View source for Perry Como

{{Short description|American singer, actor, and TV personality (1912–2001)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Perry Como
| alias              = Mr. C.
| image              = File:Perry Como 1962.JPG
| caption            = Publicity still, {{circa|1962}}
| birth_name         = Pierino Ronald Como
| birth_date         = {{birth date|1912|5|18|mf=y}}
| birth_place        = [[Canonsburg, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| death_date         = {{death date and age|2001|5|12|1912|5|18|mf=y}}
| death_place        = [[Jupiter Inlet Colony, Florida]], U.S.
| years_active       = 1932–1997
| spouse             = {{marriage|Roselle Belline|1933|1998|end = died}}
| children           = 3
| occupation         = {{hlist|Singer|actor|television personality}}
| signature          = Perry Como signature.svg
| module             = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| background         = solo_singer
| instrument         =  Vocals
| genre              = {{hlist|[[Vocal pop]]|[[easy listening]]}}
| label              = {{hlist|[[Decca Records|Decca]]|[[RCA Victor]]|[[His Master's Voice (British record label)|His Master's Voice]]}}
| associated_acts    = {{flatlist|
* Freddy Carlone Orchestra
* Ted Weems Orchestra
}}
}}
}}

'''Pierino Ronald''' "'''Perry'''" '''Como''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|oʊ|m|oʊ}}; May 18, 1912 – May 12, 2001) was an American singer, actor, and television personality. During a career spanning more than half a century, he recorded exclusively for [[RCA Victor]] for 44 years, from 1943 until 1987.<ref name="Anniversary2">{{cite news| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WQoEAAAAMBAJ&q=perry+como+canonsburg&pg=PA18| title=Special Perry Como RCA Victor 10th Anniversary section| pages=18–24| date=July 4, 1953| magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]| access-date=April 4, 2010}}</ref>

"Mr. C.", as Como was nicknamed, reportedly sold over 100 million records worldwide<ref>{{Cite web |title=Perry Como: The Singing Barber |url=https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/proginfo/2012/20/Perry-Como-The-Singing-Barber/ |access-date=January 11, 2025 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en |archive-date=August 18, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250818165047/https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/proginfo/2012/20/Perry-Como-The-Singing-Barber/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Legendary Crooner Perry Como Dies |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1rvor3/legendary-crooner-perry-como-dies |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907152532/https://www.mtv.com/news/1rvor3/legendary-crooner-perry-como-dies |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |access-date=September 7, 2023 |website=MTV |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thurber |first=Jon |date=May 13, 2001 |title=From the Archives: Perry Como, Soothing Pop Crooner, Dies at 88 |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-perry-como-20010513-story.html |access-date=September 7, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907152534/https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-perry-como-20010513-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and pioneered a weekly musical variety television show. His weekly television shows and seasonal specials were broadcast throughout the world. Como recorded primarily vocal pop and was renowned for recordings in the intimate, easy-listening genre pioneered by multimedia star [[Bing Crosby]].<ref>Gibbens Gary "Bing Crosby: A Pocketful of Dreams" published by Little, Brown</ref> In the official RCA Records [[Billboard (magazine)|''Billboard'' magazine]] memorial, Como's life was summed up in these few words: "50 years of music and a life well lived. An example to all."<ref>{{cite news| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jhMEAAAAMBAJ&q=perry+como+intitle%3Abillboard&pg=PA79| title=RCA Memorial-Perry Como| page=79| date=May 26, 2001| magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]| access-date=April 4, 2010}}</ref>

Como received five [[Emmy Award|Emmys]] from 1955 to 1959,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emmys.com/bios/perry-como |title=Primetime Emmy Database |publisher=American Academy of Television Arts and Sciences |access-date=July 8, 2010 |archive-date=September 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930024614/https://www.emmys.com/bios/perry-como |url-status=live }}</ref> and a [[Christopher Award]] in 1956. He also shared a [[Peabody Award]] with good friend [[Jackie Gleason]] in 1956.<ref name="Rivals2">{{cite news| url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iEkxAAAAIBAJ&pg=6153,886207&dq=perry+como&hl=en| title=Perry Como: Even His Rivals Are Fans| pages=40, 41, 53| last=Moore| first=Jacqueline| date=January 5, 1957| access-date=May 7, 2010| newspaper=[[Ottawa Citizen]] Magazine| archive-date=February 13, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213124602/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iEkxAAAAIBAJ&pg=6153,886207&dq=perry+como&hl=en| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=f2EaAAAAIBAJ&pg=7410,258987&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Peabody Awards Honor Como and Gleason |date=April 11, 1956 |access-date=May 7, 2010 |newspaper=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|Milwaukee Journal]] |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105030103/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=f2EaAAAAIBAJ&pg=7410,258987&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=dead }}</ref> Como received a [[Kennedy Center Honors|Kennedy Center Honor]] in 1987 and was inducted into the [[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]] Hall of Fame three years later.<ref name="Bio">{{cite book |title=Perry Como: A Biography and Complete Career Record |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iymN4zko8JkC&q=perry+como+sands+point&pg=PA76 |date=July 6, 2009 |page=310 |publisher=McFarland |last1=Macfarlane |first1=Malcolm |last2=Crossland |first2=Ken |isbn=978-0786486571 |access-date=April 28, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XeseAAAAIBAJ&pg=5221,6942256&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Hall of Fame Lists Inductees |date=December 12, 1989 |access-date=May 7, 2010 |newspaper=[[Spartanburg Herald-Journal]] |archive-date=February 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213154542/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XeseAAAAIBAJ&pg=5221,6942256&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=kennedy>{{cite web |url=https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/c/co-cz/perry-como/ |title=Kennedy Center Honorees-Perry Como |year=1987 |publisher=The Kennedy Center |access-date=April 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828131729/http://www.kennedy-center.org/explorer/artists/?entity_id=3710&source_type=A |archive-date=August 28, 2010}}</ref> Posthumously, he received the [[Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award]] in 2002 and was inducted into the [[Long Island Music Hall of Fame]] in 2006.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2002/02/26/Old-pros-up-for-top-pop-Grammy/UPI-83541014768758/ |title=Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for Perry Como |date=February 26, 2002 |access-date=April 4, 2010 |publisher=[[United Press International]] |archive-date=February 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229194839/https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2002/02/26/Old-pros-up-for-top-pop-Grammy/UPI-83541014768758/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Como has the distinction of having three stars on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] for his work in radio, television, and music.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://projects.latimes.com/hollywood/star-walk/perry-como/ |title=Perry Como Hollywood Star Walk |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=April 4, 2010 |archive-date=January 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102045509/http://projects.latimes.com/hollywood/star-walk/perry-como/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Early years==
Como was born in [[Canonsburg, Pennsylvania]], about {{convert|20|mi|km}} southwest of [[Pittsburgh]].<ref name="Canonsburg">{{cite news |url=http://old.post-gazette.com/obituaries/20010513comoside6.asp |title=Canonsburg Remembers Perry Como |date=May 13, 2001 |last1=Silver |first1=Jonathan D. |last2=Belko |first2=Mark |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] |access-date=April 4, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308012357/http://old.post-gazette.com/obituaries/20010513comoside6.asp |archive-date=March 8, 2016}}</ref> He was the seventh of 13 children{{sfn|Macfarlane|2009|pp=8–9}} and the first American-born child of Pietro Como (1877–1945) and Lucia Travaglini (1883–1961),{{sfn|Macfarlane|2009|p=7}}{{sfn|Macfarlane|2009|p=10}}<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1955&dat=19610422&id=4W4rAAAAIBAJ&pg=2329,1841224 |title=Perry Como's Mother Dies At 78 |page=11 |date=April 22, 1961 |newspaper=[[Reading Eagle]] |access-date=May 7, 2010 |archive-date=April 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429225812/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1955&dat=19610422&id=4W4rAAAAIBAJ&pg=2329,1841224 |url-status=live }}</ref> who both emigrated to the US in 1910 from the [[Abruzzi|Abruzzese]] town of [[Palena, Italy]].{{sfn|Graybill|2008|p=211}}<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nQUOAAAAIBAJ&pg=5372,5809408&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Christmas, family and faith still important to Perry Como |page=45 |date=December 22, 1979 |newspaper=[[Tampa Bay Times|St. Petersburg Times]] |access-date=May 7, 2010 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220111902/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nQUOAAAAIBAJ&pg=5372,5809408&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Lucia"/> Como did not begin speaking English until entering school since the Comos spoke Italian at home.<ref name="Fifty">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HYgxAAAAIBAJ&pg=5034,1610508&dq=perry+como+rca&hl=en |title=Fifty years in show business |last=Campbell |first=Mary |page=6 |date=June 11, 1983 |newspaper=Rome News Tribune |access-date=November 25, 2010 |archive-date=February 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213124913/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HYgxAAAAIBAJ&pg=5034,1610508&dq=perry+como+rca&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> The family had a second-hand organ his father had bought for $3; as soon as Como was able to toddle, he would head to the instrument, pump the [[Reed organ|bellows]], and play music he had heard.<ref name = "Story"/>

Pietro, a mill hand and an amateur [[baritone]], had all his children take music lessons even if he could barely afford them.<ref name="Faith"/> In a rare 1957 interview, Como's mother, Lucia, described how her young son also took on other jobs to pay for more music lessons; Como learned to play many different instruments, but never had a voice lesson.<ref name="Lucia">{{cite news |title=Perry Como a Nice Boy Who Grew Up to Be a Nice Guy |last=Carlin |first=Margie |date=May 11, 1957 |page=48 |newspaper=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|Milwaukee Sentinel]]}}</ref> He showed more musical talent in his teenaged years as a trombone player in the town's [[brass band]], playing guitar, singing at weddings, and as an organist at church.<ref name = "Early Bio" /><ref name="Soul">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13968025/soul_of_perry_como/ |title=In search of the soul of Perry Como |date=December 17, 1995 |page=84 |last=Nelson Jones |first=Diana |newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |access-date=May 4, 2010 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=February 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207125847/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13968025/soul_of_perry_como/ |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> Como was a member of the Canonsburg Italian Band along with bandleader Stan Vinton, father of singer [[Bobby Vinton]] and often a customer at Como's barber shop.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZLQeAAAAIBAJ&pg=5092,1213943&dq=perry+como+stan+vinton&hl=en |title=Love of Music, Gimmicks, Keep Lee Barrett In Swing at 68 |last=Bishop |first=Pete |date=June 4, 1982 |page=6 |newspaper=Pittsburgh Press |access-date=June 28, 2010 |archive-date=February 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213155045/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZLQeAAAAIBAJ&pg=5092,1213943&dq=perry+como+stan+vinton&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=JLMyAAAAIBAJ&pg=704,590244&dq=perry+como+vinton+barber&hl=en |title=Entertainment World |date=August 3, 1968 |last=Atkinson |first=Gord |page=12 |newspaper=Ottawa Citizen |access-date=June 28, 2010 |archive-date=February 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213141405/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=JLMyAAAAIBAJ&pg=704,590244&dq=perry+como+vinton+barber&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|Greffenstette|2009|p=128}}

Como started helping his family at age 10, working before and after school in Steve Fragapane's barber shop for 50¢ a week. By age 13, Como had graduated to having his own chair in the Fragapane barber shop, although he stood on a box to tend to his customers.<ref name="Story">{{cite news |title=My Story-Perry Como |pages=21–22 |date=January 10, 1954 |last1=Como |first1=Perry |last2=Zolotow |first2=Maurice |author2-link=Maurice Zolotow |magazine=[[The American Weekly]]}}</ref><ref name=Story2>{{cite web |url=http://www.jumpingfrog.com/images/epm07apr16/mzlb149b.jpg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504225410/http://www.jumpingfrog.com/images/epm07apr16/mzlb149b.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 4, 2016 |title=My Story-Perry Como Part 2 |date=January 17, 1954 |last1=Como |first1=Perry |last2=Zolotow |first2=Maurice |author2-link=Maurice Zolotow |page=8 |magazine=[[The American Weekly]] |access-date=July 17, 2011}}</ref><ref name="NYT">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/14/nyregion/perry-como-relaxed-and-elegant-troubadour-of-recordings-and-tv-is-dead-at-88.html?scp=3&sq=perry%20como&st=cse |title=Perry Como, Relaxed and Elegant Troubadour of Recordings and TV, Dies at 88 |date=May 13, 2001 |last=Severo |first=Richard |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=April 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016062412/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/14/nyregion/perry-como-relaxed-and-elegant-troubadour-of-recordings-and-tv-is-dead-at-88.html?scp=3&sq=perry%20como&st=cse |archive-date=October 16, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Also around this time, Como lost his week's wages in a dice game. Filled with shame, Como locked himself in his room and did not come out until hunger got the better of him. Como managed to tell his father what had happened to the money his family depended on. His father told Como that he was entitled to make a mistake and that he hoped his son would never do anything worse than this.<ref name="Story"/>

When Como was 14, his father became unable to work because of a severe heart condition, resulting in Como and his brothers becoming the support of the household.<ref name="Faith">{{cite news |title=Success Is Result of Faith |last=Como |first=Perry |page=1 |date=March 11, 1955 |newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |access-date=October 24, 2010 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BcQwAAAAIBAJ&pg=1185,2940254&dq=perry+como&hl=en |archive-date=February 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213154621/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BcQwAAAAIBAJ&pg=1185,2940254&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

Despite his musical ability, Como's primary ambition was to become the best barber in Canonsburg. Practicing on his father, Como mastered the skills well enough to have his own shop at age 14.{{sfn|Macfarlane|2009|p=11}}{{sfn|Grudens|2004|pp=63–69}} One of Como's regular customers at the barber shop owned a Greek coffeehouse that included a barber shop area, and asked Como whether he would like to take over that portion of his shop. Como had so much work after moving to the coffeehouse, he had to hire two barbers to help. His customers worked mainly at the nearby steel mills. They were well-paid, did not mind spending money on themselves, and enjoyed Como's song renditions. He did especially well when one of his customers would marry. The groom and his men would avail themselves of every treatment Como and his assistants had to offer. Como sang romantic songs while busying himself with the groom as the other two barbers worked with the rest of the groom's party. During the wedding preparation, the groom's friends and relatives would come into the shop with gifts of money for Como. He became so popular as a "wedding barber" in the Greek community that he was asked to provide his services in Pittsburgh and throughout Ohio.<ref name=Story2/>

==Singing career==

===Freddy Carlone and Ted Weems===
In 1932, Como left Canonsburg, moving about 100 miles away to [[Meadville, Pennsylvania]], where his uncle had a barber shop in the [[Conneaut Lake Park|Hotel Conneaut]]. About 80 miles from Cleveland, it was a popular stop on the itinerary for dance bands who worked up and down the Ohio Valley. Como, his girlfriend Roselle, and their friends had gone to nearby Cleveland; their good times took them to the Silver Slipper Ballroom, where Freddy Carlone and his orchestra were playing. Carlone invited anyone who thought he might have talent to come up and sing with his band. Como was terrified, but his friends urged him and pushed him onto the stage. Carlone was so impressed with Como's performance that he immediately offered him a job.<ref name = "Perry"/>

