solo career in 1943 after being signed by RCA Victor, a partnership that would last for over four decades. His breakthrough came swiftly with a string of million-selling singles in the late 1940s, including Till the End of Time and Prisoner of Love, which topped the charts for multiple weeks and established his signature easy-listening style.
Key tracks
Prisoner of Love - This 1946 release became his first major solo number-one hit, spending multiple weeks at the top of the charts and solidifying his post-big band success.
Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes - A country-tinged 1952 single that returned Como to the number-one position and demonstrated his crossover appeal.
Catch a Falling Star - This 1957 hit earned Como the first-ever Gold Record certified by the RIAA for a single, marking a historic industry milestone.
And I Love You So - His 1973 interpretation of this ballad became a late-career pop standard, showcasing the enduring warmth of his voice for a new generation.
It's Impossible - Another major adult contemporary hit from 1970, this song highlighted Como's masterful phrasing and continued relevance in the changing musical landscape.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Perry Como dominated the charts with consistent hits like Hot Diggity and Round and Round. His weekly television variety program, The Perry Como Show, which ran from 1948 to 1963, was a ratings powerhouse and won him several Emmy Awards, making his relaxed persona as famous as his music. He adeptly navigated the shift from traditional pop to the rock and roll era, maintaining his audience with a blend of standards and contemporary material.
Artists who shared Como's smooth vocal delivery and crossover appeal within the American music scene include Bing Crosby, who pioneered a similarly intimate, conversational singing style. Frank Sinatra also operated in the same realm of mid-century pop and swing, though with a more jazz-influenced and dramatic approach. The easy-listening tradition was later carried on by vocalists like Andy Williams, who hosted his own popular television series and specialized in polished, mainstream ballads.
Perry Como's extensive catalog of recordings remains a staple on classic pop and adult contemporary radio formats, where his timeless vocals continue to find an audience. His music is frequently featured on stations dedicated to the American songbook and nostalgic hits from the mid-20th century.
The music of Perry Como is available for listening on various radio stations featured within our network, offering a direct connection to his enduring legacy of classic pop.
