Perry Como
Pierino Ronald "Perry" Como was born on May 18, 1912, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, about 20 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. Both his parents immigrated to the United States in 1910 from Palena, Italy. The family had a second-hand organ. Como learned to play many different instruments, but never had voice lessons. He showed more musical talent in his teenage years.
Como began helping his family at age 10, working in a barbershop before and after school. Despite his musical abilities, Como's ambition was to become the best barber in Canonsburg. One of Como's regular customers owned a Greek coffee house, and a part of the shop was vacant, he asked Como to take over that part for his own barber shop. Como started and became so popular as a "wedding barber" that he was asked to offer his services throughout Pittsburgh and Ohio.
In 1932, Como visited the Silver Slipper Ballroom near Cleveland with his girlfriend Roselle, where Freddie Carlone and his orchestra were playing. Carlone invited anyone from the audience who wanted to sing with his band. Como's friends pushed him to the stage. Carlone was so impressed with Como's performance that he immediately offered his a job.
The decision was pending because Como earned about $125 per week from his barber shop, while the job with Carlone paid $28 per week. Perry and Rosell were married in Meadville on July 31, 1933; Four days later, Como joined Freddie Carlone's band and began working with them. Roselle returns home to Canonsburg; Como will be on the road for the next 18 months.
Three years after joining Carlone's band, Como moved to Ted Weems' orchestra. Weems and his orchestra were in Chicago. Como's first recording with the Weems Band was "You Can't Pull the Wool Over My Eyes", recorded in May 1936. The Comos' first child, Ronnie, was born in 1940. Como stayed by his wife's side, even though he was threatened with dismissal if he did so.
In late 1942, Como left the Weems band and returned to his family and business. He received an offer from Tommy Rockwell. Offer is, stay in New York only, no road tours. Perry made his first radio broadcast on March 12, 1943. At the same time, RCA Victor was looking for a crooner to compete with Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. Como signed his first recording contract with RCA Victor and recorded "Goodbye, Sue".
Como became a very successful singer with theater and nightclub engagements; Como's initial two weeks at Copacabana in June extended into August. Como accepted an engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas in June 1970, which resulted in the release of his first live album "Perry Como in Person" at the International Hotel, Las Vegas. Como continued to make periodic engagements in Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe in Sierra Nevada, limiting his nightclub presence to Nevada.
In May 1974, he made his first concert appearance outside the United States, a show at the London Palladium in London. Perry returned to the UK in November for a royal variety performance, attended by Queen Elizabeth. Como was invited to visit Buckingham Palace the day after the event. He announced his first concert tour which began in the spring of 1975 in the UK.
In 1982, Como and Frank Sinatra were invited to a White House state dinner by Italian President Sandro Pertini while he was on an official visit. The pair repeated the routine the following year as part of the entertainment for Queen Elizabeth's royal visit to California. Perry was on the program at the Queen's special request.
Como died on May 12, 2001, at his home in Jupiter Inlet Colony, Florida, six days before his 89th birthday. His funeral was held at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Palm Beach, Florida. Como is buried in Riverside Memorial Park, Tequesta, Palm Beach County, Florida.
Perry Como Songs
* Dig You Later (A Hub-Ba-Hubba-Hubba) (1945)
* I Dream of You (1945)
* If I Loved You (1945)
* I'm Gonna Love That Gal (1945)
* Till the End of Time (1945)
* Prisoner of Love (1946)
* Surrender (1946)
* They Say It's Wonderful (1946)
* You Won't Be Satisfied (1946)
* When You Were Sweet Sixteen (1947)
* I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now (1947)
* Chi-Baba, Chi-Baba (1947)
* Because (1948)
* A You're Adorable (1949)
* Forever And Ever (1949)
* Some Enchanted Evening (1949)
* Hoop-Dee-Doo - Perry Como (1950)
* If (1951)
* Maybe (with Eddie Fisher) (1952)
* Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes (1953)
* No Other Love (1953)
* Wild Horses (1953)
* Papa Loves Mambo (1954)
* Wanted (1954
* Ko Ko Mo (1955)
* Tina Marie (1955)
* Glendora (1956)
* Hot Diggity (1956)
* Juke Box Baby (1956)
* More (1956)
* Round And Round (1957)
* Catch A Falling Star (1958)
Perry Como News
Italian actresses Giulietta Masina (Giulia Anna Masina) and Anna Magnani visited by American actor Perry Como during a break on the set of the film ...and the Wild Wild Women. Rome on 19th July 1958.
Perry Como at The Perry Como Show with singer Peggy. Air date one 4th March 1963.
Perry Como, Angela Lansbury at Kraft Music Hall on October 28, 1966.
Perry Como during a live concert performance in 1970.
Perry Como performs on a television show in 1970.
Perry Como and actress Jill St. John attend the ABC Television Affiliates 'You'll Love It' Gala on May 8, 1985 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Actress Shari Belafonte, singer Perry Como and actress Jill St. John attending 'ABC TV Affiliates Celebration' on May 8, 1985 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, New York.
Actress/Singer Liza Minnelli and singer Perry Como attend American Foundation for the Performing Arts and Michael Bass Productions Presents 'A Tribute to John Gary' to Benefit the John Gary Recovery Fund for Cancer Treatments on June 11, 1991 at the Bel Age Hotel in West Hollywood, California.
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