Como was not certain if he should accept Carlone's offer, so he returned to Canonsburg to talk the matter over with his father. Como expected his father would tell him to stay in the barber business, but to Como's surprise, his father said if he did not take the opportunity, he might never know whether or not Como could be a professional singer.<ref name = "Perry"/> The decision was also made with an eye on finances; at this time, Como was earning around $125 per week from his barber shop, while the job with Carlone paid $28 per week.<ref name="Turns Down">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8h0fAAAAIBAJ&pg=7237,2740891&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Perry Como Turns Down $250,000 A Year To Relax |date=January 25, 1955 |page=9 |last=Boyle |first=Hal |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |access-date=May 4, 2010 |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105030039/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8h0fAAAAIBAJ&pg=7237,2740891&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Roselle was willing to travel with her fiancé and the band, but the salary was not enough to support two people on the road.{{sfn|Macfarlane|2009|p=14}} Perry and Roselle were married in Meadville on July 31, 1933; four days later, Como joined Carlone's band and began working with them.<ref name="Relaxation">{{cite news |last1=Shapiro |first1=Stephanie |title=Chairman of the Leisure Board's Fine: Pop music: After 59 years in the business, Perry Como isn't about to retire. 'Mr. Relaxation' is still touring—and charming a new generation of fans. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-12-22-ca-2593-story.html |access-date=September 7, 2018 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=December 22, 1992 |archive-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620141139/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-12-22-ca-2593-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Met">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=W08fAAAAIBAJ&pg=3838,3975147&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=The Day I Met Perry Como |date=October 29, 1972 |last=Leary |first=Norma |newspaper=[[The Daytona Beach News-Journal|Daytona Beach Morning Journal]] |access-date=May 4, 2010}}</ref> Roselle returned home to Canonsburg; Como would be on the road for the next 18 months.<ref name="Shave">{{cite news |title=Close Shave For Crooner |last=Foster |first=Ernest |date=July 9, 1944 |newspaper=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|Milwaukee Journal]]}}</ref>
[[File:Perry como 1939 weems.JPG|left|thumb|Como in 1939, when he was with the Ted Weems Orchestra]]
Three years after joining Carlone, Como moved to [[Ted Weems]]'s Orchestra and his first recording dates.<ref name="Anniversary2"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTXL1sFhpDs | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017180556/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTXL1sFhpDs| archive-date=October 17, 2013 | url-status=dead|title=Ted Weems Orchestra with Perry Como "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now" |year=1939 |publisher=YouTube}}</ref> Como and Weems met in 1936 while the Carlone orchestra was playing in [[Warren, Ohio]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WbtJAAAAIBAJ&pg=4944,3905341&dq=elmo+tanner&hl=en |title=Perry Como, With Weems Show, Gives Palace Fans 5 Encores |date=December 11, 1940 |last=Mulcahy |first=Charles J. |newspaper=[[The Vindicator (Ohio newspaper)|Youngstown Vindicator]] |access-date=January 24, 2011 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220050847/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WbtJAAAAIBAJ&pg=4944,3905341&dq=elmo+tanner&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Como initially did not take the offer to join Weems's orchestra. Apparently realizing it was the best move for Como, Carlone selflessly urged him to sign with Weems.<ref name="Started">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FzEsAAAAIBAJ&pg=7136,6423077&dq=como+shaves&hl=en |title=Perry Como Started Out To Be Barber |page=A5 |date=October 28, 1951 |newspaper=[[Spartanburg Herald-Journal]] |access-date=February 28, 2020 |archive-date=April 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429183957/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FzEsAAAAIBAJ&pg=7136,6423077&dq=como+shaves&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Art Jarrett]] had just left the Weems organization to start his own band. Weems was in need of a vocalist; Como got a raise. Weems paid him $50 per week, his first chance for nationwide exposure. Weems and his orchestra were based in Chicago and were regulars on ''[[The Jack Benny Program]]'' and ''[[Fibber McGee and Molly]]''.<ref name=kennedy/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.redhotjazz.com/weems.html |title=Ted Weems and his Orchestra |publisher=RedHot Jazz.com |access-date=May 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110125003448/http://www.redhotjazz.com/weems.html |archive-date=January 25, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Fibber">{{cite web |url=http://www.richsamuels.com/nbcmm/jordans/audio/fmm193710113.ram |title=Audio file-Perry Como with Ted Weems Orchestra singing "Cabin of Dreams" on the NBC ''Fibber McGee & Molly'' show |date=October 11, 1937 |access-date=April 25, 2010 |archive-date=November 3, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051103190603/http://www.richsamuels.com/nbcmm/jordans/audio/fmm193710113.ram |url-status=live }}([[RealPlayer]])</ref> The Weems band also had its own weekly radio program on the [[Mutual Broadcasting System]] during 1936–1937.<ref name="Radio">{{cite book |editor-first=John |editor-last=Dunning |title=On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fi5wPDBiGfMC&dq=%22Ted+Weems%22+%22Perry+Como%22&pg=PA72 |section=Band Remotes |access-date= April 7, 2010 |date=May 7, 1998 |publisher=Oxford University Press, U.S.| isbn=978-0-19-507678-3 |page=72}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XZtXAAAAIBAJ&pg=700,1934398&dq=elmo+tanner&hl=en |title=Mr. Weems' Mr. Gibbs Comes Home, Tells All |last=Cochran |first=Marie |date=March 26, 1937 |newspaper=[[The Toledo News-Bee]] |access-date=January 24, 2011 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161640/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XZtXAAAAIBAJ&pg=700,1934398&dq=elmo+tanner&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

From the show, Como acquired polish and his own style with Weems's help. Mutual's Chicago affiliate, [[WGN (AM)|WGN]] radio, threatened to stop carrying the Weems broadcasts from Chicago's [[Palmer House Hilton|Palmer House]] if his new singer did not improve. Weems had recordings of some of his previous radio programs; one evening he and Como listened to them, and Como was shocked to realize no one could understand the lyrics when he sang. Weems told Como there was no need for him to resort to vocal tricks; what was necessary was to sing from the heart.<ref>Simon, Inside the Big Bands-Ted Weems</ref><ref name="Bloom2005">{{cite book |editor1-last=Bloom |editor1-first=Ken |editor2-last=Feinstein |editor2-first=Michael |title=The American Songbook: The Singers, the Songwriters, and the Songs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=02UzLwNB_jMC&pg=PA29 |access-date=March 30, 2011 |date=January 2005 |publisher=Black Dog & Leventhal| isbn=978-1-57912-448-9 |page=29}}</ref>

Como's first recording with the Weems band was a novelty tune called "You Can't Pull the Wool Over My Eyes", recorded for the [[Decca Records]] label in May 1936. During one of Como's early Decca recording sessions with the Weems orchestra, Weems was told to get rid of "that kid" (Como) because he sounded too much like Bing Crosby, who also recorded for Decca. Before Como could reply, Weems spoke up, saying Como was part of the session or it was over.<ref name="Fifty"/> By the time Como had been with Weems about a year, he was mentioned in a 1937 ''Life'' magazine NBC Radio ad for ''Fibber McGee and Molly'' as "causing cardiac flutters with his crooning".<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gUsEAAAAMBAJ&q=perry+como+ted+weems&pg=PA7 |title=Monday Night Comes To Life |date=April 12, 1937 |magazine=[[Life (magazine)|Life]] |access-date=February 28, 2020}}</ref> The weekly radio show, ''[[Beat the Band]]'', which ran on NBC from 1940 to 1944, was a "stump the band"-type musical quiz show on which Weems and his orchestra were featured from 1940 to 1941.<ref>Dunning, op. cit., [https://books.google.com/books?id=Fi5wPDBiGfMC&dq=%22Beat+The+Band+musical%22&pg=PA75 "Beat the Band" p. 75]</ref>

===RCA Victor and radio===
[[File:Perry Como Chicago arrival 1947.JPG|thumb|Arriving in Chicago for shows in 1947, Como is met by his fans who get a hair trim along with a song.]]

The Comos' first child, Ronnie, was born in 1940, while the Weems band was working in Chicago. Como left to be at his wife's side, though he was threatened with dismissal if he did so.<ref name = "Roselle"/> Though Como was now making $250 a week and travel expenses for the family were no problem, Ronnie could not become used to a normal routine when they were unable to stay in one place for a period of time. The radio program ''Beat the Band'' did not always originate from Chicago, but was often broadcast from other cities such as Milwaukee, Denver, and St. Louis. The band continued to play road engagements while part of the program was broadcast.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://radiogoldin.library.umkc.edu/Home/RadioGoldin_Records?searchString=Beat%20The%20Band&type=Programs |title=list of 'Beat the Band' episodes |last=Goldin |first=David |publisher=RadioGold |date=February 23, 2020 |access-date=February 28, 2020 |archive-date=February 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215150611/http://radiogoldindex.com/cgi-local/p2.cgi?ProgramName=Beat+The+Band |url-status=live }}</ref> Como decided life on the road was no place to raise a child, and Roselle and the baby went back to Canonsburg.

In late 1942, Como decided to quit the Weems band, even if it meant giving up singing.<ref name="Shave"/> Weary of life on the road and missing his wife and son, he returned to Canonsburg, his family, and his trade.<ref name="Cool">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2bQRAAAAIBAJ&pg=2451,3760562&dq=perry+como&hl=en |page=67 |title=Cool, calm singer Perry Como just missed being a barber |date=August 25, 1985 |last=Thomas |first=Bob |newspaper=[[The Gainesville Sun]] |access-date=May 7, 2010 |archive-date=April 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401085435/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2bQRAAAAIBAJ&pg=2451,3760562&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Como received an offer to become a [[Frank Sinatra]] imitator, but chose to keep his own style.<ref>{{cite news |title=Perry Como Sings For His Supper |date=June 23, 1946 |last=Daniel |first=Jesse |newspaper=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|Milwaukee Journal]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZjArAAAAIBAJ&pg=5309,935464&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Perry Como Abjured Imitation, Rose to Top on His Own Merits |date=January 7, 1947 |newspaper=Montreal Gazette |access-date=June 24, 2010 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220050256/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZjArAAAAIBAJ&pg=5309,935464&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> While Como was negotiating for a store lease to reopen a barber shop, he received a call from Tommy Rockwell at General Artists Corporation, who also represented Weems. Como fielded many other calls that also brought offers, but he liked and trusted Rockwell, who was offering him his own sustaining (unsponsored) [[CBS|Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS)]] radio show and promising to get him a recording contract.<ref name=Sher/> The offers were also appealing because it meant staying put in New York with no more road tours.<ref name="Started"/><ref name="Macfarlane, p. 246">Macfarlane, p. 246</ref> As Como pondered the job offer, Roselle told him, "You can always get another barber shop if it doesn't work out!"<ref name="Anniversary2"/><ref name="Early Bio"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1991/01/04/perry-como-still-relaxed-singing-to-sold-out-house/ |title=Perry Como Still Relaxed, Singing To Sold-out House |date=January 4, 1991 |last=Eyeman |first=Scott |newspaper=[[Orlando Sentinel]] |access-date=May 4, 2010}}</ref> Until the radio show and recording contract offers, he did not view singing as his true career, believing the years with Carlone and Weems had been enjoyable but now it was time to get back to work. Como said in a 1983 interview, "I thought I'd have my fun and I'd go home to work."<ref name="Fifty"/><ref name="Chopin">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=d7keAAAAIBAJ&pg=6723,911556&dq=perry+como+rca&hl=en |title=Chopin Tune Helped Bring Fame to Perry Como |page=58 |last=Laffler |first=William D. |date=August 21, 1983 |newspaper=Sarasota Herald-Tribune |access-date=November 25, 2010 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161653/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=d7keAAAAIBAJ&pg=6723,911556&dq=perry+como+rca&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

Perry made his debut radio broadcast for CBS on March 12, 1943.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mcMwAAAAIBAJ&pg=3195,140022&dq=perry+como+build+up&hl=en |title=The Drama Desk |last=Cohen |first=Harold V. |date=March 5, 1943 |newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |access-date=December 2, 2010 |archive-date=April 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429225813/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mcMwAAAAIBAJ&pg=3195,140022&dq=perry+como+build+up&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Rockwell's next move was to book Como into the [[Copacabana (nightclub)|Copacabana nightclub]] for two weeks beginning on June 10, 1943.<ref name="Macfarlane, p. 246"/> At this same time, [[RCA Victor]] was looking for a crooner to compete with Sinatra and Crosby; Como signed his first recording contract with RCA Victor and three days after that, cut his first record for the company, "Goodbye, Sue".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kokomo.ca/early_years/goodbye_sue.htm |title=Goodbye, Sue |website=Kokomo |access-date=November 23, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418111650/http://kokomo.ca/early_years/goodbye_sue.htm |archive-date=April 18, 2012 }}</ref> It was the beginning of a professional relationship that lasted for 44 years.<ref name="Anniversary2"/>{{sfn|Grudens|2004|pp=63–69}}<ref>Macfarlane, p. 31</ref> He became a very successful performer in theater and nightclub engagements; Como's initial two weeks at the Copacabana in June stretched into August.<ref>Mcfarlane. p. 31, p. 246</ref> Sinatra would sometimes call Como and ask him to fill in for him at his [[Paramount Theatre (New York City)|Paramount Theater]] performances.<ref name="Sinatra">{{cite book |last=Sinatra |first=Nancy |title=Frank Sinatra, My Father |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9EiE2i6i-PUC&pg=PA47 |access-date=April 7, 2010 |year=1986 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-0-671-62508-5 |page=47}}</ref>

The [[Crooner|crooning]] craze was at its height during this time, and the "[[Bobby-soxer|bobby soxer]]" and "swooner" teenaged girls who were wild about Sinatra added Como to their list. A "swooners" club voted Perry "Crooner of the Year" in 1943.<ref name="Swoon">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nDUbAAAAIBAJ&pg=2511,6334422&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Teenage Girls Choose Como as 'Crooner of Year' |date=September 19, 1943 |newspaper=Pittsburgh Press |access-date=May 7, 2010}}</ref> The line for a Perry Como Paramount performance was three deep and wound around the city block. Como's popularity also extended to a more mature audience when he played the Versailles and returned to the Copacabana, where the management placed "SRO-Swooning Ruled Out" cards on their tables.<ref name="Rivals2"/><ref name="Swoon"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bigbandsandbignames.com/perrycomo.html |title=Perry Como Set to Croon at the Versailles |date=February 16, 1944 |last=Dana |first=Robert |website=Craig's Big Bands and Big Names |access-date=May 8, 2010 |archive-date=September 18, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918090439/http://bigbandsandbignames.com/perrycomo.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Doug Storer, who was an advertising manager with the Blackman Company at the time, became convinced of Como's abilities after hearing him on his unsponsored CBS Radio show. Storer produced a demonstration radio program recording with Como and the Mitchell Ayres Orchestra, which he brought to the advertising agency that handled the Chesterfield Cigarettes account. Initially, the agency liked the format of the show, but wanted someone else as the star, asking Storer to obtain the release of the singer they preferred, so he would be free for their new program. Storer decided to do nothing about getting the singer released from his contract. When he was contacted by the agency some weeks later, saying they were ready to put the program on the air on NBC, Storer bluntly told them the man for their show was the man they had heard on the demo recording. The program was scheduled to make its debut in a week; the only option was to hire Como for the show. Storer then arranged for Como's release from his CBS contract.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sLhaAAAAIBAJ&pg=5363,3399391&dq=perry+como+fifty&hl=en |title=Doing it his way paid off for famous trio |last=Storer |first=Doug |date=October 14, 1983 |newspaper=[[Evening Independent|St. Petersburg Independent]] |access-date=April 1, 2011 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220111902/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sLhaAAAAIBAJ&pg=5363,3399391&dq=perry+como+fifty&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> On December 11, 1944, he moved from CBS to [[NBC]] for a new radio program, ''[[Chesterfield Supper Club]]''.<ref name="Armed forces">{{cite book |last=Mackenzie |first=Harry |title=The Directory of the Armed Forces Radio Service Series |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L3WyZ9A4_XEC&pg=PA87 |access-date=April 14, 2010 |year=1999 |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |isbn=978-0-313-30812-3 |page=87}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/140559553/?terms=como%2Bsupper%2Bclub |title=New Supper Club Show Displaces Johnny Mercer |date=December 10, 1944 |publisher=St. Louis Dispatch |page=67 |access-date=January 5, 2017 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=January 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106011900/https://www.newspapers.com/image/140559553/?terms=como%2Bsupper%2Bclub |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Supper Club"/>

[[File:Perry Como and songwriters reps Chesterfield Supper Club.JPG|thumb|Como meeting with songwriters' representatives in the "Supper Club" studio. He met with the "song pluggers" every Wednesday following the West Coast broadcast of ''Chesterfield Supper Club''.]]

