Laid-back crooner Perry Como was easy to parody, but his shows were enormously popular. His relaxed singing style became the butt of comedians’ jibes (“Wake up, Perry!”), but it proved to be ideally suited to the intimate, casual atmosphere of television viewing.
A one-time barber from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, he won critical acclaim and legions of fans with his mellow voice and relaxed manner, showcased in several hit programs on NBC and CBS.
Especially popular were his performances of viewer requests, with the introduction, “Letters, we get letters, we get stacks and stacks of letters”.
Into his 70s, Como – still in great voice and as ingratiating as ever – did a series of classy holiday specials.
Perry Como
Frank Gallop
Louis DaPron Dancers
Mitchell Ayres Orchestra
Ray Charles Singers
