Perry Como — Music Videos

The relaxed American crooner

Perry Como was an American singer and television entertainer whose relaxed delivery made him one of the defining popular voices of the mid-twentieth century. Born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1912, he first worked as a barber before becoming a professional vocalist. His sound was rooted in the crooning tradition: warm tone, clear words and the sense that even a carefully arranged performance was being offered with effortless ease.

Records, radio and television

After singing with dance bands, Como built a long recording career with RCA Victor. His repertoire ranged from romantic ballads to light novelty songs and seasonal favorites. Familiar recordings include Till the End of Time, Some Enchanted Evening, Catch a Falling Star and Magic Moments. Television extended his presence far beyond records, with variety programs and specials that made his calm, friendly presentation recognizable to audiences across several generations.

An enduring style

Como's appeal depends on restraint. Listen for the smooth connection between notes, the unhurried shaping of a phrase and the way orchestral accompaniment supports a melody without disturbing its intimacy. His recordings illustrate the bridge between big-band-era popular singing and the television-centered entertainment culture of the 1950s and 1960s. He remained an influential example of understated vocal control throughout a career lasting more than half a century.