The April 5, 1946, broadcasts of the ''Chesterfield Supper Club'' took place 20,000 feet in the air; these were the first known instances of a complete radio show being presented from an airplane. Como, [[Jo Stafford]], the Lloyd Shaffer Orchestra, and the entire "Supper Club" crew made the flights for the shows.<ref>Macfarlane, p. 249</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iuMcAAAAIBAJ&pg=1527,6651826&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Big Plane To Serve As Broadcast Studio |date=March 28, 1946 |newspaper=Sarasota Herald-Tribune |access-date=October 24, 2010 |archive-date=November 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127060023/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iuMcAAAAIBAJ&pg=1527,6651826&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Two "Supper Club" broadcast flights were made that evening: at 6 pm and again at 10 pm for the West Coast broadcast of the show. Three flights were made; an earlier rehearsal flight was made for reception purposes.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2018/New%20York%20NY%20PM%20%20Daily/New%20York%20NY%20PM%20Daily%201946/New%20York%20NY%20PM%20Daily%201946%20-%201933.pdf#xml=http://www.fultonhistory.com/dtSearch/dtisapi6.dll?cmd=getpdfhits&u=3e2bbb88&DocId=2579687&Index=Z%3a%5cIndex%20I%2dE%2dV&HitCount=4&hits=650+651+7ff+800+&SearchForm=C%3a%5cinetpub%5cwwwroot%5cFulton%5fNew%5fform%2ehtml&.pdf |title=Perry Como Goes to a Party |date=April 9, 1946 |last=Peck |first=Seymour |newspaper=[[PM (newspaper)|PM]] |location=New York |access-date=February 28, 2020 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924020455/http://www.fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2018/New%20York%20NY%20PM%20%20Daily/New%20York%20NY%20PM%20Daily%201946/New%20York%20NY%20PM%20Daily%201946%20-%201933.pdf#xml=http://www.fultonhistory.com/dtSearch/dtisapi6.dll?cmd=getpdfhits&u=3e2bbb88&DocId=2579687&Index=Z%3a%5cIndex%20I%2dE%2dV&HitCount=4&hits=650+651+7ff+800+&SearchForm=C%3a%5cinetpub%5cwwwroot%5cFulton%5fNew%5fform%2ehtml&.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition to the band instruments, the plane also carried a small piano. Because the stand-held microphones were not very useful on the plane, hand-held mikes were used, but <!-- due to the cabin pressure, --> they became extremely heavy to hold after a few minutes.<ref>{{cite news |title=Flyin' High |author=BCL |date=April 8, 1946 |newspaper=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|Milwaukee Journal]]}}</ref> This mid-air performance caused the [[American Federation of Musicians]] to consider this a new type of engagement and issue a special set of rates for it.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JBoEAAAAMBAJ&q=chesterfield+supper+club+airplane&pg=PT15 |title=Stratosphere Date For 'Club'; Jittery Cast Is Insured |date=March 30, 1946 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=June 28, 2010}}</ref>

From 1989 until his death in 2001, Como co-hosted a weekly [[Broadcast syndication|syndicated]] radio show with John Knox called ''Weekend With Perry''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://archives.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/Music/05/12/como.obit/ |title=Singer Perry Como dead at 88 |date=May 13, 2001 |work=[[CNN]] |access-date=April 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060211021941/http://archives.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/Music/05/12/como.obit/ |archive-date=February 11, 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wZczV8ZxgL4C&q=chesterfield+supper+club&pg=PA103 |title=American national biography: Supplement issue 2 |editor1-last=Carnes |editor1-first=Mark C. |year=2005 |pages=103–104 |publisher=Oxford University Press USA |isbn=978-0195222029 |access-date=February 28, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2010/dec/20/a-gift-to-the-community-a-perry-como-christmas-spe/ |title=A gift to the community, A Perry Como Christmas Special |date=December 20, 2010 |newspaper=[[TC Palm|Jupiter Courrier]] |access-date=February 28, 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318065509/http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2010/dec/20/a-gift-to-the-community-a-perry-como-christmas-spe/ |archive-date=March 18, 2012}}</ref>

===Como in concert===
Como had not made a nightclub appearance in 26 years when he accepted an engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas in June 1970, which also resulted in his first "live" album, ''[[Perry Como in Person at the International Hotel, Las Vegas]]''.<ref name="Return">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MzMsAAAAIBAJ&pg=4845,4281437&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Como Return a Triumph |date=November 21, 1970 |page=3 |last=O'Brian |first=Jack |publisher=Spartanburg Herald-Journal |access-date=May 7, 2010 |archive-date=April 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429183957/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MzMsAAAAIBAJ&pg=4845,4281437&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Ray Charles (musician, born 1918)|Ray Charles]], whose [[Ray Charles Singers]] were heard with Como for over 35 years, formed a special edition of the vocal group for Como's Vegas opening. Como had last appeared at New York's [[Copacabana (nightclub)|Copacabana]] in 1944.{{sfn|Grudens|2004|pp=63–69}}<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wCkEAAAAMBAJ&q=perry+como+intitle%3Abillboard&pg=PA50-IA12 |title=Perry Likes to Sing; Dean Has a comedy Fling |page=50 |date=September 19, 1970 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |issn=0006-2510 |access-date=April 30, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TlAxAAAAIBAJ&pg=7432,8840606&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Living Is Enjoying What You Do: Como |date=June 22, 1970 |page=4 |last=Boyle |first=Hal |newspaper=Ocala Star-Banner |access-date=May 4, 2010 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161642/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TlAxAAAAIBAJ&pg=7432,8840606&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Grey">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=m4gfAAAAIBAJ&pg=817,135310&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Como, 58 and Grey, in first Night Club Stint in 26 Years |date=July 1, 1970 |page=13 |newspaper=[[The Daytona Beach News-Journal|Daytona Beach Morning Journal]] |access-date=May 4, 2010 |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105030039/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=m4gfAAAAIBAJ&pg=817,135310&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Como continued to do periodic engagements in Las Vegas and [[Lake Tahoe, Nevada|Lake Tahoe]], limiting his nightclub appearances to Nevada.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Bw8EAAAAMBAJ&q=perry+como+intitle%3Abillboard&pg=PA24 |title=3 Old Pros-Tony, Vic and Perry Improve MOR's Appearance |page=24 |date=November 4, 1972 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |issn=0006-2510 |access-date=April 30, 2010}}</ref>

Performing live again brought Como a new sense of enjoyment. In May 1974, he embarked on his first concert appearance outside the U.S., a show at the [[London Palladium]] for the [[Variety, the Children's Charity|Variety Club]] of Great Britain to aid children's charities.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.kokomo.ca/harry_smith/chapters/a_charity_feast_with_perry_como.htm |title=A Charity Feast with Perry Como |journal=Kokomo |access-date=April 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305162554/http://www.kokomo.ca/harry_smith/chapters/a_charity_feast_with_perry_como.htm |archive-date=March 5, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.kokomo.ca/harry_smith/photo_pages/hs/variety_club_1974_ticket.htm |title=Copy of Variety Club ticket |journal=Kokomo |access-date=April 10, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305162604/http://www.kokomo.ca/harry_smith/photo_pages/hs/variety_club_1974_ticket.htm |archive-date=March 5, 2012}}</ref> It was here where he discovered what he had been missing when the audience cheered for ten minutes after he walked onstage. At the show's end, Como sat in a chair, delightedly chatting back and forth with his equally delighted fans.<ref name="Fishing"/> Perry returned to the United Kingdom in November for a ''[[Royal Variety Performance]]'' to benefit the [[Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund]] with [[Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother]] in attendance.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.kokomo.ca/harry_smith/photo_pages/hs/variety_1.htm |title=Royal Performance information |journal=Kokomo |access-date=April 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801070216/http://www.kokomo.ca/harry_smith/photo_pages/hs/variety_1.htm |archive-date=August 1, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.kokomo.ca/harry_smith/photo_pages/hs/variety_1.htm |title=The Royal Variety Performance |journal=Kokomo |access-date=April 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801070216/http://www.kokomo.ca/harry_smith/photo_pages/hs/variety_1.htm |archive-date= August 1, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eabf.org.uk/royal-variety-performance/archive/1970s/1974 |title=Royal Variety Performance |year=1974 |publisher=Entertainment Artistes Benevolent Fund |access-date=January 22, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120163249/http://www.eabf.org.uk/royal-variety-performance/archive/1970s/1974 |archive-date=January 20, 2016 }}</ref> Como was invited to visit [[Buckingham Palace]] the day after the show. At first, the invitation did not extend to his associates traveling and working with him, and Como politely declined.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lvgeAAAAIBAJ&pg=7039,1251576&dq=harry+sobol+como&hl=en|title=Perry Shatters London Audience, Also Protocol |last=O'Brian |first=Jack |date=December 5, 1974 |page=31 |newspaper=Sarasota Journal |access-date=November 29, 2010}}</ref> When word reached the Palace regarding the reason for Perry's turning down the invitation, it was then extended to include the entire Como party and Como accepted.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AtFOAAAAIBAJ&pg=5499,6008560&dq=perry+como+queen&hl=en |title=Off the Grapevine |page=82 |date=November 27, 1974 |last=O'Brian |first=Jack |newspaper=Toledo Blade |access-date=April 1, 2011 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161644/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AtFOAAAAIBAJ&pg=5499,6008560&dq=perry+como+queen&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Soon after, he announced his first concert tour that began in the UK in the spring of 1975.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fQkEAAAAMBAJ&q=perry+como+intitle%3Abillboard&pg=PA56 |title=Como UK Tour His First Ever |page=56 |date=December 7, 1974 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |issn=0006-2510 |access-date=April 30, 2010}}</ref>

In 1982, Como and Frank Sinatra were invited to entertain Italian President [[Sandro Pertini]] at a [[White House]] state dinner when he made an official visit. President Pertini enjoyed their performance enough to join them in singing "Santa Lucia".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RRtKAAAAIBAJ&pg=4995,6139554&dq=perry+como+frank+sinatra&hl=en |title=Sinatra, Como White House Hit |date=March 26, 1982 |page=2 |newspaper=The Press-Courier |location=Oxnard, Calif |agency=[[Associated Press]] |access-date=November 25, 2010 |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105030039/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RRtKAAAAIBAJ&pg=4995,6139554&dq=perry+como+frank+sinatra&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> The pair reprised this routine the next year in California as part of the entertainment for [[Queen Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth]]'s Royal visit.<ref name="Fifty"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TTwaAAAAIBAJ&pg=5770,4154691&dq=perry+como+frank+sinatra+queen&hl=en |title=Hollywood stars treat the queen like 'royalty' |page=23 |date=February 28, 1983 |newspaper=Spokane Chronicle |access-date=November 25, 2010 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161646/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TTwaAAAAIBAJ&pg=5770,4154691&dq=perry+como+frank+sinatra+queen&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Perry was on the program by special request of the Queen.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0Ow9AAAAIBAJ&pg=1517,9732&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Mixed reviews for Queen in Hollywood |page=1 |last=Sharp |first=Rhoderick |date=March 1, 1983 |publisher=The Glasgow Herald |access-date=December 2, 2010 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220111902/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0Ow9AAAAIBAJ&pg=1517%2C9732&dq=perry%20como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-9ZOAAAAIBAJ&pg=3239,7122564&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Royalty will visit |date=February 26, 1983 |page=16 |publisher=Star-News |location=Wilmington, NC |access-date=December 2, 2010 |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=April 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429225814/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-9ZOAAAAIBAJ&pg=3239,7122564&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1984, Como traveled the US with his 50th Anniversary tour. Having spent most of his professional life in radio or recording studios and on television soundstages, he was enjoying doing live performances.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=kpAzAAAAIBAJ&pg=6951,763253&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=50 years later, Perry Como's still a big hit |date=August 17, 1984 |last1=Cranford |first1=Beaufort |last2=McFarlin |first2=Jim |page=39 |newspaper=[[Deseret News]] |access-date=May 4, 2010 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161642/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=kpAzAAAAIBAJ&pg=6951,763253&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Even after his 80th birthday, Como continued the concert tours.<ref name="Perry">{{cite news |url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1993-01-24/news/9301210863_1_perry-como-christmas-charles-fishman |title=A Few Moments With Perry Como |date=January 24, 1993 |last=Fishman |first=Charles |newspaper=[[Orlando Sentinel]] |access-date=April 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308180207/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1993-01-24/news/9301210863_1_perry-como-christmas-charles-fishman |archive-date=March 8, 2016 }}</ref><ref name="Concert">{{cite news |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1992/12/25/on-the-concert-trail-with-mr-c/ |title=On the Concert Trail With Mr. C. |date=December 25, 1992 |last=Corr |first=John |newspaper=[[Orlando Sentinel]] |access-date=April 30, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308175923/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1992-12-25/entertainment/9212240239_1_perry-como-barber-rca |archive-date=March 8, 2016}}</ref> Gone, however, were the [[Cardigan (sweater)|cardigan sweaters]] which had been a staple of his weekly television shows, and which he had actually hated wearing. Como now performed in a [[Black tie|tuxedo]], saying, "It shows respect for the audience."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-07-31-ca-5484-story.html |title=Life On The Road Brings Como This Way Again |date=July 31, 1985 |last=Hawn |first=Jack |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=April 30, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160309051412/http://articles.latimes.com/1985-07-31/entertainment/ca-5484_1_perry-como |archive-date=March 9, 2016 }}</ref>
<ref name="Sweaters">{{cite news |title=It's impossible! Perry Como actually hated those sweaters |date=July 24, 1985| newspaper=Milwaukee Journal |pages=1–2}}</ref>

The return to live appearances also provided Como with an opportunity to have a little fun with his "Mister Nice Guy" image in a song Ray Charles and [[Nick Perito]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2005/08/16/Composer-Nick-Perito-dead-at-81/UPI-15851124212822 |title=Composer Nick Perito dead at 81 |date=August 3, 2005 |publisher=United Press International |access-date=April 4, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303194614/http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2005/08/16/Composer-Nick-Perito-dead-at-81/UPI-15851124212822 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://theperrycomoappreciationsociety.webs.com/thecomoteam.htm |title=The Como Team |website=Perry Como Appreciation Society |access-date=June 28, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100513232232/http://theperrycomoappreciationsociety.webs.com/thecomoteam.htm |archive-date=May 13, 2010 }}</ref> his closest collaborator since 1963,<ref name="Allmusic Perito">{{AllMusic |class=artist |id=p113573 |tab=biography |label=Nick Perito |first=Jason |last=Ankeny |access-date=March 30, 2011}}</ref> wrote and composed for him:<ref name="Cool"/><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.kokomo.ca/album_24.htm |title=Perry Como in Person at the International Hotel, Las Vegas |year=1970 |journal=Kokomo |access-date=June 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130801071615/http://www.kokomo.ca/album_24.htm |archive-date=August 1, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://kokomo.ca/pop_standards/if_i_could_almost_read_your_mind_1970.htm |title=If I Could Almost Read Your Mind Lyrics |journal=Kokomo |access-date=June 20, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325052030/http://kokomo.ca/pop_standards/if_i_could_almost_read_your_mind_1970.htm |archive-date=March 25, 2012 }}</ref><br>
{{blockquote
|text=<poem style="font-size:100%; line-height: 1.51em;">It doesn't take a guy equipped with ESP
To see what's cookin' with your curiosity!
Is "Mister Nice Guy" just a press agent's pitch?
His dearest friends say he's a ...<br>
You never thought you'd see me in Las Vegas "live"
I haven't played a "club" since 1885!
It's spelled out in dollar signs (you better believe it!)
I can almost read your minds!<br>
</poem>
|author=Nick Perito and Ray Charles
|source="If I Could Almost Read Your Mind"}}

===Vocal characteristics===
Como credited Bing Crosby for influencing his voice and style.<ref name = "Pop">{{Citation |editor-last=Hemming |editor-first=Roy |editor2-last=Hajdu |editor2-first = David |editor2-link=David Hajdu | title = Discovering Great Singers of Classic Pop: A New Listener's Guide to the Sounds and Lives of the Top Performers |date=June 23, 1999 |pages= 130–133 |publisher=Newmarket Press |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zbYtmOIHvfcC&q=perry+como&pg=PA130 | isbn=978-1557041487 |access-date=February 28, 2020}}</ref><ref name=pop40t1B>{{Pop Chronicles 40s |1|B}}  Como interviewed [https://findingaids.library.unt.edu/?p=collections/findingaid&id=959&q=&rootcontentid=204947 1971 August 26.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207074429/https://findingaids.library.unt.edu/?p=collections/findingaid&id=959&q=&rootcontentid=204947 |date=February 7, 2020 }}</ref> Como's voice is known for its good-natured vocal acrobatics as portrayed in his novelty songs such as "[[Hot Diggity (Dog Ziggity Boom)]]", but there was another side to Como. Music critic [[Gene Lees]] describes it in his [[Liner notes|sleeve note]] to Como's 1968 album ''Look To Your Heart'':<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kokomo.ca/_private/album222.htm |title=''Look to Your Heart''-Liner Notes |last=Lees |first=Gene |publisher=RCA Victor |year=1968 |access-date=June 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130801083542/http://www.kokomo.ca/_private/album222.htm |archive-date=August 1, 2013 }}</ref>
<blockquote>
Despite his immense popularity, Como is rarely given credit for what, once you stop and think of it, he so clearly is: one of the great singers and one of the great artists of our time.

