Knowra Perry Como Perry Como Perry Como (1912–2001) was an American singer and television personality whose relaxed baritone style made him a major figure in popular music for more than five decades.
Catch a Falling Star : A 1957 Perry Como recording that became his first gold record. Its gentle delivery and chart success exemplify Como’s appeal to family audiences.
Baritone : The male singing voice whose range lies between bass and tenor. Como’s warm baritone was central to the sound listeners recognized in his recordings.
Canonsburg, Pennsylvania : A borough in Washington County, Pennsylvania, southwest of Pittsburgh. Como was born and raised in Canonsburg before moving into professional music.
Roselle Belline : Perry Como’s wife, whom he married in 1933. Their long marriage accompanied Como through the demands of a public career.
Television variety show : A television format combining music, comedy, sketches, and guest performances. Como’s programs helped make the variety show a durable form of American television entertainment.
Magic Moments : A 1957 popular song recorded by Perry Como, with music by Burt Bacharach and lyrics by Hal David. Como’s recording became a major hit and helped establish the song’s lasting profile.
Crooning : An intimate singing style using soft dynamics, close microphone technique, and conversational phrasing. Como’s relaxed, close-miked delivery became a defining example of crooning.
Ted Weems : An American bandleader whose orchestra became popular through radio broadcasts and recordings. Como joined Weems’s orchestra in 1936, gaining national exposure as a singer.
Frank Sinatra : An American singer and actor known for interpretive phrasing and a major career in popular music. Sinatra’s more dramatic interpretive persona contrasts with Como’s calm, restrained presentation.
Christmas music : Music associated with the celebration of Christmas, including religious carols and secular seasonal songs. Como’s recordings and annual specials made his voice closely associated with Christmas programming.
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