Perhaps the reason people rarely talk about his formidable attributes as a singer is that he makes so little fuss about them. That celebrated ease of his has been too little understood. Ease in any art is the result of mastery over the details of the craft. You get them together to the point where you can forget about how you do things and concentrate on what you are doing. Como got them together so completely that the muscles don't even show. It seems effortless, but a good deal of effort has gone into making it seem so. Como is known to be meticulous about rehearsal of the material for an album. He tries things out in different keys, gives the song thought, makes suggestions, tries it again, and again, until he is satisfied. The hidden work makes him look like Mr. Casual, and too many people are taken in by it—but happily so.

—Gene Lees, sleeve note, ''Look To Your Heart''
</blockquote>

==Film career==
[[File:Como fox publicity photo.JPG|thumb|upright|Fox publicity photo of Perry Como]]
Como's Hollywood-type good looks earned him a seven-year contract with [[20th Century-Fox]] in 1943. He made four films for Fox, ''[[Something for the Boys (film)|Something for the Boys]]'' (1944), ''March of Time'' (1945), ''[[Doll Face]]'' (1945),<ref name="Hoofing">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1144&dat=19450930&id=V-UdAAAAIBAJ&pg=2583,4727728 |title=Canonsburg Barber is Hoofing Now |date=September 30, 1945 |last=Garrison |first=Maxine |page=42 |newspaper=Pittsburgh Press |access-date=May 3, 2010 |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426124441/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1144&dat=19450930&id=V-UdAAAAIBAJ&pg=2583%2C4727728 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name = "Hubba">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPoZeeOuY5s | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115142413/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPoZeeOuY5s| archive-date=November 15, 2011 | url-status=dead|title=Perry Como and Martha Stewart sing "Hubba, Hubba, Hubba" |publisher=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/details/dollface |title=''Doll Face''-Full Movie Download |year=1945 |publisher=Internet Archives |access-date=June 7, 2010}}</ref> and ''[[If I'm Lucky (film)|If I'm Lucky]]'' (1946). He also appeared in a single film for [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]], ''[[Words and Music (1948 film)|Words and Music]]'' (1948). Como never appeared to be truly comfortable in films, feeling the roles assigned him did not match his personality.<ref name="Films"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=u1EgAAAAIBAJ&pg=1558,6757143&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Perry Como Is Contented, Relaxed |date=October 9, 1954 |page=40 |newspaper=[[The Daytona Beach News-Journal|Daytona Beach Morning Journal]] |access-date=May 3, 2010 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161643/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=u1EgAAAAIBAJ&pg=1558,6757143&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Sher>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13968575/he_got_rich_quick/ |title=He Got Rich Quick |date=March 23, 1947 |last=Sher |first=Jack |newspaper=[[Cincinnati Enquirer]] |page=136 |access-date=September 23, 2017 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924225922/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13968575/he_got_rich_quick/ |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref>

A Hollywood press agent sought to alter Como's life story by changing his previous occupation from barber to coal miner, claiming it would make for better press.<ref name="Hoofing"/> Fred Othman, a Hollywood columnist, publicly stated that he believed Como the barber was just a publicity gimmick. Como gave him a shave and haircut at the Fox Studios barber shop to prove him wrong.<ref name="Chopin"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://post-gazette.newspapers.com/newspage/90036255/ |title=Canonsburg Barber Still In A-1 Shape |last=Othman |first=Frederick C. |page=12 |date=June 17, 1944 |newspaper=Pittsburgh Post Gazette |access-date=September 17, 2025 |archive-date=September 17, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250917193605/https://post-gazette.newspapers.com/newspage/90036255/ |url-status=live }} {{small|''(expand the "Extracted Article Text" section)''}}</ref> In 1985, Como related the story of his first film role experience in ''Something for the Boys''. He sat ready to work in his dressing room for two weeks without being called. Como spent the next two weeks playing golf, still not missed by the studio.<ref name = "Cool"/> It was five weeks before he was actually called to the set, despite the studio's initial urgent report for work notice. When Como finally appeared, the director had no idea who he was.<ref name="Better"/>

At the time Como was signed, [[musical film]]s were on the wane and he became a studio contract player, where the actors or actresses worked only when the studio needed to fill out a schedule.<ref name="Better">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=i3cjAAAAIBAJ&pg=861,3272448&dq=perry+como+director&hl=en |title=Perry's Doing a Bit Better, These Days |date=January 21, 1960 |page=8 |last=Thomas |first=Bob |newspaper=[[The Daytona Beach News-Journal|Daytona Beach Morning Journal]] |access-date=May 4, 2010 |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426124441/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=i3cjAAAAIBAJ&pg=861%2C3272448&dq=perry+como+director&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Though his last film, ''Words and Music'', was made for prestigious [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]], Como fared no better. Less than two weeks before the film's release, [[Walter Winchell]] wrote in his syndicated column, "Someone at MGM must have been dozing when they wrote the script for ''Words and Music''. In most of the film Perry Como is called Eddie Anders and toward the end (for no reason) they start calling him Perry Como."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YF0sAAAAIBAJ&pg=4478,5645022&dq=walter+winchell+words+and+music&hl=en |title=Edgar Bergen Took Out Insurance and Retired |date=December 19, 1948 |last=Winchell |first=Walter |page=14 |newspaper=Spartanburg Herald |access-date=November 26, 2010 |archive-date=March 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319085639/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YF0sAAAAIBAJ&pg=4478,5645022&dq=walter+winchell+words+and+music&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Como asked for and received a release from the remainder of his MGM contract later the same year.{{sfn|Grudens|2004|pp=63–69}}<ref name="Pop"/><ref name="Italian">{{cite book  |editor-last=LaGumina |editor-first=Salvatore J. |editor2-last=Cavaioli |editor2-first=Frank J. |editor3-last=Primeggia |editor3-first=Salvatore |editor4-last=Varavalli |editor4-first=Joseph A. |title=The Italian American Experience: An Encyclopedia |date=October 1, 1999 |pages=130–133 |publisher=Routledge |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u2SZ5avlZ24C&q=perry+como&pg=PA138 |isbn=978-0203801147 |access-date =April 13, 2010}}</ref> Quoting Como, "I was wasting their time and they were wasting mine."<ref name = "Cool"/>

Como's comments during a 1949 interview were prophetic, as far as his success was concerned. At the time he was doing the ''Chesterfield Supper Club'' on radio and TV, "Television is going to do me a lot more personal good than the movies ever have ... The reason should be obvious. On television, I'm allowed to be myself; in pictures, I was always some other guy. I come over like just another bum in a tuxedo."<ref name="Films">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ioIpAAAAIBAJ&pg=3912,4892640&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Como Believes in Television |page=15 |date=August 27, 1949 |last=Sasso |first=Joey |publisher=Lewiston Evening Journal |access-date=June 24, 2010 |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105030039/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ioIpAAAAIBAJ&pg=3912,4892640&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> After he began appearing regularly on television, Como was offered some film roles that interested him, but there was never enough time to pursue any film work.<ref name = "Relaxed">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13967721/como_and_crosby/ |page=100 |title=The Most Relaxing Show On Earth-Como And Crosby |date=February 28, 1960 |last=Morse |first=Jim |newspaper=[[The Miami News]] |access-date=May 4, 2010 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924230429/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13967721/como_and_crosby/ |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="Now"/><ref name="Weary"/>

==Television career==

===Early years: 1948–1955===
[[File:Mutual Broadcasting System - Perry Como 1954a.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Photograph of Perry Como singing, superimposed on an illustration of a microphone and accompanied by advertising copy, including the slogan "Mutual makes music ...".|{{center|Perry Como for Chesterfield, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Mutual Broadcasting System, 1954}}]]
Como made the move to television when NBC initially televised the ''[[Chesterfield Supper Club]]'' radio program on December 24, 1948. A guest on that first show was Como's eight-year-old son, Ronnie, as part of a boys' choir singing "[[Silent Night]]" with his father.<ref name="TV">{{cite book |editor-last=Brooks |editor-first=Tim |editor2-last=Marsh |editor2-first=Earle F. |title=The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows |date=June 24, 2009 |pages=1071–1072 |publisher=Ballantine Books |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=flZ0wqsOnjkC&dq=%22perry+como%22&pg=PA1071 |isbn=978-0307483201 |access-date=February 28, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ctva.biz/US/MusicVariety/PerryComoShow_1948-55.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224225533/http://ctva.biz/US/MusicVariety/PerryComoShow_1948-55.htm |archive-date=December 24, 2010 |title=''Perry Como Show''-1948-1955 |publisher=Classic TV Archive |access-date=August 18, 2010}}</ref> The show was the usual Friday night ''Chesterfield Supper Club'' with an important exception—it was also being broadcast on television.<ref name="Ever">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=6BIxAAAAIBAJ&pg=7059,633494&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Perry Como's Relaxed As Ever |last=Smith |first=Cecil |date=January 22, 1970 |page=30 |newspaper=Toledo Blade |access-date=January 8, 2011 |archive-date=November 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127055423/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=6BIxAAAAIBAJ&pg=7059,633494&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> The experimental simulcast was to continue for three Friday "Supper Club" shows, but had gone so well, NBC decided to extend the televised version through August 1949.<ref name="Films"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=01VgAAAAIBAJ&pg=5914,6367171&dq=mitchell+ayres&hl=en |title=Perry Como Will Salute Azalea Fete |page=17 |date=March 24, 1949 |newspaper=Star-News |location=Wilmington, NC |access-date=April 18, 2011 |archive-date=November 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127055423/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=01VgAAAAIBAJ&pg=5914,6367171&dq=mitchell+ayres&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Years later, Como admitted to being scared and feeling awkward initially but somehow managed to just be himself.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/30/magazine/the-lives-they-lived-50-s-perry-como-b-1912-troy-donahue-b-1936-pretty-boys.html?pagewanted=1 |title=The Lives They Lived-50's-Perry Como B. 1912 |date=December 30, 2001 |last=Rich |first=Frank |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=July 19, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228234531/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/30/magazine/the-lives-they-lived-50-s-perry-como-b-1912-troy-donahue-b-1936-pretty-boys.html?pagewanted=1 |archive-date=February 28, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Said Como, "You can't act on TV. With me, what you see is what you get." While still in its experimental phase, Como and the television show survived an on location broadcast in Durham, North Carolina, on April 15, 1949.<ref name="Macfarlane, p. 57">Macfarlane, p. 57</ref>

On September 8, 1949, it became a weekly half-hour offering on Sunday nights, directly opposite Ed Sullivan's ''[[Toast of the Town]]''.<ref name="Supper Club">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8mEvAAAAIBAJ&pg=4280,2872001&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Two Gypsy Folk Tales |date=August 8, 1949 |last=Hammerston |first=Claude |newspaper=Ottawa Citizen |page=105 |access-date=June 24, 2010 |archive-date=November 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112233535/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8mEvAAAAIBAJ&pg=4280,2872001&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Chesterfield">{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/details/ChesterfieldSupperClub-27november1949 |title=Chesterfield Supper Club |date=November 27, 1949 |website=Internet Archives |access-date=May 9, 2010}}</ref> In 1950, Como moved to CBS and the show's title was changed to ''The Perry Como Chesterfield Show'', again sponsored by Liggett & Myers' [[Chesterfield (cigarette)|Chesterfield]] cigarettes.<ref>Macfarlane, p. 73</ref> Como hosted this informal 15-minute musical variety series on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, following the ''[[CBS Evening News|CBS Television News]]''. ''[[Faye Emerson|The Faye Emerson Show]]'' was initially broadcast in the same time slot on Tuesday and Thursday.<ref name = "Turns Down"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/details/Perry_Como_1952 |title=''The Perry Como Show'' (video) |year=1952 |publisher=Internet Archives |access-date=May 9, 2010}}</ref> By 1952, it was evident that television would replace radio as the major entertainment medium. [[Gary Giddins]], the biographer of Bing Crosby, said in 2001, "He (Como) came from this whole generation of crooners—Crosby and Sinatra, but he was the only one of them who figured out TV."<ref name="Macfarlane, p. 57"/> Como's 15-minute TV show was [[simulcast]] on radio via the [[Mutual Broadcasting System]] beginning August 24, 1953; while the ''Chesterfield Supper Club'' broadcasts were simulcast on radio and television, this was the first instance of a simulcast between two networks.{{sfn|Macfarlane|2009|p=255}}

Como's CBS contract was to expire on July 1, 1955.<ref name="Signs">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SAwrAAAAIBAJ&pg=4481,387375&dq=perry+como+contract&hl=en |title=Perry Como Signs With NBC For One-Hour Show Weekly |last=Baft |first=Atra |date=April 1, 1955 |newspaper=[[Reading Eagle]] |page=36 |access-date=November 19, 2010 |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426124441/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SAwrAAAAIBAJ&pg=4481%2C387375&dq=perry+como+contract&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> The year before, he had been asked to be the master of ceremonies and narrator of the NBC Radio 35th anniversary special.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=THgbAAAAIBAJ&pg=4857,2404314&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Old Voices Return to Network |last=Ward |first=Henry |date=June 24, 1954 |newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press |page=23 |access-date=November 19, 2010 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161645/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=THgbAAAAIBAJ&pg=4857,2404314&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> That April, Perry Como signed a 12-year "unbreakable" contract with NBC.<ref name="Signs"/> On his last CBS show, June 24, 1955, Como was in high spirits, bringing all those who worked off camera on the air for introductions. Como tried his hand at camera work, getting a picture on the air but one that was upside-down.<ref>Macfarlane, p. 90</ref> In appreciation for the 11-year association, his sponsor, Chesterfield, presented him with all the musical arrangements used during this time as a parting gift.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BwcrAAAAIBAJ&pg=3299,5716118&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Value of $350,000 Is Placed On Farewell Gift to Como |last=O'Brian |first=Jack |date=June 30, 1955 |page=27 |newspaper=Reading Eagle |access-date=November 19, 2010 |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105030039/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BwcrAAAAIBAJ&pg=3299,5716118&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{clear left}}

===Sing to me, Mr. C.: 1955–1959===
{{anchor|comoshow}} He moved back to NBC with ''The Perry Como Show'', a weekly hour-long variety show featuring additional musical and production numbers, comedy sketches and guest stars premiering September 17, 1955.<ref name="Early Bio" /> This version of his show was also so popular that, in the 1956–1957 television season, it reached ninth in the [[Nielsen ratings]]: the only show on NBC that season to land in the top ten.<ref>Macfarlane, p.102</ref>
[[File:Ray charles singers and perry.jpg|thumb|Como and the Ray Charles Singers on the set of ''The Perry Como Show'' during "Sing To Me, Mr. C." segment, c. 1950s. Como's "sweater era".]]
Como's "[[Dream Along with Me (I'm on My Way to a Star)|Dream Along With Me]]"<ref name="Lyrics"/><ref name="Dream">{{cite journal |url=http://www.kokomo.ca/early_years/dream_along_with_me.htm |title=Dream Along With Me |journal=Kokomo |access-date=August 17, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503023439/http://www.kokomo.ca/early_years/dream_along_with_me.htm |archive-date=May 3, 2013}}</ref> became the show's opening theme song,<ref name = "TV"/> "Mr. C." received the first of many "stacks and stacks of letters" requesting him to sing a specific song.<ref name = "NYT"/><ref name="Lyrics">{{cite web |url=http://www.cfhf.net/lyrics/perry.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040815034520/http://www.cfhf.net/lyrics/perry.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-date=August 15, 2004 |title=Perry Como TV Lyrics-We Get Letters |access-date=May 25, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kokomo.ca/pop_standards/sing_to_me.htm |title=Sing to me, Mr. C. |publisher=Kokomo |access-date=August 17, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801070658/http://www.kokomo.ca/pop_standards/sing_to_me.htm |archive-date=August 1, 2013}}</ref> It was also here where he began wearing his trademark cardigan sweaters.<ref name="TV"/><ref name="PA">{{cite book |url=https://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/como__perry |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209112516/http://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/palitmap/bios/Como__Perry.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 9, 2007 |via=Pennsylvania Center for the Book  |title=Biographies-Perry Como |last=Denisova |first=Maria |access-date=April 4, 2010}}</ref><ref name="Philbin">{{cite magazine |last1=Philbin |first1=Regis |author1-link=Regis Philbin |title=The Best of Perry Como: Volume One |url=https://ew.com/article/1991/10/18/best-perry-como-volume-one/ |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=September 7, 2018 |date=October 18, 1991 |archive-date=September 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904225629/https://ew.com/article/1991/10/18/best-perry-como-volume-one/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The "Sing to me, Mr. C." segment with Como seated on a stool singing viewer requested songs had its roots in the first television broadcasts of ''Chesterfield Supper Club''. When cameras entered the "Supper Club" radio studio, they found Como and his guests sitting on stools behind music stands.<ref name="Sweaters"/><ref name="Ever"/> The show's closing theme was, "You Are Never Far Away From Me".<ref name="TV" /><ref name="Lyrics"/>

Perry's announcer on the broadcasts, [[Frank Gallop]], became a foil for Como's jokes. When the television show began, there was not enough room for Gallop to appear on stage; he was an invisible "voice from the clouds" until the show's 1958–1959 season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Perry Como's Announcer Comes Down to Earth |date=January 25, 1959 |last=Dornbrook |first=Don |newspaper=Milwaukee Journal}}</ref><ref name="Breaks">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xTkxAAAAIBAJ&pg=7518,1302576&dq=frank+gallop&hl=en |title=Frank Gallop: The Man Who Goes for 'Breaks' |last=Oviatt |first=Ray |date=November 23, 1958 |newspaper=Toledo Blade |access-date=August 17, 2010 |archive-date=February 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202195232/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xTkxAAAAIBAJ&pg=7518,1302576&dq=frank+gallop&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> There was as much fun at rehearsals as on the show itself.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PgUdAAAAIBAJ&pg=4330,3096686&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Perry Como's Plan: Just Take It Easy |date=November 21, 1955 |last=Kleiner |first=Dick |author-link=Dick Kleiner |newspaper=Sarasota Journal |page=55 |access-date=May 7, 2010 |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426124446/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PgUdAAAAIBAJ&pg=4330%2C3096686&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Como's relaxed and fun-loving manner at rehearsals put many nervous guests at ease.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fjgeAAAAIBAJ&pg=1931,1891441&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Perry Como Never Bothers To Worry |date=October 13, 1956 |newspaper=[[The Daytona Beach News-Journal|Daytona Beach Morning Journal]] |page=24 |access-date=January 8, 2011 |archive-date=April 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429225815/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fjgeAAAAIBAJ&pg=1931,1891441&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> It was common for Como to leave the Saturday-afternoon rehearsal for about a half-hour to go to [[Sacrament of Penance (Catholic Church)|confession]]. He managed to save some time by asking his music publisher, Mickey Glass, to wait in line for him at the confessional. Glass, who was Jewish, was most agreeable to this but wondered what to do if his turn came before Como arrived.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8188691/comos_coffee_klatsch/ |title=Como's Coffee Klatsch |last=Wilson |first=Earl |date=May 26, 1956 |newspaper=Beckley Post Herald |page=5 |access-date=January 5, 2017 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=January 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106103255/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8188691/comos_coffee_klatsch/ |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nCEhAAAAIBAJ&pg=4973,4391205&dq=perry+como+mickey+glass&hl=en |title=Talk is Again Boosting Perle Mesta |last=Wilson |first=Earl |date=February 17, 1956 |page=22 |newspaper=[[Sarasota Herald-Tribune]] |access-date=May 22, 2011 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161658/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nCEhAAAAIBAJ&pg=4973,4391205&dq=perry+como+mickey+glass&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Starr">{{cite news |last1=Starr |first1=Michael |title=Starr Report |url=https://nypost.com/2007/08/06/starr-report-1457/ |newspaper=[[New York Post]] |access-date=September 7, 2018 |date=August 6, 2007}}</ref>
[[File:Bing Crosby Perry Como Arthur Godfrey 1950.JPG|thumb|left|Flanked by [[Bing Crosby]] and [[Arthur Godfrey]] (1950)]]
Como thoroughly enjoyed his years working in television, saying in a 1989 interview, "I got a kick out of live television. The spontaneity was the fun of it."<ref name="Macfarlane, p. 57"/> Spontaneity and the ability to be himself came in handy for swimmer/actress [[Esther Williams]]'s guest appearance of March 16, 1957.<ref name="Show List"/> A wardrobe malfunction meant that viewers were seeing more of Esther than 1950s television considered to be in good taste; more live show mishaps followed. At the show's end, Williams was swimming in a pool specially constructed on the set for her appearance. Como simply said, "Goodnight, folks", and leaped, fully clothed, into the swimming pool.<ref name="Gleason"/>

On December 17, 1955, viewers were able to see first-hand what Como did for a living before he was a professional singer. Actor [[Kirk Douglas]] was one of Como's television guests; Douglas had grown a beard for his [[Vincent van Gogh]] role in ''[[Lust for Life (1956 film)|Lust for Life]]'', which finished filming that week. Como shaved Douglas's beard live on national television.<ref name="World">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,861756,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215040932/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,861756,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 15, 2008 |title=A World of Nice Guys |date=December 15, 1955 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |access-date=April 4, 2010}}</ref><ref>Macfarlane, p. 196</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iwcpAAAAIBAJ&pg=7160,3929519&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Perry Como To Wield Razor On Kirk Douglas |date=December 13, 1955 |page=21 |author=Mosby, Aline |newspaper=Deseret News |access-date=May 7, 2010 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161642/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iwcpAAAAIBAJ&pg=7160,3929519&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 15, 1956, the season premiere of ''The Perry Como Show'' was broadcast from NBC's new [[color television]] studio at the New York [[Ziegfeld Theatre (1927)|Ziegfeld Theatre]], making it one of the first weekly color TV shows.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4589286/como_in_color/ |title=On the Air |date=September 15, 1956 |newspaper=The Sandusky Register |page=2 |access-date=March 11, 2016 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date=March 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312065817/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4589286/como_in_color/ |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> In addition to this season premiere as a color television show, there was also a royal visit from [[Prince Rainier]] of [[Monaco]] and his bride of six months, [[Grace Kelly]].<ref name="Show List">{{cite web |url=http://ctva.biz/US/MusicVariety/PerryComoShow_1955-59.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224230423/http://ctva.biz/US/MusicVariety/PerryComoShow_1955-59.htm |archive-date=December 24, 2010|title=Perry Como Shows-1956-1959 |website=Classic TV Archive |access-date=August 18, 2010}}</ref> Como competed with [[Jackie Gleason]] in what was billed as the "Battle of the Giants" and won.<ref name="World" /> This is rarely mentioned, in part because Como commonly downplayed his achievements and because the two men were friends.<ref name="Hat"/> The weekly ratings winner would phone the loser for some mock gloating.<ref name="Nice2">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20134524,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081101052444/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20134524,00.html |archive-date=November 1, 2008 |url-status=dead |title=Mister Nice Guy: A Star for Half a Century, Crooner Perry Como Wore His Celebrity Lightly |date=May 28, 2001 |author=Reed, J. D. |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |access-date=April 9, 2023}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.mrpopculture.com/files/January%2023,%201955.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005185029/http://mrpopculture.com/files/January%2023,%201955.pdf |archive-date=October 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |title=Perry Como: "Money is important only to a point." |page=2 |date=January 23, 1955 |journal=Mr. Pop Culture |access-date=April 9, 2023}}{{cbignore}}</ref> At the height of this television competition, Como asked Gleason a favor: to visit his home when his mother-in-law, a big Gleason fan, was there. Though Mrs. Belline spoke no English and Gleason no Italian, Roselle's mother was thrilled. Como's words to Gleason after the visit, "Anything you want, you got it. In fact, I'll even do one of your shows so the ratings will be better."<ref name="Gleason">{{cite book |editor-last=Escott |editor-first=Colin |editor-link=Colin Escott |title=Roadkill on the three-chord highway: art and trash in American popular music |year=2002 |page=224 |publisher=Routledge |location=New York |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bbT2X4Rof9MC&q=perry+como+television+1948&pg=PA41 |isbn=978-0415937825 |access-date=July 13, 2010}}</ref> Como was among those who filled in for Gleason on ''[[The Jackie Gleason Show]]'' in 1954 when the entertainer suffered a broken ankle and leg in an on-air fall.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2kBSAAAAIBAJ&pg=1902,5621497&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=New York |author=Wilson, Earl |page=20 |date=February 13, 1954 |newspaper=St. Petersburg Times |access-date=November 19, 2010 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161703/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2kBSAAAAIBAJ&pg=1902,5621497&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wrg_AAAAIBAJ&pg=5940,3233&dq=jackie+gleason+leg&hl=en |title=Gleason's Ankle, Leg Are Broken |date=February 1, 1954 |newspaper=Youngstown Vindicator |page=1 |access-date=November 19, 2010 |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105030039/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wrg_AAAAIBAJ&pg=5940,3233&dq=jackie+gleason+leg&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

An example of Como's popularity came in 1956, when ''[[Life (magazine)|Life]]'' conducted a poll of young women, asking them which man in public life most fit the concept of their ideal husband: it was Perry Como.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=00EEAAAAMBAJ&q=perry+como&pg=PA143 |title=20 Year Olds' Ideal |pages=143–145 |date=December 24, 1956 |magazine=Life |access-date=April 30, 2010}}</ref> A 1958 nationwide poll of U.S. teenagers found Como to be the most popular male singer, beating [[Elvis Presley]], who was the winner of the previous year's poll.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jWNlAAAAIBAJ&pg=2442,2795692&hl=en |title=Baritone Barber Beats Out Presley |author=Gilbert, Eugene |newspaper=[[Vancouver Sun]] |date=January 17, 1958 |access-date=October 24, 2011 |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426124442/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jWNlAAAAIBAJ&pg=2442%2C2795692&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GfMxAAAAIBAJ&pg=7164,3450450&hl=en |title=Perry Como Teeners' Top Vocalist |author=Gilbert, Eugene |date=January 17, 1958 |newspaper=Ottawa Citizen |access-date=October 24, 2011 |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105030039/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GfMxAAAAIBAJ&pg=7164,3450450&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> At one point, his television show was broadcast in at least 12 other countries.<ref name="Abroad">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=O10rAAAAIBAJ&pg=4607,1387297&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Como's Best Liked of Shows Abroad |author=Bacon, James |date=November 8, 1960 |access-date=May 4, 2010 |newspaper=Montreal Gazette |page=13 |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105030039/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=O10rAAAAIBAJ&pg=4607%2C1387297&dq=perry%20como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Early Bio" /><ref name="NYT"/>

Another way to judge the value of the Como show to the network can be found in the following: during sound checks at rehearsals, it was often difficult to hear Como's soft voice without having a large microphone ruin a camera shot. NBC had RCA design a [[microphone]] for the show—the RCA Type BK-10A—which was known as the "Como mic"; it was able to pick up Como's voice properly and was small enough not to interfere with camera shots.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.coutant.org/bk10a/ |title=RCA BK-10A |publisher=Coutant.org |access-date=July 9, 2010 |archive-date=December 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223054300/http://www.coutant.org/bk10a/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===''Kraft Music Hall'': 1959–1967===
In 1959, Como signed a $25 million deal with [[Kraft Foods Inc.|Kraft Foods]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.archive.org/stream/variety214-1959-03#page/n94/mode/1up |title=Como Keeping Good Company on Those $24,000,000 Two-Year TV Wrapups: Desilu, Chevy, Sullivan|newspaper=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=March 11, 1959 |page=31 |access-date=June 23, 2019 |via=[[Archive.org]]}}</ref> and moved to Wednesday nights, hosting ''[[Kraft Music Hall (TV series)|Perry Como's Kraft Music Hall]]'' weekly for the next four years. Over the next four seasons, from 1963 to 1967, the series was presented as monthly specials alternating with ''[[Kraft Suspense Theatre]]'', ''[[The Andy Williams Show]]'', and finally ''[[The Road West]]''.<ref name = "Relaxed"/><ref name="Now">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jV4bAAAAIBAJ&pg=6974,2398673&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=What Perry Como Is Doing Now |page=10 |author=Altschuler, Harry |date=May 29, 1965 |newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |access-date=December 10, 2010 |archive-date=April 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429225818/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jV4bAAAAIBAJ&pg=6974,2398673&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name = "TV" /> Como became the highest-paid performer in the history of television to that date, earning mention in the ''[[Guinness Book of World Records]]''. Como himself took part in none of this; his production company, Roncom, named for son Ronald Como, handled the transaction along with all other Como business matters.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,937011,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205084737/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,937011,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 5, 2008 |title=Perry Como Signs $25 million deal |date=March 16, 1959 |magazine=Time |access-date=April 4, 2010}}</ref> Como also had control of the show which would replace his during the summer television hiatus. While "Mr. C." was having a holiday, viewers would see ''Perry Presents'', beginning in 1959.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fsAtAAAAIBAJ&pg=5859,2896149&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Bennett, Brewer, Four Lads Star In Como Summer Show |page=32 |date=June 13, 1959 |newspaper=The Montreal Gazette |access-date=May 4, 2010 |archive-date=April 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429183957/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fsAtAAAAIBAJ&pg=5859,2896149&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-uUrAAAAIBAJ&pg=1098,4025936&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=For Perry Como Record TV Contract |date=March 5, 1959 |newspaper=[[Kentucky New Era]] |page=7 |access-date=May 9, 2010 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161652/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-uUrAAAAIBAJ&pg=1098,4025936&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

In late 1962, after the [[Cuban Missile Crisis]] had settled well enough to permit the evacuated servicemen's families to return to [[Guantanamo Bay Naval Base]] in Cuba, Secretary of Defense [[Robert McNamara]] was eager to do more for morale there. He asked Como to bring his television show to the Naval base.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4560198/mcnamara_asks_como_to_do_a_television/ |title=Perry Como |date=December 5, 1962 |publisher=[[The Brownsville Herald]] |access-date=March 8, 2016 |page=10 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=March 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309093424/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4560198/mcnamara_asks_como_to_do_a_television/ |url-status=live }}{{Open access}}</ref> Como and his cast and crew were at Guantanamo when the families of the armed forces began their return.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7RosAAAAIBAJ&pg=2447,4478447&dq=perry+como+cuba&hl=en |title=U. S. Families Reactivating Guantanamo |author=Price, Bem |date=December 8, 1962 |page=Section four: page 9 |newspaper=[[TimesDaily|The Florence Times]] |access-date=February 28, 2020 |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426124444/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7RosAAAAIBAJ&pg=2447%2C4478447&dq=perry+como+cuba&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> The first entertainers to visit the base since the crisis, the Como show filmed there for eight days. Some highlights of the program, which was seen in the US on December 12, 1962, included Como's shaving a serviceman with a Castro-like beard and the enthusiastic participation when Perry asked for volunteers to come on stage to do the [[Twist (dance)|Twist]] with the lovely ladies who were part of the visiting dance troupe.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PXspAAAAIBAJ&pg=480,1641829&dq=perry+como+cuba&hl=en |title=Perry Como's Show At Guantanamo |author=Du Brow, Rick |date=December 11, 1962 |newspaper=[[The Gadsden Times]] |page=24 |access-date=September 23, 2010 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161647/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PXspAAAAIBAJ&pg=480,1641829&dq=perry+como+cuba&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ctva.biz/US/MusicVariety/PerryComoShow_1959-63.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224224713/http://ctva.biz/US/MusicVariety/PerryComoShow_1959-63.htm |archive-date=December 24, 2010 |title=Kraft Music Hall: The Perry Como Show 1959–1963 |website=Classic TV Archive |access-date=September 23, 2010}}</ref>

Filming for the ''Kraft Music Hall'' Christmas show that was aired on December 17, 1964, began at the Vatican November 7. By special permission of [[Pope Paul VI]], Como and his crew were able to shoot segments in the Vatican gardens and other areas where cameras had never been permitted previously.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rllWAAAAIBAJ&pg=2992,4218324&dq=perry+como+vatican&hl=en |title=Perry Como Films Show in Vatican |date=November 7, 2010 |newspaper=Reading Eagle |access-date=December 2, 2010 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220050256/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rllWAAAAIBAJ&pg=2992,4218324&dq=perry+como+vatican&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Greatest">{{cite journal |url=http://kokomo.ca/cd_review/Notes/christmas_songs_liner_notes.htm |title=Perry Como Greatest Christmas Songs liner notes |journal=Kokomo |access-date =December 2, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150120232636/http://kokomo.ca/cd_review/Notes/christmas_songs_liner_notes.htm |archive-date=January 20, 2015}}</ref> The show featured the first television appearance of the [[Sistine Chapel Choir]], and also the first time a non-choir member (Como) sang with them.<ref name="Greatest"/><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://kokomo.ca/cd_review/_perito/dbc_archive_07.htm |title=Doug Bell's Message Corner-Obituary: Perry Como |date=June 9, 2001 |journal=Kokomo |access-date=December 2, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407011637/http://kokomo.ca/cd_review/_perito/dbc_archive_07.htm |archive-date=April 7, 2012}}</ref> The choir performed a Christmas hymn in Latin written by their director, [[Domenico Bartolucci]], called "Christ Is Born", as part of their presentation. Como asked his associate, Ray Charles, to write English lyrics for the song, using it many times on both television shows and his Christmas albums.<ref name="Greatest"/><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://kokomo.ca/xmas/christ_is_born.htm |title=Christ Is Born |journal=Kokomo |access-date=December 2, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801084922/http://kokomo.ca/xmas/christ_is_born.htm |archive-date=August 1, 2013 }}</ref> [[The Carpenters]] also recorded the song on their first Christmas album, ''[[Christmas Portrait]]''.<ref name="Greatest"/>

===Specials===
Beginning in 1967, Como began reducing his TV appearances, gradually becoming limited to seasonal and holiday specials with the emphasis being on Christmas.<ref name="Weary">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FwgrAAAAIBAJ&pg=760,2850263&dq=perry+como&hl=en|title=Weary Perry Como Sets Limit of 6 Shows Next Year|date=February 21, 1963|page=16|author=Lowry, Cynthia|publisher=Schenectady Gazette|access-date=June 7, 2010|archive-date=December 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220111902/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FwgrAAAAIBAJ&pg=760,2850263&dq=perry+como&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Irish">{{cite web|url=http://kokomo.ca/cd_review/press/christmas_concert_1993.htm |title=Perry Como's Christmas Concert 1993 |publisher=Kokomo |access-date=May 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304125558/http://kokomo.ca/cd_review/press/christmas_concert_1993.htm |archive-date=March 4, 2012 }}</ref> A large part of Como's public persona was the idea that he personally knew Santa Claus. Como had numerous Christmas television specials, beginning on Christmas Eve 1948, and continuing to 1994, when his final Christmas special was recorded in Ireland. They were recorded in many countries, including Israel, Mexico, and Canada, as well as many locations throughout the United States, including a Colonial America Christmas in Williamsburg, Virginia. The 1987 Christmas special was cancelled at the behest of an angry Como; the [[American Broadcasting Company|American Broadcasting Company (ABC)]] was willing to offer him only a Saturday 10 PM time slot for it three weeks before the holiday.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1987/12/17/no-perry-como-say-it-aint-so/ |title=No Perry Como? Say It Ain't So |date=December 17, 1987 |author=Dawson, Greg |author-link=Greg Dawson |newspaper=[[Orlando Sentinel]] |access-date=April 30, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20160308180724/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1987-12-17/lifestyle/0170020230_1_perry-como-nightline-koppel |archive-date=March 8, 2016 }}</ref> Como filled the yearly gap for his fans with live Christmas concerts in various locations.<ref name = "Perry"/><ref name = "Concert"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1991/12/25/perry-como-is-a-treat-for-holidays/ |title=Perry Como Is A Treat For Holidays |date=December 25, 1991 |author=Atkisson, Phil |newspaper=[[Orlando Sentinel]] |access-date=April 30, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308175742/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1991-12-25/news/9112250473_1_perry-como-holiday-juanita  |archive-date=March 8, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dW4xAAAAIBAJ&pg=6846%2C5075970 |title=Como's Hits Still Work |date=December 15, 1990 |page=8 |author=Hayes, John |newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |access-date=April 30, 2010}}</ref>

Como's final Christmas special was filmed in January 1994 in Dublin's [[Point Theatre]] before an audience of 4,500, including Irish President [[Mary Robinson]] and Como's friend, the actress [[Maureen O'Hara]]. ''Perry Como's Irish Christmas'' was a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) production, made by an Irish independent production company in association with [[RTÉ]]. Como, appearing aged and unwell, had the flu during the show, which took four hours to record.<ref name="Irish"/> At the show's conclusion, Como apologized to his Dublin audience for a performance he felt was not up to his usual standards.<ref>Macfarlane, pp. 170–171</ref> During his visit to Dublin, Como visited a barber shop called "The Como" on [[Thomas Street, Dublin|Thomas Street]]. The owners, lifelong fans who named their business in his honor, had sent photographs of the shop and letters to Como inviting him to visit. Photos of Como with the barbers were framed in the shop. "The Como" closed in 2002, but it remains a household name in [[The Liberties]].<ref>Macfarlane, pp.&nbsp;167–168</ref>

==Personal life==
===Marriage and family===
[[File:Como family at home 1955.jpg|thumb|The Comos at home c. 1955. On the sofa are his elder son Ronnie and wife Roselle. In the chair is his daughter, Terri, and on the floor are Perry and son David.]]

In 1929, the 17-year-old Como met Roselle Belline at a picnic on [[Chartiers Creek]] that attracted many young people from the Canonsburg area. Como, who attended the cookout with another girl, did not spot Roselle until everyone was around the campfire singing and the gathering was coming to a close. When it came Como's turn to sing, he chose "[[More Than You Know (1929 song)|More Than You Know]]", with his eyes on Roselle for the entire song.<ref name=Story2/> They were married July 31, 1933.{{sfn|Macfarlane|2009|p=14}}<ref name="Roselle">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MF4xAAAAIBAJ&pg=2380,114079&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Perry Como's Wife Sings His Praises At 65th Wedding Anniversary |page=14 |date=August 1, 1998 |author=Fitch, Antoinette |newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |access-date=May 8, 2010 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161655/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MF4xAAAAIBAJ&pg=2380,114079&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> They raised three children, Ronnie, David, and Terri.<ref name="Early Bio">{{cite web |url=http://kokomo.ca/cd_review/press/earlybio.htm |title=Perry Como, An Early Biography-RCA Records-Perry Como at Home |year=1957 |publisher=RCA Records |access-date=April 4, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131120005044/http://kokomo.ca/cd_review/press/earlybio.htm |archive-date =November 20, 2013 }}</ref><ref name = "Turns Down"/> Because Como believed his professional life and his personal life should be kept separate, he declined repeated interview requests from [[Edward R. Murrow]]'s ''[[Person to Person]]''.<ref name="Rivals2"/>{{sfn|Macfarlane|2009|p=50}}<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NcYuAAAAIBAJ&pg=2896,6249392&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Bob Montgomery To Be Guest On Durante Show on March 14 |author=O'Brian, Jack |date=February 17, 1954 |page=28 |newspaper=Reading Eagle |access-date=September 7, 2010 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220050256/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NcYuAAAAIBAJ&pg=2896%2C6249392&dq=perry%20como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1946, Como moved to [[Flower Hill, New York]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=January 27, 2012|title=1946: Singer Perry Como Moves to Flower Hill|page=E14|work=[[Newsday]]|id={{ProQuest |<!--insert ProQuest data here--> }}}}</ref>

In 1958, the Comos celebrated their silver wedding anniversary with a family trip to Italy. On the itinerary was an audience with [[Pope Pius XII]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rWwsAAAAIBAJ&pg=6030,1686900&dq=perry+como+pope&hl=en |page=2 |title=Como Received By Pope Pius |date=July 14, 1958 |newspaper=Spartanburg Herald |access-date=July 19, 2010 |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105030039/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rWwsAAAAIBAJ&pg=6030%2C1686900&dq=perry%20como%20pope&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Como, who sat in a side wing of the Long Island church where he attended Sunday Mass in an effort to avoid attracting attention, was both puzzled and upset on returning home that photos from the visit made the newspapers throughout the world. A thorough check of the Como and NBC publicity offices found neither was responsible; the photos had been released by the Vatican's press department. When Perry and Roselle became Knight Commander and Lady Commander of the Equestrian [[Order of the Holy Sepulchre (Catholic)|Order of the Holy Sepulchre]] in 1952, it was a news item only after Archbishop [[Fulton J. Sheen]], who had been honored at the same ceremony, mentioned it some time later.<ref name="Early Bio"/><ref name="Memories"/>{{sfn|Macfarlane|2009|p=255}}<ref name="Hat">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=N2wsAAAAIBAJ&pg=4458,403214&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Como Wears White Hat |page=3 |date=January 4, 1973 |author=O'Brian, Jack |newspaper=The Spartanburg Herald |access-date=February 28, 2020 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161645/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=N2wsAAAAIBAJ&pg=4458,403214&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZYcsAAAAIBAJ&pg=4780,4348004&dq=nick+perito&hl=en |title=Never Far From Tee |page=3 |author=O'Brien, Jack |date=June 26, 1971 |newspaper=The Spartanburg Herald |access-date=August 23, 2010 |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219123452/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZYcsAAAAIBAJ&pg=4780,4348004&dq=nick+perito&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/institutions_connected/oessh/en/cenni_storici_en.html |title=Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem |website=The Holy See |access-date=February 28, 2020 |archive-date=May 2, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080502105238/https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/institutions_connected/oessh/en/cenni_storici_en.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
<!-- Comment One source says the news came out a year after the ceremony, while another says it was two years. There seems to be no answer but to change text to "some time later".-->

In 1971 while taping ''Perry Como's Winter Show'' in Hollywood, Como suffered a debilitating fall from a stage platform.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AAYvAAAAIBAJ&pg=5633,547230&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Host Perry Como Welcomes Mitzi Gaynor and Art Carney |date=December 3, 1971 |page=13 |newspaper=[[Rome News-Tribune]] |access-date=May 4, 2010 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161710/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AAYvAAAAIBAJ&pg=5633,547230&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> X-rays showed no serious injury to his knee, but by the next morning it was swollen to twice its normal size. Como chartered a jet to his home and doctors in Florida, where a second exam showed the knee was seriously broken. His knee was re-set and placed in a cast; recuperation took eight months.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YE8fAAAAIBAJ&pg=803,1182227&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Perry Como's Pace Even More Deliberate Now |page=14 |date=November 4, 1972 |author=Thomas, Bob |newspaper=[[The Daytona Beach News-Journal|Daytona Beach Morning Journal]] |access-date=May 7, 2010 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161649/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YE8fAAAAIBAJ&pg=803,1182227&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=D7EqAAAAIBAJ&pg=5302,754969&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Whatever Happened To Perry Como, America's Favorite? |page=54 |date=July 2, 1972 |author=Oppenheimer, Peer J. |newspaper=[[Lakeland Ledger]] |access-date=May 7, 2010 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161645/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=D7EqAAAAIBAJ&pg=5302,754969&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1993, he was successfully treated for bladder cancer.<ref name="Roselle"/>

After 65 years of marriage, Roselle died August 12, 1998, at age 84.<ref name="Roselle"/> Como was devastated by her death.<ref>Macfarlane, p. 172</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://kokomo.ca/cd_review/press/roselle_como.htm |title=Roselle Como Obituary |date=August 24, 1998 |author=Deni, Laura |journal=Broadway to Vegas |access-date=April 4, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131118204530/http://kokomo.ca/cd_review/press/roselle_como.htm |archive-date=November 18, 2013}}</ref>

===Public persona===
One of the many factors in his success was Como's insistence on his principles of good taste; if he considered something to be in bad or questionable taste, it was not in the show or broadcast.<ref name="Taste">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7AodAAAAIBAJ&pg=7140,3031083&dq=perry+como+ace+goodman&hl=en |page=18 |title=Perry Como's Success: It's Good Taste |date=January 18, 1958 |newspaper=[[Sarasota Herald-Tribune]] |access-date=June 25, 2010 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220050256/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7AodAAAAIBAJ&pg=7140,3031083&dq=perry+como+ace+goodman&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Return"/> When a line written for [[Julius La Rosa]] about television personality [[Arthur Godfrey]] on ''The Perry Como Show'' was misconstrued, Como offered an on-air apology at the beginning of his next show, against the advice of his staff.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lngcAAAAIBAJ&pg=1938,3527518&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Como Reconstruction To Comedy Isn't Easy |page=5 |author=Wilson, Earl |date=October 17, 1955 |newspaper=[[Sarasota Herald-Tribune]] |access-date=October 24, 2010 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220050256/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lngcAAAAIBAJ&pg=1938,3527518&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qNMxAAAAIBAJ&pg=3365,1480593&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Perry Como Just Takes It Easy |author=Kleiner, Dick |author-link=Dick Kleiner |date=April 21, 1956 |newspaper=Ottawa Citizen |page=28 |access-date=October 24, 2010 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220111902/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qNMxAAAAIBAJ&pg=3365,1480593&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5160384/earl_wilsoncomo_and_ace/ |title=Como's Ace Writer |author=Wilson, Earl |page=6 |date=June 8, 1957 |newspaper=Bristol Daily Courier |access-date=May 5, 2016 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803095228/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5160384/earl_wilsoncomo_and_ace/ |url-status=live }}{{Open access}}</ref> While his performance of "[[Ave Maria (Schubert)|Ave Maria]]" was a tradition of his holiday television programs, Como refused to sing it at live performances, saying, "It's not the time or place to do it", even though it was the number-one request of his audiences.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jdwqAAAAIBAJ&pg=2594,4899789&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Como Gets The Christmas Spirit |date=November 23, 1986 |page=39 |author=Bark, Ed |newspaper=[[Beaver County Times]] |access-date=May 7, 2010 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161706/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jdwqAAAAIBAJ&pg=2594%2C4899789&dq=perry%20como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Ukk0AAAAIBAJ&pg=5157,5588917&dq=perry+como+marilyn+maxwell&hl=en |title=People in the News-Hope Favors 'Silver Bells' |date=November 14, 1977 |newspaper=[[Sarasota Herald-Tribune]] |page=12 |access-date=November 5, 2010 |archive-date=March 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322040749/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Ukk0AAAAIBAJ&pg=5157,5588917&dq=perry+como+marilyn+maxwell&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

Another factor was his naturalness; the man on TV every week was the same person who could be encountered behind a supermarket shopping cart, at a bowling alley, or in a kitchen making breakfast.<ref name="Memories"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Pin Splinters|page=13|date=March 24, 1956|newspaper=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|Milwaukee Journal]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13968942/como_in_the_kitchen/ |title=Eggs Ala Como For Toney's Gal |author=Taylor, Dick |page=47 |date=January 29, 1956 |publisher=Palm Beach Post |access-date=July 27, 2010 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924230344/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13968942/como_in_the_kitchen/ |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> From his first ''[[Chesterfield Supper Club]]'' TV show, if scripts were written at all, they were based on Como's everyday manner of speaking.<ref name="Taste"/><ref name="Films"/> Though Como was widely known for his amiability, laid-back and easygoing style, he was not devoid of a temper, and it could be seen at times as a result of the frustrations of daily life. [[Mitchell Ayres]], his musical director from 1948–1963, said, "Perry has a temper like everyone else. And he loses his temper at the normal things everyone else does. When we're driving, for instance, and somebody cuts him off, he really lets the offender have it."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8QEvAAAAIBAJ&pg=3531,768619&dq=mitchell+ayres&hl=en |title=Pops To Met – The Hard Way |author=Kleiner, Dick |author-link=Dick Kleiner |page=7 |date=January 12, 1961 |newspaper=[[The Item|The Sumter Daily Item]] |access-date=July 27, 2010 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161648/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8QEvAAAAIBAJ&pg=3531,768619&dq=mitchell+ayres&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-XosAAAAIBAJ&pg=5454,1647656&dq=ray+charles+como&hl=en |title=Who Says I'm So Relaxed? |page=23 |last1=Como |first1=Perry |last2=Jablons |first2=Beverly |date=May 10, 1959 |magazine=Family Weekly |access-date=January 8, 2010 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161651/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-XosAAAAIBAJ&pg=5454,1647656&dq=ray+charles+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Bing Crosby]] once described Como as "the man who invented casual".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/31/nyregion/touch-of-celebrity-attracts-bidders-to-auction-of-perry-como-memorabilia.html?pagewanted=1 |title=Touch of Celebrity Attracts Bidders to Auction of Perry Como Memorabilia |date=May 31, 2002 |author=Newman, Maria |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date =April 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209225644/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/31/nyregion/touch-of-celebrity-attracts-bidders-to-auction-of-perry-como-memorabilia.html?pagewanted=1 |archive-date=February 9, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> His preference for casual clothing did not keep him from being named one of the Best Dressed Men beginning in 1946, and continuing long after Como stopped appearing on weekly television.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=b2EoAAAAIBAJ&pg=6046,2370431&dq=perry+como+best+dressed&hl=en |title=Tailors Choose Best Dressed Men Of US |date=March 26, 1946 |page=2 |newspaper=[[The Daytona Beach News-Journal|Daytona Beach Morning Journal]] |access-date=January 7, 2011 |archive-date=February 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209201612/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=b2EoAAAAIBAJ&pg=6046,2370431&dq=perry+como+best+dressed&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DZRlAAAAIBAJ&pg=7216,3549177&dq=perry+como+best+dressed&hl=en |title=Names in the News |date=May 11, 1966 |page=33 |newspaper=The Vancouver Sun |access-date=January 7, 2011 |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105030039/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DZRlAAAAIBAJ&pg=7216,3549177&dq=perry+como+best+dressed&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CDUqAAAAIBAJ&pg=5340,697185&dq=perry+como+best+dressed&hl=en |title=People In The News |date=May 2, 1983 |page=8 |work=Park City Daily News |access-date=January 7, 2011 |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219123435/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CDUqAAAAIBAJ&pg=5340%2C697185&dq=perry%20como%20best%20dressed&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Como also had his own line of sports/casual men's clothing made by Bucknell c. early 1950s.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KwgNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6620,2998517&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Al Burk ad featuring Perry Como wearing one of the sports jackets in his line of clothing |page=12 |date=May 13, 1950 |newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |access-date=January 7, 2011 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220111902/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KwgNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6620,2998517&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Hobbies===
Perry was an avid and accomplished golfer; there was always time to try getting in a golf game.<ref name="Fishes">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XJEtAAAAIBAJ&pg=7410,169430&dq=perry+como+pope&hl=en |title=Como Far From Retired But He Fishes A Lot |author=O'Brian, Jack |date=July 1, 1971 |access-date=July 19, 2010 |newspaper=[[Sarasota Journal]] |page=29 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161714/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XJEtAAAAIBAJ&pg=7410,169430&dq=perry+como+pope&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KoceAAAAIBAJ&pg=4332,7464177&dq=perry+como+golf&hl=en |title=Fleisher Leads in Como Golf |page=29 |date=November 29, 1969 |newspaper=[[The Daytona Beach News-Journal|Daytona Beach Morning Journal]] |access-date=October 11, 2010 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220111902/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KoceAAAAIBAJ&pg=4332%2C7464177&dq=perry%20como%20golf&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> "Perry Como Putters" were sold by MacGregor, each stamped with a Como facsimile autograph.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://adzinv.com/THEGOLFZOO/OtherPutters.html |title=MacGregor Perry Como Putter |website=The Golf Zoo |access-date=May 24, 2010 |archive-date=July 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701235903/http://adzinv.com/THEGOLFZOO/OtherPutters.html |url-status=live }}</ref> His colleagues held an annual Perry Como Golf Tournament to honor him and his love for the game.<ref name="Kids">{{cite news |title=Como Handles Kid Fans Same as Own Children |date=January 2, 1955 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13967887/como_kid_fans/ |page=5B |author=McManus, Margaret |newspaper=Miami News |access-date=June 7, 2010 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924225919/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13967887/como_kid_fans/ |url-status=live }}{{Open access}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8h4EAAAAMBAJ&q=mitchell+ayres+como+golf&pg=PA16 |title=Who Shot What And How? |page=16 |date=June 30, 1951 |newspaper=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=August 6, 2010}}</ref> Como's guests on the October 3, 1962, broadcast were [[Jack Nicklaus]], [[Arnold Palmer]], and [[Gary Player]]. The four golfers played 18 holes for the cameras at [[Sands Point, New York]], where the Comos made their home in the television years.<ref name="Memories">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/10/nyregion/about-long-island-memories-are-made-of-this.html?pagewanted=all |title=Memories Are Made Of This |date=June 10, 1990 |author=Ketcham, Diane |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=May 4, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160305093331/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/10/nyregion/about-long-island-memories-are-made-of-this.html?pagewanted=all |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>{{sfn|Macfarlane|2009|p=121}} Como also enjoyed [[Recreational fishing|fishing]] and he could be found out on his boat almost daily after the family moved to Florida. Perry's catches would usually turn out to be the Como family's dinners.<ref name="Fishes"/><ref name="Fishing">{{cite news |title=Perry Como Sails on Placid Waters |date=April 7, 1979 |page=14 |newspaper=Milwaukee Journal}}</ref> Como also used his boat as a rehearsal hall with pre-recorded instrumental tapes sent to him by RCA Victor. Como would work on material while he was waiting for the fish to bite.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-4EsAAAAIBAJ&pg=3744,2931152&dq=perry+como+rca&hl=en |title='Nickleby' Is Nicked |author=O'Brian, Jack |page=21 |date=October 12, 1981 |newspaper=The Spartanburg Herald |access-date=November 25, 2010 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220050256/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-4EsAAAAIBAJ&pg=3744,2931152&dq=perry+como+rca&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Having enjoyed golfing and fishing in the North Carolina mountains for several years, Como built a vacation home in [[Saluda, North Carolina]], in 1980. He discouraged photos of his home, as it was his private place to get away from celebrity life.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Qj8aAAAAIBAJ&pg=5273,6641893&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Crooner Seeks Sanctuary In Privacy Of Mountains |author=McCrary, Elissa |page=1 |date=August 28, 1981 |newspaper=[[Times-News (Hendersonville, North Carolina)|The Times-News]] |location=Hendersonville, NC |agency=Associated Press |access-date=February 28, 2020 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220111902/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Qj8aAAAAIBAJ&pg=5273,6641893&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=peQcAAAAIBAJ&pg=6797,2843015&dq=perry+como+rca&hl=en |page=6 |title=Voice of Broadway |author=O'Brian, Jack |date=August 25, 1981 |newspaper=Sarasota Journal |access-date=November 25, 2010 |archive-date=April 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429183957/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=peQcAAAAIBAJ&pg=6797,2843015&dq=perry+como+rca&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=73EjAAAAIBAJ&pg=2442,5580599&dq=perry+como&hl=en |page=3 |title=Perry Como: just a regular grandfather |author=Parce, Mead |date=April 7, 1983 |newspaper=The Times-News |location=Hendersonville, NC |access-date=December 2, 2010 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220111902/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=73EjAAAAIBAJ&pg=2442,5580599&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Death==
Como died in his sleep on May 12, 2001, at his home in [[Jupiter Inlet Colony, Florida]], six days before his 89th birthday.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UoxfAAAAIBAJ&pg=1967,4295477&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Crooning baritone Perry Como dies |author=Riddle, Amanda |newspaper=The Madison Courier |location=Indiana |date=May 14, 2001 |page=1 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=August 30, 2013 |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611233038/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UoxfAAAAIBAJ&pg=1967,4295477&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> He was reported to have suffered from symptoms of [[Alzheimer's disease]]. Como's elder son, Ronnie, and his daughter, Terri, could not agree on their interpretations of Como's 1999 living will and it became a matter for the courts in the year before his death.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RkIgAAAAIBAJ&pg=6636,3953588&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Como's kids fought over care |newspaper=[[Sarasota Herald-Tribune]] |date=August 10, 2001 |page=9B |access-date=February 28, 2020 |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417172703/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RkIgAAAAIBAJ&pg=6636,3953588&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> His funeral Mass took place at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Palm Beach, Florida.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bv8gAAAAIBAJ&pg=1584,3857850&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Mourners remember 'nice guy' Perry Como at singer's funeral |date=May 19, 2001 |author=Nolin, Robert |newspaper=[[The Day (New London)|The Day]] |location=New London, Conn |access-date=February 28, 2020 |page=B4 |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105030039/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bv8gAAAAIBAJ&pg=1584,3857850&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Como and his wife, Roselle, are buried at Riverside Memorial Park, [[Tequesta, Florida|Tequesta]], Palm Beach County, Florida.<ref>{{cite news |last=Marshall |first=Barbara |title=Gravesite Tour: The Dead celebrities of South Florida |url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/entertainment/the-dead-celebrities-south-florida/O2VzuoyOiBEHe2rRmL5iZO/ |newspaper=[[The Palm Beach Post]] |access-date=February 28, 2020 |date=January 31, 2018 |archive-date=February 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229060738/https://www.palmbeachpost.com/entertainment/the-dead-celebrities-south-florida/O2VzuoyOiBEHe2rRmL5iZO/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Discography==
{{main|Perry Como discography}}
'''Studio albums'''
{{div col}}
* ''[[Perry Como Sings Merry Christmas Music]]'' (1946)
* ''[[A Sentimental Date with Perry]]'' (1948)
* ''[[Supper Club Favorites]]'' (1949)
* ''[[TV Favorites]]'' (1952)
* ''[[Hits from Broadway Shows]]'' (1953)
* ''[[Around the Christmas Tree]]'' (1953)
* ''[[I Believe (Perry Como album)|I Believe – Songs of All Faiths Sung by Perry Como]]'' (1953)
* ''[[So Smooth]]'' (1955)
* ''[[We Get Letters]]'' (1957)
* ''[[Saturday Night with Mr. C]]'' (1958)
* ''[[When You Come to the End of the Day]]'' (1958)
* ''[[Como Swings]]'' (1959)
* ''[[Seasons Greetings from Perry Como]]'' (1959)
* ''[[For the Young at Heart]]'' (1961)
* ''[[Sing to Me Mr. C]]'' (1961)
* ''[[By Request (Perry Como album)|By Request]]'' (1962)
* ''[[The Best of Irving Berlin's Songs from Mr. President]]'' (1962)
* ''[[The Songs I Love (album)|The Songs I Love]]'' (1963)
* ''[[The Scene Changes (Perry Como album)|The Scene Changes]]'' (1965)
* ''[[Lightly Latin]]'' (1966)
* ''[[Perry Como In Italy]]'' (1966)
* ''[[The Perry Como Christmas Album]]'' (1968)
* ''[[Look to Your Heart (Perry Como album)|Look to Your Heart]]'' (1968)
* ''[[Seattle (album)|Seattle]]'' (1969)
* ''[[It's Impossible (album)|It's Impossible]]'' (1970)
* ''[[I Think of You (album)|I Think of You]]'' (1971)
* ''[[And I Love You So (Perry Como album)|And I Love You So]]'' (1973)
* ''[[Perry (album)|Perry]]'' (1974)
* ''[[Just Out of Reach (album)|Just Out of Reach]]'' (1975)
* ''[[The Best of British]]'' (1977)
* ''[[Where You're Concerned]]'' (1978)
* ''[[Perry Como (album)|Perry Como]]'' (1980)
* ''[[So It Goes (Perry Como album)|So It Goes / Goodbye for Now]]'' (1983)
* ''[[Today (Perry Como album)|Today]]'' (1987)
{{div col end}}

==Honors and tributes==
===Awards===
Como received the 1959 [[Grammy Award]] for Best Vocal Performance, Male; five [[Emmy Award|Emmys]] from 1955 to 1959;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emmys.com/awards/nominations/award-search?search_api_views_fulltext=perry%20como&field_is_winner=All&field_nomination_category=All&field_nominations_year=All&search_api_views_fulltext_1=&search_api_views_fulltext_2=&search_api_views_fulltext_3=&search_api_views_fulltext_4=&page=2&submit=Search |title=Primetime Emmy Database |work=Television Academy |publisher=American Academy of Television Arts and Sciences |access-date=July 8, 2010 |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921064634/http://www.emmys.com/awards/nominations/award-search?search_api_views_fulltext=perry%20como&field_is_winner=All&field_nomination_category=All&field_nominations_year=All&search_api_views_fulltext_1=&search_api_views_fulltext_2=&search_api_views_fulltext_3=&search_api_views_fulltext_4=&page=2&submit=Search |url-status=live }}</ref> a [[Christopher Award]] (1956) and shared a [[Peabody Award]] with good friend Jackie Gleason in 1956.<ref name="Rivals2"/> He was inducted into the [[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]] Hall of Fame in 1990<ref>Macfarlane, p. 164</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XKxdAAAAIBAJ&pg=3045,2723684&dq=roselle+como&hl=en |title=Como inducted into TV Hall of Fame tonight |date=January 24, 1990 |newspaper=[[Observer-Reporter]] |location=Washington, Pennsylvania |access-date=April 16, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XeseAAAAIBAJ&pg=5221,6942256&dq=perry+como&hl=en|title=Hall of Fame Lists Inductees|date=December 12, 1989|newspaper=Spartanburg Herald-Journal|access-date=May 7, 2010|archive-date=February 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213154542/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XeseAAAAIBAJ&pg=5221,6942256&dq=perry+como&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref> and received a [[Kennedy Center Honors|Kennedy Center Honor]] in 1987.<ref name=kennedy/> Posthumously, Como received the [[Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award]] in 2002;<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2002/02/26/Old-pros-up-for-top-pop-Grammy/UPI-83541014768758/ |title=Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for Perry Como |date=February 26, 2002 |publisher=United Press International |access-date=April 4, 2010 |archive-date=February 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229194839/https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2002/02/26/Old-pros-up-for-top-pop-Grammy/UPI-83541014768758/ |url-status=live }}</ref> he was inducted into the [[Long Island Music Hall of Fame]] in 2006.<ref name="hitparadehalloffame.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.hitparadehalloffame.com/Inductees_all/PerryComo.html |title=Hit Parade Hall of Fame-Perry Como |year=2007 |website=Hit Parade Hall of Fame |access-date=May 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520043524/http://www.hitparadehalloffame.com/Inductees_all/PerryComo.html|archive-date=May 20, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2006/10/16/Long-Island-starts-music-Hall-of-Fame/UPI-58271161011092/ |title=Long Island starts music Hall of Fame |date=October 16, 2006 |publisher=United Press International |access-date=September 6, 2010 |archive-date=November 18, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118235719/http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2006/10/16/Long-Island-starts-music-Hall-of-Fame/UPI-58271161011092/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Como has the distinction of having three stars on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] for his work in radio, television, and music.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://projects.latimes.com/hollywood/star-walk/perry-como/ |title=Perry Como Hollywood Star Walk |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=April 4, 2010 |archive-date=January 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102045509/http://projects.latimes.com/hollywood/star-walk/perry-como/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Tributes===
In the official RCA Records ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' memorial, his life was summed up in these words: "50 years of music and a life well lived. An example to all."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jhMEAAAAMBAJ&q=perry+como+intitle%3Abillboard&pg=PA79 |title=RCA Memorial-Perry Como |page=79 |date=May 26, 2001 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=April 4, 2010}}</ref> Composer [[Ervin Drake]] said of him, "...&nbsp;[o]ccasionally someone like Perry comes along and won't 'go with the flow' and still prevails in spite of all the bankrupt others who surround him and importune him to yield to their values. Only occasionally."<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://kokomo.ca/cd_review/_perito/dbc_archive_02.htm |title=Doug Bell's Corner-Message Archives |date=April 13, 2004 |journal=Kokomo |access-date=July 3, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325052043/http://kokomo.ca/cd_review/_perito/dbc_archive_02.htm |archive-date= March 25, 2012}}</ref>

===Hometown honors===
Canonsburg has always been very proud to be the birthplace of Perry Como; the local newspaper of the time, ''Canonsburg Daily Notes'', seems to have been the first to write an article about him. Their edition of July 19, 1934, featured a photo and the following: "A young Canonsburg boy threatens to snatch the crown from Bing Crosby's head. Perry Como, son of Mr. and Mrs. Pietro Como of 530 Franklin Ave. is said to have one of the grandest baritone voices in the country."<ref name=Youth/><ref name="Celebration">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PjFdAAAAIBAJ&pg=1551,4484718&dq=perry+como+rca&hl=en |title=A celebration for Mr. C. |page=B3 |author=Funk, Harry |date=May 14, 1999 |newspaper=Observer-Reporter |location=Washington, Pennsylvania |access-date=November 25, 2010 |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523193743/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PjFdAAAAIBAJ&pg=1551,4484718&dq=perry+como+rca&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> The borough honored him three times over the course of his life.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPfThvYoj4I | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211104/OPfThvYoj4I| archive-date=November 4, 2021 | url-status=live|title=Video Tour of Canonsburg-various town tributes to Perry Como are seen |website=YouTube| date=May 26, 2009}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The first of these events took place September 14, 1946, when Third Street, where Perry worked in the barber shop of Steve Fragapane, was renamed "Perry Como Avenue". Perry, Roselle, and Como's mother, Lucy, attended the ceremonies and banquet held at the State Armory.{{sfn|Macfarlane|2009|p=50}}<ref name=Youth>{{cite news |title=Canonsburg Youth Rated As Modern Edition Bing Crosby |date=July 19, 1934 |via=Newspapers.com |newspaper=Canonsburg Daily Notes |page=6 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/823147/perry_como_first_known_press_story_1934/ |access-date=August 5, 2014 |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808054655/http://www.newspapers.com/clip/823147/perry_como_first_known_press_story_1934/ |url-status=live }}{{Open access }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fWYcAAAAIBAJ&pg=5393,2644286&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Canonsburg Bride He "Saved" Will Be Perry Como's Guest |page=63 |date=November 21, 1948 |author=Steinhauser, Si |newspaper=Pittsburgh Press |access-date=May 7, 2010 |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426124441/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fWYcAAAAIBAJ&pg=5393%2C2644286&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

A second ceremony marking Perry Como Day took place August 24, 1977, but the most ambitious project began in 1997 – a statue of the singer.<ref name="Canonsburg"/><ref name="Soul"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1129&dat=19971224&id=_IYNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6761,247218 |title=Canonsburg mayor wants statue of Perry Como |date=December 24, 1997 |author=Niederberger, Mary |page=30 |newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |access-date=April 30, 2010 |archive-date=April 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429225813/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1129&dat=19971224&id=_IYNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6761,247218 |url-status=live }}</ref> The planned statue had the blessing of Como's wife, Roselle, who died the year before it was unveiled on May 15, 1999.<ref name="Roselle"/> As part of the festivities, Como's stool and music stand from ''The Perry Como Show'' and the equipment he used at Steve Fragapane's barber shop were donated to the borough.<ref name="Celebration"/> Como was not present at the unveiling because of poor health. The inscription on the base, "To This Place God Has Brought Me", was a favorite saying of Como's; the musical feature was added in 2002.<ref name="Canonsburg"/><ref name="Broadway">{{cite journal |url=http://www.broadwaytovegas.com/October20,2002.html |title=Perry Como Statue Sings Out for Tourists |date=October 20, 2002 |author=Deni, Laura |journal=Broadway to Vegas |access-date=April 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308022102/http://www.broadwaytovegas.com/October20%2C2002.html |archive-date=March 8, 2016}}</ref><!-- Please don't change the Internet Archive urls to https as this makes them turn up as bad links.-->

The Como celebration crossed the Atlantic in August 2002. Palena, Italy, the birthplace of Como's parents, had a long-standing week-long festival in honor of the singer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.webshots.com/photo/1071235346032625422HAPXLP |title=Welcome Back poster from Palena, Italy Perry Como celebration |date=August 2002 |website=[[Webshots]] |access-date=September 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310063746/http://news.webshots.com/photo/1071235346032625422HAPXLP |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 10, 2012}}</ref> A smaller version of the statue was taken to Palena by the mayor of Canonsburg, Anthony Colaizzo.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.webshots.com/photo/2933012550032625422eJjarx|title=Photo of smaller version of Canonsburg Perry Como statue |date=August 2002 |website=Webshots |access-date=September 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310063801/http://news.webshots.com/photo/2933012550032625422eJjarx |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 10, 2012}}</ref> Perry's son, David, and his wife were also in attendance when the town of Palena renamed a street for Como.<ref name="Broadway"/> Dating from these ceremonies, there is a marble plaque on a Palena town wall stating that Pietro and Lucia Como, parents of Perry Como, emigrated from this village to the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/view?q=perry%20como&psc=G&filter=1#5443158908130618450 |title=Town wall plaque, Palena, Italy, honoring Perry Como and his parents |date=September 24, 2009 |author=Giangiordano, Paul |website=[[Picasa]] |access-date=August 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5z0Z4gWb6?url=http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/view?q=perry%20como&psc=G&filter=1 |archive-date=May 28, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Perry Como never forgot Canonsburg.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=C10bAAAAIBAJ&pg=3442,5484203&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Como, Boss Boost Hospital Fund |page=34 |date=July 20, 1950 |newspaper=Pittsburgh Press |access-date=May 11, 2010 |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105030039/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=C10bAAAAIBAJ&pg=3442%2C5484203&dq=perry%20como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PTFdAAAAIBAJ&pg=2586,4253470&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=As big as he became, Como never forgot his roots |date=May 13, 1999 |page=4 |newspaper=Observer-Reporter |location=Washington, Pennsylvania |access-date=December 16, 2010 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907161648/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PTFdAAAAIBAJ&pg=2586,4253470&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> One of the things he did to give a helping hand to his home town was to convince RCA to open a record-pressing plant there.<ref name="Hometown">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vr31Qfo34g0C&q=perry+como&pg=PA8 |title=Canonsburg |editor-last=Greffenstette |editor-first=Jerry |year=2009 |page=128 |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |isbn=978-0738565330 |access-date=June 15, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2002/12/04/AR2005033108474.html |title=A Very Perry Christmas |date=December 4, 2002 |author=Daly, Sean |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=April 30, 2010 |archive-date=November 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110131355/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2002/12/04/AR2005033108474.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Those who needed to raise funds for local projects such as Boys' and Girls' Clubs found him always ready to do whatever was needed.<ref name="Canonsburg"/><ref name="Kids"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fuUdAAAAIBAJ&pg=2649,840784&dq=perry+como&hl=en |title=Perry Como Defies Writer's Cramp to Keep Pledge to 658 Boys |date=February 3, 1952 |newspaper=Pittsburgh Press |access-date=May 11, 2010 |archive-date=February 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209202332/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fuUdAAAAIBAJ&pg=2649,840784&dq=perry+como&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{clear right}}

In 2007, the local [[McDonald's]] was rebuilt. The building includes memorabilia of Como and another Canonsburg native, Bobby Vinton.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://canonsburgfriends.blogspot.com/2007/09/new-mcdonalds-to-tribute-como-and.html |title=A new McDonald's to tribute Como and Vinton |date=September 6, 2007 |website=Canonsburg Friends |access-date=April 30, 2010 |archive-date=July 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708030306/http://canonsburgfriends.blogspot.com/2007/09/new-mcdonalds-to-tribute-como-and.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A children's playground in Canonsburg on Giffin Avenue is also named for Como.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/washington/2008/02/17/Canonsburg-council-OKs-day-camp-plan/stories/200802170273 |title=Canonsburg council OKs day camp plan |date=February 17, 2008 |author=Ola, Crystal |newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |access-date =April 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308174657/http://www.post-gazette.com/washington/2008/02/17/Canonsburg-council-OKs-day-camp-plan/stories/200802170273 |archive-date=March 8, 2016}}</ref> In downtown Canonsburg, all of the tree grates are marked with information about the records that sold a million copies and the town clock hourly plays one of the hits of Como (141), Vinton (44), or the [[Four Coins]] (7), also from Canonsburg.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.elocallink.tv/clients3/pa/canonsburg/tourplay.php?movie=canpa_tour&spon=tourism&type=wh&flver=10&brver=6 |title=Canonsburg Tour Book |publisher=Borough of Canonsburg Tourism |access-date=May 4, 2010 |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716162053/http://www.elocallink.tv/clients3/pa/canonsburg/tourplay.php?movie=canpa_tour&spon=tourism&type=wh&flver=10&brver=6 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/nessachan/2460212807/in/set-72157604736638618/ |title=Photo of tree grate marked with Perry Como 'Catch A Falling Star' information |date=April 14, 2008 |website=Flickr |access-date=August 4, 2010 |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806053008/https://www.flickr.com/photos/nessachan/2460212807/in/set-72157604736638618/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.canonsburgboro.com/ |title=Welcome to Canonsburg |publisher=Canonsburg Borough |access-date=February 28, 2020 |archive-date=March 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319104211/http://www.canonsburgboro.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[:Category:Perry Como albums]]
* [[List of best-selling music artists]]
* [[List of musicians]]
* [[List of songs recorded by Perry Como]]
* [[Perry Como television and radio shows]]

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==Works cited==
* {{cite book| title=The American Songbook: The Singers, the Songwriters, and the Songs| last=Bloom| first=Ken| year=2005| publisher=Black Dog & Leventhal| isbn=978-1-5791-2448-9| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=02UzLwNB_jMC&q=the+american+songbook}}
* {{cite book| title=The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946–Present| last1=Brooks| first1=Tim| last2=Marsh| first2=Earle F.| year=2009| publisher=Random House| isbn=978-0-3074-8320-1| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=flZ0wqsOnjkC&dq=%22perry+como%22&pg=PA1071}}
* {{cite book| title=American National Biography: Supplement 2| last=Carnes| first=Mark C.| year=2008|publisher=Oxford University Press (US)| isbn=978-0-1952-2202-9| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wZczV8ZxgL4C&q=chesterfield+supper+club&pg=PA103}}
* {{cite book| title=On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio| last=Dunning| first=John| year=1998| publisher=Oxford University Press (US)| isbn=978-0-1950-7678-3| url=https://archive.org/details/onairencyclop00dunn|url-access=registration| page=[https://archive.org/details/onairencyclop00dunn/page/75/mode/1up 75]}}
* {{cite book| title=Roadkill on the Three-chord Highway: Art and Trash in American Popular Music| last=Escott| first=Colin| author-link=Colin Escott |year=2002| publisher=Psychology Press| isbn=978-0-4159-3782-5| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bbT2X4Rof9MC&q=perry+como+television+1948&pg=PA41}}
* {{cite book| title=Bravo!: Greatness of Italian Music| publisher=Brandon Books| year=2008| last=Graybill| first=Guy| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZEm-XW1-Hz4C&q=perry+como+intitle%3Abravo&pg=PA211| isbn=978-09-3783-2493}}
* {{cite book| title=Canonsburg| last=Greffenstette| first=Jerry| year=2009| publisher=Arcadia Publishing| isbn=978-0-7385-6533-0| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vr31Qfo34g0C&q=perry+como&pg=PA8|ref=none}}
* {{cite book| title=The Italian Crooners Bedside Companion| last=Grudens| first=Richard| publisher=Celebrity Profiles| year=2004| isbn=978-0-9763-8770-1| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2nryuOQJP_MC&q=perry+como&pg=PA62}}
* {{cite book| title=Discovering Great Singers of Classic Pop: A New Listener's Guide to the Sounds and Lives of the Top Performers| last1=Hemming| first1=Roy| last2=Hajdu| first2=David| publisher=Newmarket Press| year=1999| isbn=978-1-5570-4148-7| url=https://archive.org/details/discoveringgreat00hemmi| url-access=registration| page=[https://archive.org/details/discoveringgreat00hemmi/page/n325 298]}}
* {{cite book| title=The Italian American Experience: An Encyclopedia| last1=LaGumina| first1=Salvatore| last2=Cavaioli| first2=Frank J.| publisher=Routledge| year=2003| isbn=978-1-1355-8333-0| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JUyAAAAAQBAJ&q=perry+como+an+experience&pg=PA138}}
* {{cite book| title=Perry Como: A Biography and Complete Career Record| publisher=[[McFarland & Company]]| year=2009| isbn=978-0-7864-7166-9| first=Malcolm| last=Macfarlane}}
* {{cite book| title=The Directory of the Armed Forces Radio Service Series| last=Mackenzie| first=Harry| publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group| year=1999| isbn=978-0-3133-0812-3| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L3WyZ9A4_XEC&q=perry+como&pg=PA87}}
* {{cite book| title=The Big Bands| publisher=Music Sales Group| year=2012| isbn=978-0-8571-2812-6| first=George T.| last=Simon| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gj4DAwAAQBAJ&q=the+big+bands+simon}}
* {{cite book| title=Frank Sinatra: My Father| last=Sinatra| first=Nancy| publisher=Simon & Schuster| year=1985| isbn=978-0-6716-2508-5| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9EiE2i6i-PUC&q=perry+como&pg=PA47}}
<!--At present, only the [https://books.google.com/books?id=gj4DAwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=editions:ylmcropJU_IC&hl=en&sa=X&ei=lm4sVcqGI8rVoATjqICwDw&ved=0CBQQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=heartaches&f=false 2012 edition] is available in full search online. No page numbers are shown because the searchable version is an e-book. The text matter is also available [https://web.archive.org/web/20120407011606/http://kokomo.ca/cd_review/_perito/perito_01.htm here].-->

==External links==
{{Commons}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{discogs artist}}
* [http://www.colorado.edu/amrc/sites/default/files/attached-files/AMRC-Como.pdf  Perry Como Collection 1955–1994-University of Colorado at Boulder Archives] created by Perry Como, Mickey Glass, and Nick Perito
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224225533/http://ctva.biz/US/MusicVariety/PerryComoShow_1948-55.htm |date=December 24, 2010 |title=Complete List of Perry Como Shows–1948–1955 }}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224230423/http://ctva.biz/US/MusicVariety/PerryComoShow_1955-59.htm |date=December 24, 2010 |title=Complete List of Perry Como Shows–1955–1959 }}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101191922/http://ctva.biz/US/MusicVariety/PerryComoShow_1959-63.htm |date=January 1, 2011 |title=Complete List of Perry Como-Kraft Music Hall Shows–1959–1963 }}
* {{find a Grave}}

{{Perry Como}}
{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for Perry Como
|list =
{{American Music Award of Merit}}
{{EmmyAward VarietyPerformance 1959–1973}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance}}
{{Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award}}
{{Kennedy Center Honorees 1980s}}
{{1989 Television Hall of Fame}}
}}
{{Billboard Year-End number one singles 1946–1959}}
{{Ted Weems}}
{{The Chesterfield Supper Club}}

{{Authority control}}

{{Good article}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Como, Perry}}
[[Category:Perry Como| ]]
[[Category:1912 births]]
[[Category:2001 deaths]]
[[Category:20th Century Studios contract players]]
[[Category:20th-century American male actors]]
[[Category:20th-century American male singers]]
[[Category:20th-century American singers]]
[[Category:American baritones]]
[[Category:American crooners]]
[[Category:American male film actors]]
[[Category:American male pop singers]]
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[[Category:American people of Italian descent]]
[[Category:American performers of Christian music]]
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[[Category:American television personalities]]
[[Category:Catholics from North Carolina]]
[[Category:Catholics from Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:People from Flower Hill, New York]]
[[Category:Grammy Award winners]]
[[Category:Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winners]]
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[[Category:Members of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre]]
[[Category:Male actors from North Carolina]]
[[Category:Male actors from Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Peabody Award winners]]
[[Category:People from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:People from Saluda, North Carolina]]
[[Category:People with Alzheimer's disease]]
[[Category:Primetime Emmy Award winners]]
[[Category:RCA Victor artists]]
[[Category:Singers from Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Traditional pop music singers]]
[[Category:People of Abruzzese descent]]